An Unlikely Journey

Waking Up from My American Dream

By: Julian Castro

Narrated by: Julian Castro

Julian Castro, 2020 Presidential candidate, keynote speaker at the 2012 DNC, and former San Antonio mayor and Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, tells his remarkable and inspiring life story.

In the spirit of a young Barack Obama's Dreams from My Father comes a candid and compelling memoir about race and poverty in America. In many ways, there was no reason Julian Castro would have been expected to be a success. Born to unmarried parents in a poverty-stricken neighborhood of a struggling city, his prospects of escaping his circumstance seemed bleak.

But he and his twin brother Joaquin had something going for them: their mother. A former political activist, she provided the launch pad for what would become an astonishing ascent. Julian and Joaquin would go on to attend Stanford and Harvard before entering politics at the ripe age of 26. Soon after, Joaquin become a state representative and Julian was elected mayor of San Antonio, a city he helped revitalize and transform into one of the country's leading economies.

His success in Texas propelled him onto the national stage, where he was the keynote speaker at the 2012 DNC -- the same spot President Obama held three conventions prior -- and then to Washington D.C. where he served as the Obama Administration's Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.

After being shortlisted as a potential running mate for Hillary Clinton, he became a 2020 Presidential candidate. Julian Castro's story not only affirms the American dream, but also resonates with millions, who in an age of political cynicism and hardening hearts are searching for a new hero. No matter one's politics, this book is the transcendent story of a resilient family and the unlikely journey of an emerging national icon.

Great American Story

Narrated by the author himself, this book provides a glimpse into an American story not familiar to most. You'll learn something not just about a Mexican-American family's hopes, dreams, struggles, and triumphs, but also how the family's long tradition of activism shaped Julian's and his twin brother, Joaquin's, political ascension.

Very interesting and sometimes humorous book by someone who will likely one day be president.

Inspiring and Enlightening

Growing up in a white upper-middle-class suburban family, sheltered me from the struggle and lifestyles of others in different socioeconomic/cultural backgrounds from myself. Now in my late 20’s I have found myself seeking out literature that can help me more fully develop an understanding of the range of life experiences people in my country go through. This book helped me to more fully understand the lives of my fellow Mexican Americans and how much they sacrifice to have the things so many of us take for granted. I appreciate the author being vulnerable and sharing his experiences and perspectives because it has helped me to have a more well rounded world view. I would recommend this book to anyone! It was a great listen :)

Reminded me of my own american dream

Thank you, Mr. Castro, for writing this book and reminding us of what the real American dream is all about. I am also a Mexican American that immigrated to this country and your experiences are shared by so many others. This is a great book!

An American story that tugs at your heart.

I enjoyed every word and think others will enjoy it as much as I did.

Servant Leader

Good to hear the story of our service leaders and why they began the journey they walk. This book give good insight to Mr. Castro and his passion for others