Book Review – The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros

This children’s book is read by everyone in the United States in middle school, high school and even in universities. Its beautiful short chapters are called vignettes, stringing one poetic chapter to another in beautiful tone. Cisneros’ use of language is simple enough for any sixth-grader to understand, but at the same time it is complex enough to stimulate minds in universities. The book is aimed at children, but it has enough underlying meaning to pique the interest of older people.

The only problem found in the book is its intention to suck young women into a world of male hatred. The book centers on female characters dealing with a life of poverty in the depths of the streets of Chicago. Their men are breadwinners and women are expected to stay home and take care of women. Cisneros goes so far as to ridicule the men who have their wives sitting by the window as they venture out into the world to earn a living for their families. It demeans men’s ability to provide for their families.

The amazing use of the English language in this book is music to the ears of all age groups, but it is not a book for young people. Cisneros brilliantly disguises feminist views in this book to brainwash young women. Only those of strong minds should read this book. His use of language and imagery is far too great to let rot on shelves.