In the memoir In the Country We Love by Diane Guerrero, readers are taken on an emotional roller coaster. If you aren’t familiar with her already, she is an actress on the Netflix original show, Orange Is the New Black. In this memoir, we are told of the all too common, tragic story of what happens when your parents are immigrants in this country.

Guerrero’s parents came here from Columbia after her older brother was born. In an effort to change the future of their children, they took the chance to try and live a life of their own in the states. However, one day, Diane’s whole world was turned upside down as she arrived to a silent, empty home after school. She tells her painful story of having her family betrayed and then having to live without them. She later explains how she followed her dream so that everything her parents gave up for her was not in vain.

I can relate to Diane’s story because my parents immigrated here from Mexico, and I’m sure many others can as well. Usually, I never like reading biographies or anything nonfiction, but this story made me so emotional I cried multiple times. It made me feel better that I could connect to this famous, successful actress. My story is not as tragic as hers, but there is always that fear that never disappears. Diane brings attention to a topic that many are afraid to come out about. No one talks about their story because they are scared of the consequences. However, Diane was successful in doing something with the life her parents sacrificed for her and is still striving to give back her parents what they gave to her.

If you’re looking for an emotional story or have dealt with the difficulties of immigration, this is the book for you. If you love happy endings, this is the book for you. If you think that your life has hit rock bottom and there’s no way to get better, Diane’s In The Country We Love is a book you need to read.