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Some Rivers End on the Day of the Dead

by Eileen Granfors (Goodreads Author), Martha Rodriguez (Illustrator)

4.17 of 5 stars 4.17 · rating details · 23 ratings · 18 reviews

Like "Esperanza Rising" and "Rules of Attraction," this coming-of-age novel, "Some Rivers End on The Day of the Dead" follows a Hispanic teen, Marisol. She and her mother are on the run from their home in Tijuana, Mexico. Her father, investigating the drug wars as a journalist, has been murdered. But Marisol's new home is a riverbed camp in a rich California suburb. A wild...more

Paperback, 282 pages

Published August 1st 2010 by Createspace

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Mar 28, 2011 Thea Lemaster rated it 4 of 5 stars

Well, this is the book that I luckily won from Goodreads.

Not only did I really enjoy the coming of age story about the main character, Marisol, but I read the book quickly and even let a good friend of mine borrow it!

Some Rivers End tells the story of Marisol, a fourteens year old girl who grew up in Mexico, but moves back to the U.S., where she was born. Although Marisol was born in America, she hasn't been there in quite a while, so whilst she is relearning American customs and adjusting to l...more

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Nov 01, 2010 Jennifer rated it 3 of 5 stars

With Marisol, the reader of Some Rivers End on the Day of the Dead is in great company. Her voice is unfailingly fresh, wise and gently humorous as she searches the past and present as well as her soul for a way to make sense of her world after a terrible incident changes the course of the river of her life. The details of Marisol and her journey are unique and honest. The novel's characterization is complex and engaging. The work sings of a pure heart, strong mind and delicious imagination. Thi...more

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Nov 26, 2010 Alicia rated it 3 of 5 stars Recommends it for: 12+, Californians, Teachers

Recommended to Alicia by: Won in a giveaway!

Shelves: young-adult-contemporary-realistic, latina-latino-fiction, schoolteachers, high-school, reviewed, poverty, mother-daughter-relationships, racism-xenophobia

I'm never really sure what to expect from self-published books. I know that a lot of the more, shall we say, erudite and elite goodreaders tend to scorn them as nothing more than self-indulgent, ego-soft toilet paper. Then the authors, on the other hand, tend to rave about self-publishing as such a wonderful indie alternative to having their creativity stifled by an editor who may actually, you know, want to make changes to the book, usually while simultaneously getting in a few jabs or a rant a...more I'm never really sure what to expect from self-published books. I know that a lot of the more, shall we say, erudite and elite goodreaders tend to scorn them as nothing more than self-indulgent, ego-soft toilet paper. Then the authors, on the other hand, tend to rave about self-publishing as such a wonderful indie alternative to having their creativity stifled by an editor who may actually, you know, want to make changes to the book, usually while simultaneously getting in a few jabs or a rant about how flawed and biased the current mainstream publishing industry is. Personally, I think there definitely are a few real gems amongst the current flood of self-published books, but as a reader rather than a writer, I do tend to fall into the camp that can't help but be slightly suspicious of why a book is self-published. Is it for valid consciously-chosen artistic reasons, or simply because there was no other way to see it in print? And then I always immediately feel slightly guilty and dirty for giving thought to those prejudices, because god knows authors already face enough stigma depending on their genre, their gender, their age, their education, and whether or not they ever really worked as a bartender in LA.

So dirty thoughts aside, I mention all of this because our self-published book of the hour, Some Rivers End on the Day of the Dead, falls smack dab in the middle between the two aforementioned extremes of reader snobbery and author indie enthusiasm, and I imagine that this middle ground is where the vast majority of self-published books tend to fall. Some Rivers was a truly beautiful and touching story with a lot of potential, but I didn't find the writing or editing to be up to professional standards. There was definitely a lack of polish, and just an overall distinctly amateur feel to the book. It's hard to pin down exactly what gave the book its amateur community-college-creative-writing-class flavour - I'm not sure whether it was the writing itself or the non-eventful plot. The underlying themes of the novel were gorgeous - coming of age as a WOC, empowerment through heritage, family and friendship - but there just wasn't enough happening plot-wise. When I read the description about "drug wars" and a "wildfire" I pictured a bit more action, but all that really happened was lots of driving around, and a girl going to stay with her teacher during the fire which caused a small mix-up because her mother didn't know where she was staying - not exactly the huge drama it was made out to be, and the supposed danger felt very artificial.

The prose was average for the most part, with a few sections that were quite lovely. It flowed well and there were a few really clever little puns and bits of humour. I loved the theme of Marisol collecting English idioms. It made for lots of entertaining moments and was definitely a very realistic and heartfelt depiction of what any person goes through when learning a new language or living in a new country - you may know all the words, but since language can be largely made up of expressions and slang, you can still be left feeling as an outsider even when you have a perfect dictionary-usage understanding. There were a lot of long run-on sentences, but I am going to assume that they were a stylistic choice to make it sound more like a child talking, rather than just a lack of editing. The characters were a great mix of likeable (Carmen and Becky, Mrs. K, a hilarious alcoholic grandmother) and unlikable (bratty Sylvan, a prodigy date-rapist, racist kids, and a gross uncle). The dialogue was hit-and-miss. When it involved an adult character, it was natural enough, but most of the dialogue with two teens talking was very clunky and awkward. It had that forced, heavy-handed quality of being written by someone who is clearly far from their teenage years, perhaps a bit out of touch with how teens talk, and as such is trying way too hard to sound "authentic" and "cool".

I suppose my main problem with the book that caused me to dock it a couple stars was Marisol's voice. Marisol was likable enough, but I didn't find her to be a very believable character. Her voice fluctuated back and forth between sounding six years younger than she was supposed to be, and sounding like an over-sentimental grandmother. For most of the book, she seemed very young and childish, she read more like an 8 year old child than a 14 year old. Her thoughts were very juvenile and simplistic, not at all developed enough to be the thoughts of a teenager. She needed more rough edges, more angst, more knowledge about people and just much more intelligence and maturity to realistically capture the voice of a teenager rather than sounding like a child. In the sections where she cheesily waxed philosophical about "rivers flowing inside of all of us" and "acceptance for everyone" she sounded far older than 14 - they just weren't the kind of philosophical thoughts I can imagine many teens having. For a girl who grew up hearing about drug wars and living in Tijuana and an immigrant's labour camp with a bunch of men, I would have expected her to have more street-smarts and common sense, less naivety and just be more world-weary. I also found her to be irritatingly preachy. I know I'm generalizing and that there of course are many exceptions, but teens tend to be self-absorbed, wrapped up in their own little worlds, and often lacking self-awareness. In my opinion, even the most saint-like fourteen year olds don't go around constantly thinking how they should be a better person to those around them, how they need to be nicer to their cruel friend Sylvan, how they need to accept everyone for who they are. If there really is a teen so selfless, I'd love to meet them.

Ultimately, I think I had a hard time placing exactly what the ideal audience for this book would be. I think most teens above the age of 13 or so would probably find this book too juvenile and babyish for them. Plus it can be really preachy at times and I think that would turn teen readers off as they tend to not like being preached at or feel as if they're having morals crammed down their throats. I'm not suggesting that all books for contemporary teens need to be filled with relationship drama, sex and drugs, but compared to what's popular in teen fiction right now, Some Days seems very boring. Yet I don't see this book really working for younger audiences either, because there is some mild sexual content and drinking that probably puts the book around 11 or 12 and up, maybe 10+ at the very lowest. Plus, I don't think younger readers would be able to get as much out of the themes of racism and xenophobia, and they would probably have a difficult time understanding all of the Of Mice and Men and Great Expectations references. So as the book stands right now, its audience appeal seems very limited - I can only see ages 11-13 really getting a lot from this book. I think it would make more sense to either make it edgier and a bit more adult so that it could appeal to a wider teen audience, or to simplify it a bit so that it could appeal more to the under 12 audience.

Still, it was a unique, interesting read and I wish Ms. Granfors the very best in her career and future writing!
(less)

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Jan 04, 2011 Bruce Judisch rated it 4 of 5 stars

In Some Rivers End at the Day of the Dead, Ms. Granfors delivers a unique and convincing perspective on life through the eyes of a coming-of-age Hispanic girl trapped between two identities.

Marisol’s journalist father is dead, an apparent victim of the drug war on the Mexican-American border. In hiding from further danger, his family camps on a dry riverbank in southern California, eking out an existence as migrant workers. Although legally an American citizen, Marisol suffers external pressure...more

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Nov 22, 2010 R.J. rated it 4 of 5 stars

Eileen Granfors give us a truly insightful look at the experiences of a 14-year-old Mexican-American girl who is thrust into a world of danger and uncertainty after her father is murdered. But “Some Rivers End on the Day of the Dead” is not a murder mystery. It is keenly crafted literary fiction that shines a bright light on an aspect of life that most of us choose to ignore.

I’m not talking about the Mexican laborers who hang out by the major hardware stores hoping for a day’s wage, although the...more

4 likes · like · see review

Oct 26, 2010 Eileen Granfors rated it 5 of 5 stars · (Review from the author)

Shelves: families, local-color, school-stories, women, ya

THIS IS NOT MY REVIEW! This comes from reader and cover artist, Martha Rodriguez.

Here it is. A wonderful first book by Eileen Granfors titled, "Some Rivers End on the Day of the Dead. It is available on Amazon for all of you looking for that special Fall going into holiday gift!

I am so enjoying the experience of seeing one of my calavera paintings on the cover of a Dia de los Muertos themed book. As this is the first book by Eileen, this is also my first experience having one of my paintings pub...more

2 likes · like · see review

May 08, 2011 Mundie Moms & Mundie Kids rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-i-own, mundie-moms-reviews

2.5 stars, reviewed for MM's by Cynthia

Some Rivers End is a sweet quick read about Marisol’s struggles to get used to the United States life and way of life. After living in Mexico for most of her life Marisol and her mother return to The United States fleeing from what they believe to be drug gangs that killed her father, a journalist that was not afraid to expose the truth behind the drug wars in Mexico.

Poor Marisol’s life gets turned upside down, her mother changes their last name they don’t...more 2.5 stars, reviewed for MM's by Cynthia

Some Rivers End is a sweet quick read about Marisol’s struggles to get used to the United States life and way of life. After living in Mexico for most of her life Marisol and her mother return to The United States fleeing from what they believe to be drug gangs that killed her father, a journalist that was not afraid to expose the truth behind the drug wars in Mexico.

Poor Marisol’s life gets turned upside down, her mother changes their last name they don’t have a home to live in so they are forced to camp under a tree next to a dried up old river. It seems frightening and shocking just thinking about the situation that Marisol and her mother have to go through. The big change of moving to a new country where they have to learn the American way. Marisol finds it hard fitting in at her new high school, and even though she is fluent in English she can’t quite understand or make sense of the slang language and takes some things a little too personal or offensive.

I really felt sad for Marisol and what she has to go through in this novel, the long journey and struggles to reunite with her mother. I liked that Marisol was good hearted and traditional in her Mexican culture but also very determined to succeed and finding a solution to her problems. There were a few things about the novel that really bothered me and distracted me from getting into the story and liking it more. There were some typos and grammar errors, a few of the sentences in Spanish weren’t written correctly and didn’t make a lot of sense. This might not bother everybody, unless you can read and write Spanish but it definitely distracted me enough that I had to go back over and read some of the parts all over again, I just found it a bit frustrating. The thing is that Marisol is suppose to be fluent in English and also in Spanish, she pretty much lived her whole life in Mexico so reading the things that she says in Spanish and finding big flaws made the story a bit less realistic to me. Some Rivers End of The Day of the Dead was a light-hearted read with a lot of cultural aspects and traditions, and a character full of innocence going through a journey that ends up opening her eyes about the real world and life.(less)

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Jan 17, 2011 Melissa (i swim for oceans) rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary

Marisol is living in the wind with her mother after her father, an investigative journalist, is murdered for his investigation into the drug wars. No matter what though, Marisol knows she still has her mother to hold onto, and as a young teen, that’s what she holds onto as her lifeline. Then, a wildfire strikes, and Marisol is separated from her mother. Desperate and alone, Marisol makes a promise to herself. Not only will she find her mother, but she’ll reunite with the rest of her family on Th...more Marisol is living in the wind with her mother after her father, an investigative journalist, is murdered for his investigation into the drug wars. No matter what though, Marisol knows she still has her mother to hold onto, and as a young teen, that’s what she holds onto as her lifeline. Then, a wildfire strikes, and Marisol is separated from her mother. Desperate and alone, Marisol makes a promise to herself. Not only will she find her mother, but she’ll reunite with the rest of her family on The Day of the Dead, allowing herself and her family to give her father the final rest he deserves in her culture.

I won this book a bit ago, and I’ve seen it around, but never really gave it a second thought. While the cover is very artistic, but it didn’t really jump out at me. However, I received a nice note from the author, Eileen Granfors, who said that her book is often turned down because Marisol, the MC is too innocent. I have a thing for indie books, so I was definitely intrigued to see what agents saw (or didn’t see) in Some Rivers End on the Day of the Dead (which, coincidentally, is a mouthful of a title). Granfors has spun a tale that’s sweet, endearing, and cultural, giving you a taste of Marisol’s life while propelling you on an adventure with her.

I have to say that the prose of Some Rivers End on the Day of the Dead wasn’t really exceptional per se, and I don’t think anything struck me as absolutely remarkable, but it wasn’t a bad book overall. Yes, Marisol was very innocent and sweet, but I think it worked for the context of the story. I also think the major highlight of Some Rivers End on the Day of the Dead were the hints of characterization enmeshed in Marisol’s heritage and culture. It also had a powerful theme of friendship, family, embracing one’s heritage, and coming-of-age, which kept the story moving. I do have to admit though, I felt that Some Rivers End on the Day of the Dead felt a bit unpolished, if you will, and the plot wasn’t exceptionally fast-paced, either, lagging a bit at times.

Overall, Some Rivers End on the Day of the Dead is a sweet book. The themes and underlying values of the book breathe life into it and redeem most of what the book lacks. However, I can’t say that this was my absolutely favourite book, and as contemps are hit or miss with me, this wasn’t a true hit. I give it a 3 out of 5, and I’d recommend it to more of an upper MG/lower YA audience who enjoy contemporary fiction.(less)

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Dec 26, 2011 Kathryn Bundy rated it 5 of 5 stars

What I liked best about this book was the sensitivity to cultural issues. It would be possible to take this same story and trot out every stereotype of Mexican-Americans, immigrants, and teenagers, but the author avoids short cuts and generalizations. The story moves along well, with believable characters and interesting details about life as a young teen in an unfamiliar culture, and how family and traditions both conflict with and support her growth. Read this book.

2 likes · like · see review

Sep 12, 2012 Lu Ann rated it 4 of 5 stars

Marisol is a Mexican-American citizen but circumstances has forced her to live in poverty. Her peers think she is an illegal immigrant.
She strives to get a good education to honor her father and other family members. She takes this opportunity very seriously. She strives to learn the American words and ways.
After trying circumstances, she is given the opportunity to return to her home in Mexico to celebrate 'The Day of the Dead.' While there she is faced with new conflicts.
I won this book i a gi...more

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Nov 02, 2010 Brenda rated it 5 of 5 stars

This was one of those books that I could not put down. It is a touching story about a young girl struggling to survive under extremely difficult circumstances, but with a gratifying ending. One of my favorite parts of the story was the explanation of El Dia de Los Muertos. I knew very little about the Day of the Dead and discovered that it is a very beautiful custom.

3 likes · like · see review

Feb 19, 2011 Jamie rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: goodreads-win

I won this book from a Goodreads giveaway. While the overall idea of the book was good, it didn't flow very well. I found Marisol very immature for 14 years old. I do realize she spent several years in Mexico however her voice didn't always ring true.

I enjoyed the family aspect of the story as well as the English language idioms that we take for granted.

I did learn a lot regarding el dia de muerta. This holiday is fascinating and Ms. Granfors did a good job explaining the holiday and the import...more

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May 16, 2011 Margie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Engaging window into the world of a young teen whose mother is Mexican and whose father is American. Forced to flee her beloved world in Mexico, Marisol ponders her future while longing for her past.

Full review can be viewed at http://librariansquest.blogspot.com

2 likes · like · see review

Nov 10, 2010 Kathleen rated it 5 of 5 stars

A teenage girl: different, ahamed, homesick, enfatuated, befriended, betrayed, angry, accepted, accepting. Poignantly reminiscent of my relationships with family, friends, teachers, and myself.

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Aug 22, 2011 Deborah rated it 5 of 5 stars

"Some Rivers End on the Day of the Dead," by Eileen Granfors tale about Marisole is a great coming of age story.Just as the river flows where Marisole, her mother, and Unkle live by it bank under the trees so flow the life of Marisole. The bends and twists that occur in her life and with the guidence of the book "Great Expecations," all help Marisola discover her true place dispite being in transition. I truely enjoy Marisole and her insite into life and these she interacts with. I look forward...more

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Nov 21, 2010 Reeky rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites

Humorous and here's an author who describes men without a bunch of stereotypes. I really liked Coach Sneed and even Stan in a way. Puma has just the right amount of predator in him. Tomaso was hilarious in a sad way.

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Aug 09, 2012 Maplesyrup rated it 5 of 5 stars

A funny book with about a sweet girl with a lot of problems. I had boys, which I am glad of. I liked the book a lot and can't wait for the next ones in this series.

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Apr 21, 2012 Ashley Clark added it

Shelves: sampled

Not sure i would read the rest.

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About Eileen Granfors

Eileen Granfors lives in Santa Clarita, California. A former army brat who was born in New Orleans and lived in Germany, she and her family settled in Imperial Beach, California, where her mother’s love of body surfing turned her into an avid surfer girl.

Eileen is a proud UCLA alumna. In July, she published her second novel, set in Imperial Beach, "Stairs of Sand."

“Stairs" is the novel I began si...more

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“pencils racing across paper, a sound I like." Marisol” — 2 people liked it

“Sleep, ladies. I will be your St. Florian." Tomaso” — 1 person liked it

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