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What Members Thought
In the past few years I've grown very cynical about the books chosen for my county's Everybody Reads program, something that doesn't make me super proud, and probably colored my feelings about this book considerably. The book is fine, but very clearly has an agenda. I think the author is trying to (view spoiler)
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I do not like a plot that revolves around a kept secret, and Ms. Henriquez did use this device in her narration. But the kept secret matched the character and in the end, the last chapter rescued the book as a whole. I was worried it would devolve into cliched tropes, but it pleasantly surprised me. Not a happy ending, but it gives you hope for the future. Growing up in Phoenix, the whole book had a comfortable familiarity even though I do not know any recent immigrants and the story is set in D
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4.5
Sentimental, warm, funny at times, touching. If you're familiar with brain injuries, special education, and first generation immigrants, you'll relate to this book.
I agree with other reviewers - this book is a simplistic portrait. But its also a feel-good story of people who love America, people who still feel awe and amazement at all the freedoms we have here. There is nothing too dark or jaded in this book. Just sincere writing. ...more
I agree with other reviewers - this book is a simplistic portrait. But its also a feel-good story of people who love America, people who still feel awe and amazement at all the freedoms we have here. There is nothing too dark or jaded in this book. Just sincere writing. ...more
I really liked that the book explored the many ways and reasons people immigrate. All of the characters in this book were Hispanic but they had very different reasons for coming to the US. I also appreciated that the story was set in Delaware since that gave a different perspective than similar stories set in the southwest.
I really liked most of this book, but the best part was the narrator. Her acting, particularly in Alma's narration, is excellent. The immigrants' stories are strong and her writing beautiful. Overall, the structure felt a bit wonky and the ending a bit heavy, but I enjoyed it the characters and story.
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3.5-4 stars for me. I echo my friend, Kris Tina's thoughts--it was heartbreaking but definitely provided a perspective that we don't often see. I read once that one of the benefits of reading fiction is that it increases our empathy. This book very much had that effect on me.
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Dec 05, 2014
Paola
marked it as to-read
Dec 26, 2014
Jennifer Hoque
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Jan 04, 2015
Mallory Pearson
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Jan 05, 2015
Tiffany
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Oct 27, 2015
Alexandra
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Mar 30, 2016
Terri
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Oct 06, 2016
Holli
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Jan 27, 2018
Colleen C
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Dec 04, 2018
Sophie
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Jan 01, 2019
Ashley
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Jul 05, 2019
Jocelyn Veevers
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May 23, 2020
Marie
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May 17, 2021
Elizabeth
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