Maya's Notebook in Around the World in 80 Books

Jul 05, 2013 Beverly rated it really liked it

Beautifully written, it’s full of emotional impact of as we read the intimate soul-bearing notebook of a young woman. The author effectively intertwines many storylines populated with enthralling characters in this well-plotted coming-of-age story. I so enjoyed descriptions of physical and emotional geography of southern Chile and its role in Chilean history. Themes of addiction, loss, love and family makes this earnest heartwarming, yet at times heartbreaking story a satisfying read.

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Oct 02, 2015 Georgia Carvalho rated it liked it

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Jun 06, 2015 Kay Green rated it really liked it

I really enjoyed most of this book. Set in the archipelago of Chiloe, a group of islands in southern Chile, it contained lots of geography lessons and cultural lessons which were really interesting. I liked a lot of Maya's friends and relatives, especially her Popo and Nini - her grandparents. She was raised by them in Berkeley CA and the relationship they had was unique, beautiful and loving.
But due to her crazy adolescence she had to leave them to live in Chiloe for a while, and the parts of ...more

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Sep 16, 2018 Astrid Lim rated it really liked it

Shelves: travel, tragedy, culture, america, crime-action, contemporary, south-america

This book has a lot to say and discuss: immigrants, drugs and crime, corrupt police, Chile history and politics, etc etc. It can feel too much - but fortunately, it's written by Isabel Allende, who effortlessly told the story in a flowing and beautiful way. Maya is a likable narrator and I was hooked since the beginning, although I felt in the middle there are parts that become too much distractions.

One more thing: the setting of a small island south of Chile is wonderful! Suddenly I have a cra ...more

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