elliemcc11's review against another edition
3.0
This is the story of immigration and emigration. At heart a love story, but also an exploration of the lives of those moving to a new country, and the challenges of settling in.
Set in Delaware, it tells the story of a series of individuals living in an apartment block. They are all originally from central and south America, and all have come to north to improve their lives (emotionally, financially, intellectually).
The main focus of the story are a Mexican couple and their daughter. She was injured in an accident and they come north to seek an education to help rebuild her after her brain damage. She meets a boy in the apartment block and he doesn't judge her and consequently in her happiness (and love) she grows and her memories and joie de vivre return. A boy from another part of town taunts her and it eventually leads to a confrontation.
Overall I did enjoy this book. In reality it's a 3.5 rather than a 3 because I thought the characterisation strong, but possibly some aspects of the story were dealt with rather fast.
Set in Delaware, it tells the story of a series of individuals living in an apartment block. They are all originally from central and south America, and all have come to north to improve their lives (emotionally, financially, intellectually).
The main focus of the story are a Mexican couple and their daughter. She was injured in an accident and they come north to seek an education to help rebuild her after her brain damage. She meets a boy in the apartment block and he doesn't judge her and consequently in her happiness (and love) she grows and her memories and joie de vivre return. A boy from another part of town taunts her and it eventually leads to a confrontation.
Spoiler
Whilst I really enjoyed the book I found it came quite suddenly to an end. One minute Mayor was driving in a snowstorm and the next chapter Arturo was dead of gun shot wounds. The story line wasn't really built upon. Maybe it was the point of the book, maybe it was more about friendship and forgiveness than a crime scene.Overall I did enjoy this book. In reality it's a 3.5 rather than a 3 because I thought the characterisation strong, but possibly some aspects of the story were dealt with rather fast.
kellymc03's review against another edition
4.0
Loved this book ! Amazing immigrant stories woven around an apartment building - but with a story of one particular family as well.
appletonkelli's review against another edition
5.0
This is a beautiful story about families, and love, and immigration, and desperation. It's about leaving, and arriving, and going back home.
tishreads's review against another edition
5.0
I really loved how the author brought together so many different storylines into a cohesive yet diverse novel. It was a reminder of the vast array of immigrant experiences being lived by those often lumped together as Hispanic or Latino.
thatotherjlo's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
clarejohnson's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
2.75
dr_manuela_reads's review against another edition
5.0
Beautiful story! Well written. I was easily drawn into the story of Maribel and Mayor. Alma, Maribel’s mom is a wonderful and typical Mexican mom and I loved her. This was my second read and I would read again.
enlamont's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism, Medical trauma, and Racism
Moderate: Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, Death, Murder, Gun violence, Death of parent, Hate crime, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Cursing, Infertility, Vomit, Miscarriage, Alcohol, and Bullying