Reviews

Illegal by Francisco X. Stork

bookworm_vevans's review

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4.0

As soon as I read the title of the book and synopsis I was excited to pick up the book. I DID NOT read book 1 first, so keep that in mind.

The story starts where the brother/sister Emiliano and Sara crossed the border from Mexico into the U.S. to escape persecution, but they were still in danger. Their journey documents them navigating the U.S. legal system, police and border patrols, and clear bias of U.S. citizens. I liked the story a lot and thought it was a light, easy read for a heavy, dark topic. Emiliano's voice was particularly well written in my opinion and was most enjoyable. It was a relatable voice.

theowlhouse's review

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adventurous challenging informative mysterious relaxing tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

literallykristen's review

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2.0

This book was exceedingly frustrating. Everything worked out so coincidentally and so easily. I appreciate that the author wanted to get a lot of struggles and issues into the book but it didn't work.

ajaubrey1's review

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challenging emotional tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

southern_librarian's review

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adventurous mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This series gets better and better! Teens kicking butt and taking names; danger; Mexican cartels; mysteries... I couldn't stop listening. I recommend starting with Disappeared first, although I could see jumping in with this one without missing too much. Written by #ownvoices and read by #ownvoices. My only disappointment? Currently no news about a Disappeared #3, and Illegal (I felt) left the door open at the end for another book! I want to know what happens next!

sophieannabatista's review

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adventurous hopeful inspiring tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot

4.5

mayraa06's review

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dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

chachacenteno's review

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5.0

This book directly speaks of MMIW, amongst so many other social, political, cultural, inter-generational and historical components. #nohumanisillegalonstoleland

julle1980's review

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3.0

3.5 stars

shannak's review

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5.0

I liked this one better than the first book, which seemed to go slower. This book deals with some of the immigration laws that need to be revisited and changed in this country. It takes a look at our broken system - a system that many in power take advantage of for their own gain - and it makes you sick that this is America.
Immigration has always sought to limit who gets in this country and when, and it needs sweeping changes in order to treat people like decent human beings deserve to be treated.

Notable quotes:
“Sometimes it takes being in a strange place to find out what is home.”
“It seems to be the only way to be happy is by deliberately ignoring the unhappiness of so many.”