Reviews

The Only Road by Alexandra Diaz

katieproctorbooks's review against another edition

5.0

This was incredible. It’s a tough story, the journey from escaping sure danger in Guatemala to the United States, but these characters were so dear and I was very invested in what would happen to them. This is definitely for upper MG, not for the highly sensitive reader, but it is such an important story and so well done.

lindageorge's review against another edition

5.0

Wonderful story about two children who leave Guatemala in the middle of the night to escape the drugs and gangs to make a new life in America.

andipants's review against another edition

2.0

This book tells a very important story, one that needs to be told, and shared, and widely read — which made it all the more disappointing that it honestly wasn't very good. The plot was compelling, but the characters were one-dimensional. There was some lip service paid to Jaime's growth as a character, his learning to take initiative and responsibility, but it was much more told than actually shown. And the writing was just bad: muddled sentences, awkward phrasing, and just a lot of sloppy wordsmithing. I don't care about gorgeous prose — I'm much more concerned with substance over style — but this was bad enough to get in the way of the story in places, and that's a problem. I hope more books like this will be written, because as I said, these are stories that need to be told, but I hope next time a more capable writer (or at least a better editor) is behind the wheel.

megs2kool's review against another edition

adventurous emotional tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

maddieoggero's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional informative mysterious reflective sad 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? No

3.0

narratedbyrein's review against another edition

4.0

I read this for the first time in 2018? I think? The point is, I read this a few years ago and decided to reread it this year.
The plot: The book is about Jaime who's cousin (Miguel) was killed by the Alphas, a gang known for dr*g trafficking and violence. Jaime and Angela (Miguel's sister) get a letter from the Alphas, asking them both to join the Alphas. In fear of receiving the same fate as Miguel, they decide to go to America to live with Jaime's older brother. It's a story about illegal immigration and heartbreak.
The characters: I loved them all. They all have a place in my heart. Reading about their backstories and the bonds they formed formed my heart and then Alexandra Diaz just broke it.
rtc

kathriner's review against another edition

5.0

This is the reality for so many. If they stay, they die. If they leave, they might live. So many people in the US don't know, or don't care about these stories

clairedaniel3's review against another edition

5.0

Heartbreaking, timely, and beautifully written. While much of the book is intense, there are also lighthearted moments and generous hearts that reveal a better side of humanity. Highly recommend for middle schoolers or any adult who wants to read about the modern migrant experience.

raeganstepp's review against another edition

adventurous emotional hopeful informative inspiring sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

madelinefmcguire's review against another edition

4.0

Everyone in Jamie’s small town knows someone who has been killed by the gang, The Alpha’s, that rules their town with their violent ways. Anyone who refuses to work with them ends up dead, just like Jamie’s best friend and cousin Miguel. After the death of Miguel the Alpha’s begin to recruit Jamie and his other cousin Ángela. In an effort to give them a better, and safer life, their family gathers together what they can to send Jamie and Ángela on the long journey north to New Mexico to live with Jamie’s brother. It’s a long journey filled with danger along the road and at the border, but for them it’s the only road.

Recommended for anyone who likes adventure or likes to read about other types of lives. A very powerful read.