ŷ������

4.5 stars

It is certainly true that this book has stirred up much controversy, much of it unwarranted, and has also resulted in physical threats being made against the author. In fact, the threats were such, that the publisher felt it necessary to cancel the book tour this author was about to embark upon. Both Jan and I find that totally appalling. If this tactic is not one of censorship, we don't know what is and the journey the naysayers have vehemently embarked upon have made for a frightening situation for All authors. Never did we think that this state of affairs would ever rear its ugly head but it has and we are both incensed that a book that is a work of fiction is being treated in such a manner.

My review...
I think every time one reads of the plight of those living in disadvantages countries, one can't help but being ever so grateful for living in America. We have so many advantages that we take for granted and it takes a book such as this to make us realize that life is ever so difficult for those who want very much to be part of the American dream.

There has been much written about this book with an overblown controversy that hinges on the rim of censorship which is quite disturbing. I feel that any book, written by anyone of any race color, creed etc that opens one eyes to the feeling of empathy and knowledge about the plight of others, is a book worth reading. Certainly the main characters in this story displayed the struggle and the resolve of the human spirit in their attempt at finding a better life for themselves and their family.

In this book we saw the good and the evil, which of course dwells across the microcosm of our earth. We felt the struggle. We saw the dangers, the evil that cartels do bring to the people with their blood thirsty hold on those who try to survive under their domain. Fear is an awful thing and the people who live under this fear are intimidated, coerced and terrorized. This is certainly not the way the human spirit can possibly survive when everyday brings murder, mayhem, and evil of the most heinous kind.

I do applaud this author for alerting many of us to the dangers people undergo trying to come to this country particularly from South and Central America. She made it readily comprehensible why the need to escape to a better world is the impetus for so many. I, for one, think she did quite well in her mission to tell a story, albeit a made up one, to bring some enlightenment to those who chose to read her book.

Those who chose to pan this book, as is their right, will and do overlook the intention of the author to tell a story. This is not a non fiction book nor is it the do all and tell all of the plight of those who look to America as their salvation. Those who judge this as more than that have either not read the book or jumped on the bandwagon of becoming "woke." It is truly a shame and a travesty that we have come to this.

“That these people would leave their homes, their cultures, their families, even their languages, and venture into tremendous peril, risking their very lives, all for the chance to get to the dream of some faraway country that doesn’t even want them.��
For our duo reviews: