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skeptic_hecate's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
sad
tense
medium-paced
4.25
This book is a candid reflection of the reality many families face (or faced back in the day since nowadays there are probably other methods and worse tragedies). Maybe a bit too candid. The amount of poop, pee and fart references I read in this book, I swear the kid is obsessed with poop. Then again, how would I know.
The book is written in a distinctly childish perspective. As if it was the 9 year old Javier writting the book. I get the stylistic choice, although I personally don't like it. It made the book frustrating to read at times, at least for me. What I found hard to believe is how can the author remember everything at a vivid and exact detail after so many years, I mean, even colours, flavours, plants, faces and expressions. The author has a very good memory of the events.
On the other hand, reading this horrible and hard journey through the eyes of a 9 year old made the reading experience a bit annoying, if only because 9 year olds are not very interesting locutors. However, the story and the traumatic events really carry the entire book. I couldn't help but to imagine myself in the situation, fearing all through the end that I won't make it.
I do recommend the book, although I think it could have benefited from a little bit of editing. Also, putting the word "también" in as many intervals as possible made the reading experience a bit chaotic. I get the bilingual attributes of the book, but it could've been done better.
The book is written in a distinctly childish perspective. As if it was the 9 year old Javier writting the book. I get the stylistic choice, although I personally don't like it. It made the book frustrating to read at times, at least for me. What I found hard to believe is how can the author remember everything at a vivid and exact detail after so many years, I mean, even colours, flavours, plants, faces and expressions. The author has a very good memory of the events.
On the other hand, reading this horrible and hard journey through the eyes of a 9 year old made the reading experience a bit annoying, if only because 9 year olds are not very interesting locutors. However, the story and the traumatic events really carry the entire book. I couldn't help but to imagine myself in the situation, fearing all through the end that I won't make it.
I do recommend the book, although I think it could have benefited from a little bit of editing. Also, putting the word "también" in as many intervals as possible made the reading experience a bit chaotic. I get the bilingual attributes of the book, but it could've been done better.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse
simplythegirl's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
4.5
If you'd like an authentic story about an immigrant's journey crossing the border than this book is it! There are similar books out there that are all just trauma p*rn but Javier Zamora really encompasses the beauty along with the hardship that he endured on his journey. His perspective of a kid also makes the whole thing very heartwrenching cute heartwarming and scary at the same time. There was a sense of community and a sense of loss but also victory when he reaches the USA. It's such a touching and sweet story but also very nerve-wracking and scary because of the stakes. I absolutely loved this book. This is super relatable in terms of culture for me even though I never went through what the author did the culture is what we share so that was really fun. There's also some sweet and light humor that flows pretty nicely. The book definitely explores the importance of family and what it means to be a family. If you are not a spanish speaker I would definitely keep a piece of paper and make a key for the spanish words because they come up a lot. I'm a Spanish speaker so it wasn't something I dealt with but others may. It definitely is worth a read.
there is some cursing, violence, guns, blood, vomit, other bodily fluids, and abuse so read with caution.
there is some cursing, violence, guns, blood, vomit, other bodily fluids, and abuse so read with caution.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Vomit, Racism, War, and Deportation
Moderate: Gun violence, Alcoholism, Alcohol, Blood, and Death
Minor: Death, Child abuse, and Body shaming
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