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3.93 AVERAGE
3.93 AVERAGE
dark
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
3.5/5 stars - Across a Hundred Mountains tells the heartfelt and tragic story of two women, a search for a father, and a journey to "The Other Side" (the U.S.). The story flips back and forth between Juana and Adelina's perspective. I was highly invested in Juana's story, but Adelina's was non-linear in its telling, which made me really confused at times.
I ultimately guessed the conclusion, but that didn't really stop it from being a powerful story. I read it quickly, I learned a lot, but it felt like it was missing something.
I ultimately guessed the conclusion, but that didn't really stop it from being a powerful story. I read it quickly, I learned a lot, but it felt like it was missing something.
There are some things I wish could be expanded on in this book, but I really enjoyed it. The story is heart wrenching (the *entire* story) and the ending had me in tears. I wish the 2nd POV was more developed in the beginning, as I could barely barely follow it (I get that was the point but 2 pages wasn’t enough info). I also think there are some cliches and heavy topics that could’ve been handled better. Overall, I great read to have a good cry.
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
sad
Audiobook
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was a moving and very enlightening story. I would highly recommend it to anyone who is curious about illegal immigration and the people who experience it and its effects. It was a great book club selection.
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
A very visceral story about immigration, but also a novel that is very “of its time” — not that it wouldn’t be published in 2022, but I do think it would get some pushback from contemporary readers around ideas of trauma porn and representation. Definitely pay attention to the CWs!
The writing is simple and well-done, and the matter-of-fact tone makes the content easier to bear but also drives home how true-to-life the story is. It reads like an English class assigned reading; in fact, I’m surprised it wasn’t an assigned reading in any of my English classes.
I got a little confused toward the middle/end and I think the author could’ve done a little bit more to help readers along there (especially because that plot point didn’t feel 100% integral to the point of the story), but I did get back on track by the finale.
I’d recommend it, but check the CWs first!
The writing is simple and well-done, and the matter-of-fact tone makes the content easier to bear but also drives home how true-to-life the story is. It reads like an English class assigned reading; in fact, I’m surprised it wasn’t an assigned reading in any of my English classes.
I got a little confused toward the middle/end and I think the author could’ve done a little bit more to help readers along there (especially because that plot point didn’t feel 100% integral to the point of the story), but I did get back on track by the finale.
I’d recommend it, but check the CWs first!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Rape, Sexual assault, Trafficking, Death of parent, Abandonment
Moderate: Addiction, Alcoholism, Toxic relationship, Violence, Xenophobia, Murder, Alcohol
Minor: Body horror, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Forced institutionalization, Dementia
I inhaled this book in just a couple sittings. It is sad and intense, but so powerful. THIS is the book everything should have been talking about when it comes to an immigration story.
SO. GOOD. This is probably one of the best books I've ever been assigned to read for a class. Emotional and thought provoking!
challenging
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Difficult read from an emotional perspective. I liked how the author wove the two womens stories but was a bit confused about the father character. Most of the book was difficult to read due to my it’s constant downer moments but the end has a hint of redemption.