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flowerreadsalot's review against another edition
4.0
I feel like it’s hard for me to describe my thoughts and feelings towards this book. This short story of a young woman trying to find her brother across the border tackles so many different themes with such a unique storytelling. The writing of this was not like any other book I’ve read.
serenalovely's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I read this book in a single day! It’s the kind of book that keeps elevating in stars as you continue to think about it and unravel its deeper meaning. To be completely honest throughout my experience I wasn’t sure about the pacing, I was craving more… But as I reached the final scene and continued pondering afterward, I saw that it said everything it needed to in less than 114 pages. This is a gut wrenching reminder that all things have unforeseen consequences.
mpho3's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
4.5
evelynreads123's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
msilkwolfe's review against another edition
5.0
A book I didn’t know I needed. I think it would be an amazing one to teach, although not to my 7th graders. Herrera’s prose is incredible, lyrical, and creative. It has rhythm and an orality to it that is so unique. The book is about so much more than the border between Mexico and the US. As the back describes so well, the book “describes crossings and translations people make in their minds and language as they move from one country to another.” I don’t speak Spanish, but I can imagine this was a tough one to translate!
chuskeyreads's review against another edition
2.0
This novella is definitely not for me. The writing/translation was odd, the story disjointed and terse, and the commentary on the language barrier lacking. I much prefer Gloria Anzaldúa’s "How to Tame a Wild Tongue" as an illustration of how the barriers of language divide us.
Even though I didn't like the story at all, I do appreciate Makina's strong character, especially the way she "jacked up" the guy on the bus.
Even though I didn't like the story at all, I do appreciate Makina's strong character, especially the way she "jacked up" the guy on the bus.
emath98's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
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? It's complicated
4.25
msmoxiemae's review against another edition
5.0
Loved this! The language was so evocative. Really, it's own character. Now I need to brush up on my Spanish and read the original. I'm still trying to interpret the ending... but the intentional ambiguity fits with the rest of the story.
marinapalladinetti's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
xfl0res's review against another edition
challenging
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
It was good for a school book, was really invested but didn’t find it life-changing.