Reviews

We Are All We Have by Marina Budhos

izzys_internet_bookshelf's review

2.0

2.5/5

Overall, I found this book to be alright, there wasn't anything about it that stood out to me sadly, because I know that this book has had some really good ratings

jojo_'s review against another edition

adventurous emotional medium-paced

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

3.0

kleonard's review

4.0

We Are All We Have is a solid novel about immigration and asylum, and the damage ICE and other government agencies do in their pursuit of "illegals." Told by a young woman who finds herself on the run with her younger brother when their mother is detained, the story reminds me of Cynthia Voight's Homecoming, a classic about being unable to rely on family, making your own way, and navigating--avoiding--agencies like Child Protective Services and others. The characters can be a little one-dimensional, but the story itself is important enough to overlook it. Recommended for book clubs and in-school reading.

mebfabulous's review

challenging emotional informative reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

After Rania’s mother is detained by ice and sent to Detention Center, Rena While caring for her younger brother must find someone to be their guardian until their mother can get released. This becomes challenging since everyone is feeling the pressure from immigration. They eventually end up in a shelter where they meet Carlos. The group goes on the run to avoid immigration.

smalltownbookmom's review

4.0

This was a tender and extremely moving YA romance between Rania and Carlos, two undocumented teens sent to a detention camp by ICE officials. When they break out and embark on a summer road trip, they can't help falling in love as they avoid the harsh realities of their life as unwelcome, unofficial citizens of the United States.

While Muslim Rania is seeking asylum with her mother and younger brother from their abusive father, Carlos is a Mexican immigrant who finds himself without any options other than escaping to Canada where he has a relative willing to take him in.

Perfect for fans of Somewhere between bitter and sweet or Sia Martinez and the moonlit beginning of everything. This was good on audio narrated by Ferah Merani and does a great job putting a relatable, human face on the American immigration problem. Many thanks to @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review! This will definitely be on the top of my YA reads this year!!

stasiareading's review

4.0

3.5 - a little bit slow at the start, but picked up. Was very believable story, felt for the main characters

womaninthemoon775's review

4.0

I read this book in one afternoon. I did enjoy it overall. It kept my attention, and the writing moved right along. I will recommend it to my students.
Thanks, NetGalley!

narpus's review

5.0

I'm so lucky to be able to read this manuscript pre-release; but what an adventure!! I absolutely fell in love with all the characters!

yuzureads's review

adventurous emotional hopeful reflective 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

4.0

katewrites's review

emotional informative reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.25