njreadsandwrites 's review for:

Dear Haiti, Love Alaine by Maritza Moulite, Maika Moulite

4.0

---

This was a beautiful story that shows the truth in love and family; and how circumstances effects decisions we, as humans make.

The plot was well-planned and balanced with explanation of culture and locations in Haiti. It was not overly Americanized, like most other books I have read that are set outside the United States.

I also loved that the author shed light on the different struggles in Haiti, while ensuring that readers know that all cities are not in poverty the way Americans tend to see on television in infomercials and media outlets.

The main character, Alaine, was a normal teenager, with normal geeky teenage problems. Her growth into a young woman was not overdone in the short few months the book takes place it. The authors did not exaggerate her flaws, nor her growth.

This book shaped up to become a favorite. Although it is a hard-hitting contemporary, it was not too heavy for its targeted readers. It shows the beginning stages of mental illnesses and disability, and how certain mental/neurological illnesses can affect members of the family.