Take a photo of a barcode or cover
A review by nerdylittlemilo
The Distance Between Us by Reyna Grande
3.0
This is a powerful and important book about the harsh lives led by illegal immigrants in the US. But more than that it is a story about a family ravaged by generational poverty, abuse, religious extremism, and alcoholism. These are things I understand and relate to myself because I was also subjected to them growing up, and while it is not at all the same thing my great-grandparents also immigrated to the US because of the racism they faced as Indigenous people in Canada. While I am empathetic towards Grande for all the hardships she experienced throughout her life, I cannot help but feel that she was at times judgemental, naive, and classist throughout the book.
Perhaps I am biased on some level because I and my family have not yet managed to claw our way out of the depths of family. And because I've lived closely to people in the same or similar situations to Grande. Grande was extremely lucky that despite all she went through she was able to go to prestigious college, and have parents -- who despite being abusive and imperfect -- were able to support her dreams and cared enough to encourage her to try to achieve them. I do think, however, that she is unaware of how hard it is for people, immigrants or otherwise, to take advantage of the better opportunities this country is able to offer. Even though they seem accessible to everyone it is far easier for people to obtain them when they aren't working to support children and their families, and trying to manage their own insecurities and mental health on top of that.
And, imo, while obtaining a college education is certainly ideal in most cases it isn't the best thing in world and people can find good jobs without them. In fact, in today's world people can't find jobs even with college educations sometimes. I guess what I mean is that a degree does not equate to intellect, and I wonder what Grande would have had to say if she had written her memoirs after the 2008 depression.
That being said, there are parts of Grande's life I will never be able to fully comprehend. And there are others that I feel I do relate to a degree. Obviously, I will never understand completely because we lived two extremely different lives. Perhaps because of that this review is completely out of line. Maybe I'm the judgemental one.
I found myself grieving for the childhood and parents that Grande lost. I was astounded at the level of poverty she was forced to live in, and I'm happy that she managed to find a way out. As I said, this is an important and powerful book.
I hope the author is able to eventually repair her relationship with her other family members and siblings, and live an even better, happier life.
No human being is illegal.
Perhaps I am biased on some level because I and my family have not yet managed to claw our way out of the depths of family. And because I've lived closely to people in the same or similar situations to Grande. Grande was extremely lucky that despite all she went through she was able to go to prestigious college, and have parents -- who despite being abusive and imperfect -- were able to support her dreams and cared enough to encourage her to try to achieve them. I do think, however, that she is unaware of how hard it is for people, immigrants or otherwise, to take advantage of the better opportunities this country is able to offer. Even though they seem accessible to everyone it is far easier for people to obtain them when they aren't working to support children and their families, and trying to manage their own insecurities and mental health on top of that.
And, imo, while obtaining a college education is certainly ideal in most cases it isn't the best thing in world and people can find good jobs without them. In fact, in today's world people can't find jobs even with college educations sometimes. I guess what I mean is that a degree does not equate to intellect, and I wonder what Grande would have had to say if she had written her memoirs after the 2008 depression.
That being said, there are parts of Grande's life I will never be able to fully comprehend. And there are others that I feel I do relate to a degree. Obviously, I will never understand completely because we lived two extremely different lives. Perhaps because of that this review is completely out of line. Maybe I'm the judgemental one.
I found myself grieving for the childhood and parents that Grande lost. I was astounded at the level of poverty she was forced to live in, and I'm happy that she managed to find a way out. As I said, this is an important and powerful book.
I hope the author is able to eventually repair her relationship with her other family members and siblings, and live an even better, happier life.
No human being is illegal.