A review by georgiasbookescapes
An American Immigrant by Johanna Rojas Vann

dark 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? Yes

2.0

Melanie is a second generation Colombian American journalist living in Miami. The last time she visited Colombia was for her Quinceañera 10 years ago. When an opportunity for a story comes up looking at the cocaine imports into Miami and its effects comes up she takes the opportunity to visit family. But she learns more than she ever expected. 

This book was really great for the first 60%. I loved learning through Melanie’s eyes about Colombia (I need to visit asap myself clearly it sounds so beautiful and fun) and through her mother’s journey to America. But the last 40% really dragged and I skimmed the last of it. I think if this was 100 pages shorter and more succinct in its ending it would’ve been a much more incredible book. It had all the right elements - personal story turned into a novel, but the level of detail about Melanie’s work dragged in the end. 

Thank you to NetGalley and WaterBrook & Mutlnomah for this ARC.