A review by blogginboutbooks
Dear America: Behind the Masks by Susan Patron

3.0

I agree with those who say this is a strange book, especially compared to other installments in the Dear America series. Its Wild West setting—which includes brothels, gunfights, gangs, corruption, murder, ghosts, etc.—might be a little much for younger readers. Personally, I enjoyed the setting as well as the story's emphasis on the masks worn by different people, masks that sometimes hide people's greed, guilt, prejudice, and fear. The characters were interesting enough. As for the plot, though, I felt like it was trying to cover way too much ground. It was a bit here, there, and everywhere, with some elements that were just downright strange. So, while the story was engaging enough that I listened to the whole thing, overall, I thought it was odd, disjointed, and depressing. I wouldn't recommend this one to a young reader. For me, it was an okay read, nothing more. If I could, I would give the book 2 1/2 stars. Since I can't, I'm rounding up.