**spoiler alert** A queer Colombian teen migrates with her mother, sister and grandmother from Bogota to Miami. This is not the Miami of Instagram inf**spoiler alert** A queer Colombian teen migrates with her mother, sister and grandmother from Bogota to Miami. This is not the Miami of Instagram influencers standing in shiny towers overlooking the bay, but a Miami far from the sea, of run down apartment complexes, trash piles and hotel lobby Evangelical churches. The characters are great, the author tries to weave the stories of the women of the family into the plot, only partially successfully. What I loved most- the narrator, the setting and the colorful use of Colombian spanish idioms throughout the book.
Merged review:
A queer Colombian teen migrates with her mother, sister and grandmother from Bogota to Miami. This is not the Miami of Instagram influencers standing in shiny towers overlooking the bay, but a Miami far from the sea, of run down apartment complexes, trash piles and hotel lobby Evangelical churches. The characters are great, the author tries to weave the stories of the women of the family into the plot, only partially successfully. What I loved most- the narrator, the setting and the colorful use of Colombian spanish idioms throughout the book....more
3.5 stars I rounded up to 4. While some elements of this book, especially the political satire, I really enjoyed, I didn’t find the story all that gre3.5 stars I rounded up to 4. While some elements of this book, especially the political satire, I really enjoyed, I didn’t find the story all that great. Maybe it’s because I read this book on the heals of two excellent ones. Overall, it’s good and has some memorable parts, but after reading this I probably won’t pick up another book by this author soon.
Merged review:
3.5 stars I rounded up to 4. While some elements of this book, especially the political satire, I really enjoyed, I didn’t find the story all that great. Maybe it’s because I read this book on the heals of two excellent ones. Overall, it’s good and has some memorable parts, but after reading this I probably won’t pick up another book by this author soon....more
Great book. I recently adopted an affectionate and energetic pittie mix from the shelter. I wanted to learn more about the breed, and I listened to anGreat book. I recently adopted an affectionate and energetic pittie mix from the shelter. I wanted to learn more about the breed, and I listened to an old interview with the author of the Dog Show podcast. This book is sometimes hard to read because of how it describes the abuse heaped on these poor creatures over the years. What I took away from this book is how connected the prejudice against pitbulls is with racism and how the best way we can ensure animals are loved is to support those who love them. This book has encouraged me to get involved in advocating for removing barriers that prevent those who care for pit bulls from getting housing, etc. Also made me realize how stupid Europeans can be with their so called ‘scientific’ breed bans. ...more
Took me nearly a month to read. I judge longer books more critically. At times, I became frustrated with the pace and felt stuck, but the story alwaysTook me nearly a month to read. I judge longer books more critically. At times, I became frustrated with the pace and felt stuck, but the story always swept me back in. Definitely worth reading. ...more
**spoiler alert** Hard to put this book down, I knew they survived but wanted to hear how. What an incredible story, I don’t doubt its veracity, but w**spoiler alert** Hard to put this book down, I knew they survived but wanted to hear how. What an incredible story, I don’t doubt its veracity, but why did it take the author so long to decide to write it? Recommended for anyone who likes outdoor/travel/survival books. Reminded me of the show Alone except there was no way to ‘tap out’.
My other question - how did the people in Puerto Maldonado all go along with their foolhardy plan to raft the river? I get it - stupid gringos haha, but I’m surprised at least someone didn’t try to stop them. I mean, we all take pleasure in others suffering sometimes, but the whole town seemed to be cheering on their doomed raft voyage.
**spoiler alert** I enjoyed reading this, the book grew on my (cheesy plant pun). I am a gardener and plant lover but not to the extent of Kincaid and**spoiler alert** I enjoyed reading this, the book grew on my (cheesy plant pun). I am a gardener and plant lover but not to the extent of Kincaid and her traveling companions. I can see why this book wouldn’t appeal to people who don’t like plants, since plants are the central focus, the purpose of her trip to the Himalayas. This book peaked my interest in traveling to Nepal, although I would try and avoid the heat and leeches (yuck) of the lover elevations. The high country sounds absolutely superb, and it seemed to be the highlight of Kincaids trek. A solid adventure travel book. ...more
A quick read. I have visited Oaxaca twice, drawn by the cultural and biological diversity to this wonderful state. I wish there were more books in EngA quick read. I have visited Oaxaca twice, drawn by the cultural and biological diversity to this wonderful state. I wish there were more books in English about Oaxaca. I enjoyed reading the author’s accounts of places I visited in Oaxaca, and plants, trees, foods that I also admired. Oaxaca is a magical place. ...more
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