The story is enough.

The story is enough.

Wednesday, June 1, 2016

In the Country We Love: My Family Divided by Diane Guerrero

















"Orange Is the New Black" actress, Diane Guerrero, has written a memoir.  She circles us into her intimate group and tells us, quietly - without shame, about her heartache and loss, growing up In the Country We Love as the child of illegal immigrants.  At the tender age of 14, she comes home to find her parents are deported.  Young Diane is left alone to finish her high school career and create a new life - as an orphan.

This is an intriguing tale about a small-time girl who hits it big.  It is also the story of abandonment and loneliness.  It is a piece about immigration and children's rights - but do not fear!  The call to action is saved until the end.  And this way of organizing affords Ms. Guerrero the opportunity to share her experience, to reach out and connect with us, to allow our hearts to break with hers - to make people listen and care... to let others in a similar situation know that they are not alone.

The tone of the book is conversational, and though it deals with some heavy ideas and emotions, it is highly accessible.  There were times when I could feel a discrepancy in voices (the ghostwriter on this book is the talented Michelle Burford), but the story was absorbing and I could ignore it.  

A quick read, and a thought-provoking story - I recommend this to be on a summer book list.

Photo credit: https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41di5xVtktL._SX328_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg

I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

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