Welcome to Litsy!

Enrique‘s Journey was a book I had to read for a class, so the fact that it was an “assignment” put a damper on my experience. However, it opened my eyes SO much to immigration and its hardships (especially through Mexico). I think everyone should look into this book, just to stay cultured and aware :)

I have been messing about in the basement all day and it looks like I‘ve done nothing. Big sigh! I found more wet along the foundation and now need a shop vac to clear up the messes I‘ve made. My whole body aches. And I haven‘t even started on the bookshelves! But I decided I‘m done for today so I‘m hunkering down with my book club‘s book. The meeting is Thursday. So the debate is whether to finish the basement or the book. Any guesses? 😂

After 100 pages, she lost me. I know it‘s a true account but it jumps around a lot and it became repetitive.

I cried. So many tears. A boy's tenacity, desperation, and love for his family is written so Americans can sense what these young refugees endure. The hardships are unbelievable - being killed or damaged from trains, exploited by gangs all through Mexico, rapes, separated from mothers who work in America so the children can LIVE, getting caught and not giving up. I'm so glad I read this book. Pulitzer Prize Winner

"...fights break out between municipal and state police officers over who gets to rob a group of migrants." Heartbreaking

Nazario takes a look at the immigration of unaccompanied minors, many from Central America to the US by exploring the story of Enrique. Enrique's mother came to the US when Enrique and his sister were young, hoping to be able to provide financially for her children back in Hondorus. When Enrique is a teen, he sets out to come to the US and find her -- a journey that takes him thousands of miles in the many attempts to cross the border. (cont)

Some of these were difficult!
1. Originally from Alaska, now in Minnesota
2. Stoner
3. Harry Potter & Longmire
4.Babette's Feast, Fargo, Truly Deeply Madly, (yikes, more!)
5. Breaking Bad, Fargo, Saul, Longmire (more!)
6. Any era up to & including Brahms, jazz
7. Teal
8. Literary Fiction
9. College Instructor
10. 2 young kids, 2 dogs & 1 cat

Here's what head of HR has to say about hiring workers over age 30 in Honduras. Wow.

Looking forward to all three. I heard Sonia Nazario on NPR and her accounts of migrant journeys were harrowing.

Attempting to plug away at this book but waking up at 5:15 this morning means I'm barely able to keep my eyes open!!

A moment of synchronicity; last night I read a fictional heartbreaking short story about an immigrant mother who left her children to support them as a nanny in America, then tonight I turn on NPR and hear reporter Sonya Nazario speaking about the reality of those stories. The average separation of mothers & children is 5-10 years. Over 50% are women & children, fleeing hunger & violence. IF they make it, their journey entails great suffering.

It's a read for book club kind of night.

Anyone else read like this?

Now isn't that fitting? #FunFridayPhoto

Happy #WorldBookDay! #SJBookClub

These are the books I picked up in the States and my #marchtbr #marchintoreading

Book mail!

Heartbreaking, eye-opening, relevant. Nazario's account of one boy's desperate journey from Honduras to the United States to be reunited with his mother is reporting at its finest. The added author's note in the new edition is slightly dated (~2012) and oversimplified, but that ultimately doesn't detract from the story overall.

a little #SJBookClub research, a little crochet project // #thankfullyreading #nonficnov (book borrowed from @StephanieY)

I am in shock. How could people elect that...that horrible, hateful person over a slightly flawed but very qualified woman? What do I say to my students tomorrow, especially the ones who are immigrants or the children of immigrants? "I'm sorry" doesn't seem adequate. But I am. I am so, so sorry, kids. You have no idea how much. And I am so scared for you.

Enrique's Journey is a harrowing read. Children's journey from Central America & Mexico who face a tortuous perilous Journey to the US in search of mothers. Many lose lives& limbs. http://www.pulitzer.org/event/sonia-nazario-enriques-journey-americas-immigratio... In contrast Frank McCourt's Angela' s Ashes, heard him speak & he was a riveting humorous speaker. #booktober #immigrantstories @RealLifeReading

" From the top of his rolling freight car, Enrique sees a figure of Christ...Some stare silently. Others whisper a prayer... They have made it nearly a third of the way up the length of Mexico..."Searing odyssey of Enrique & others, facing multiple trips & danger of death to find their mothers in USA. Author took the same journey on trains but she had military/ police escort do to dangers involved.#somethingforsept#POCauthors
@RealLifeReading

This book was very well done! It was able to show an inner view of the struggles many migrants undergo during their treacherous journey to enter the U.S. illegally.

I taught this book in my class this week. Students loved it! A must read for anyone interested in immigrant life.