Title: Into the Beautiful North
Author: Luis Alberto Urrea
Available: Now
Publisher: Back Bay Books (reprint)
Number of Pages: 368
Reading Level: Adult
4.5 out of 5 Stars
Description from Goodreads:
"Nineteen-year-old Nayeli works at a taco shop in the remote Mexican village of Tres Camarones and dreams about her father, who left for America years ago. Recently, it has dawned on Nayeli that he isn't the only man who has abandoned Tres Camarones. In fact, there are almost no men remaining - they've all gone north. This has also been noticed by a group of particularly nasty drug dealers, who, seeing an easy opportunity, plan to take over the town." But at a showing of the movie The Magnificent Seven at the village's decrepit theater, Nayeli has a vision: she will go north and recruit a group of men to return to the village. She will bring back her own "Siete Magnificos" to protect - and repopulate - her home. She and her friends head out for America, gathering a wild group of allies for a journey into the strange and beautiful land of their dreams and fears, the mythical place into which their fathers vanished, Their destination: a small town in Illinois, where Nayeli hopes to discover her father, her warriors, and - if she's lucky - her destiny.
My thoughts:
Nayeli and her friends travel to the United States in search of men to help protect their Mexican village from the criminals who plan to overtake it. Most of the men who lived in her village have migrated to the United States to work, leaving behind a village occupied by women, children, and elderly men. They lack any line of defense.
Nayeli also hopes to find her father, and return with him so that her family will be together again. They encounter many obstacles as they attempt to illegally cross the border, but Nayeli is always there to motivate her group of friends to keep going.
I adored this book. It is a story of hope, bravery, and perseverance. While parts induced laughter others brought forth tears. A dramatic plot with well timed moments of comic relief. Creative characters that you can’t help but to sympathize with and cheer for. I can see myself reading this one again and again. Nayeli was an amazing character, and I envied her strength of character. An extraordinary tale, I highly recommend.
I’m pretty sure this is aimed at an adult audience, but I think older teens would appreciate it as well.
Luis Alberto Urrea on the web:
Website | Reading Group Guide
Want to win a copy of Into The Beautiful North? I have a copy up for grabs thanks to Valerie with Hachette Book Group.
Rules:
Open to residents of the U.S and Canada
No P.O Boxes please :)
Book will ship from the publisher
Ends @ 11:59 pm on 8/31
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*Received from publisher in exchange for my review.
