On The Border Of A Dream is a Must Read
591199
What were you doing when you were nine years old?  Young Edgar Hernandez was an endearing, curious Mexican boy who discovered at this very young age that in order to create a better life for himself and the family he so dearly loved, he had to leave his home in rural Mexico and begin the challenging journey to obtaining US citizenship in pursuit of becoming an American surgeon.

Edgars story begins in La Mira, Mexico and through his impressionable and optimistic eyes we meet a spectrum of characters from his beloved grandfather, to his immediate familyhis father and mother and 7 siblings, a German Engineer, a dedicated elementary school teacher and finally his older half-brother, Miguel, an American citizen who resides in Phoenix, Arizona.

It is Miguel who commits to bringing Edgar on the journey of a lifetime. In 1959, when Edgar was just nine years of age, he and Miguel leave the life Edgar has known and so dearly loves to permanently join Miguel in Phoenix. With faith and bravery and Miguels life savings, he and Edgar set out to make this young boys dream come true.

The path to citizenship did not come without many obstacles for Edgar and Miguel, and this is where so much more beauty of the story unfolds.  The same endearing characteristics that made Edgar such a special young man in La Mira, sustained him through the consistent set-backs while gaining legal residency.  The characters, new and old, that come in and out of the story are generous, kind and courageous, just like Edgar and Miguel, and each and every one of them played a special part in bringing Edgar's dream to fruition.

After years of commitment and hard work, and always the constant and unwavering support of his beloved (and growing) family and friends, Edgar became a Board Certified American surgeon in 1985, and has been re-certified 3 times thereafter.  On the Border of the Dream is not only an inspired, but an inspiring story about love, faith, determination and why the composition of America is richer, stronger and more compassionate when it opens its doors to immigrants like Edgar who dream big and don't ever give up.
96481
Steve Bender's book, Run for the Border, offers an incredibly engaging and thought-provoking historical account of issues centering on the southern border. Well-researched, Run for the Border provides varied perspectives on why different populations sought to either escape or seek refuge from the border. These perspectives included those of individuals north and south of the border. By offering these cross-border views, Run for the Border facilitates a broader understanding of events that led to unauthorized migration to the United States. Importantly, Run for the Border provides vaulable and helpful recommendations for comprehensive reforms regarding border crossings. Overall, I strongly recommend the book.
2680189
Regardless of obvious conservatives who spitefully review a novel based on dislike of an author's other writings without having read the book itself (which is quite obvious from the review by Eric from Conn)(I suggest taking a look at his bias by clicking on his recommended readings) this book is a must read. This writer's knowledge of humanity, present civilization and our psychology combine to form a wonderful story full of symbolism and lessons for all of us to learn.  I found myself  unable to put the book down. A definite page turner. "Echoes in the Wind" should be mandatory reading for anyone wanting to understand humanity, past, present and future. The psychology and introspections of the characters with the descriptive action and the knowledge it imparts makes this novel a treasure. Valenzuela's fiction is as inspiring, and as captivating, as his non-fiction essays.
3598805
One of the best books I have ever read. This book is about a spiritual journey taken by a Viet kieu (Vietnamese born immigrant returning home) to search for his roots. He travels through Viet Nam on a bicycle and is exposed not only to his country and his people, but the contempt and sometimes outright hatred they have of people like him. I think it really captures the land and the people, the latter from what many I know who have been back tell me, and certainly makes me question whether I really want to go back someday, being Viet kieu like Andrew.

It also takes a lot of courage to write about your own people like the way Andrew did, objectively, but including all the negatives with the positives. He is very observant and isn't shy to pull punches.

The writing style and quality of this book is also superb. It flows well and is easy to read, and it invokes all sorts of emotions easily.

A definite highly recommended book, and a must read for all Viet kieus who have a little more vested interest in the experience, but if you're not, you're still going to get a lot from it cause it will want to make you reflect on your own life, no matter how different or similar it might be to Andrew's.
4186218
A wonderful and captivating story of Eric's journey from Cameroon to America.  His story is a beautiful example of what can be if you believe.  It is a must read!
4764789
I think you would be hard pressed to find a book more relevant in today's climate than Illegal: a true story of love, revolution and border crossings. The author, John Dennehy, does a terrific job of welcoming you into his mind, and invites you on a journey through South America. While the writing takes a political tone from the start, you don't have to necessarily agree with the author in order to enjoy this book. Not only is this a quick, entertaining story, but it's incredibly thought provoking. Whether intentional or not, Dennehy humanizes the trials and tribulations many people go through in search of their best life. With the world both connected and divided more than ever before, this is an important and engaging read and I highly recommend it.
3777579
John Perkins' book, THE WORLD IS AS YOU DREAM IT is one of those rare books that tells a riveting story at the same time as it provides deep insights into what makes us who we are and the world what it is. I was so riveted to this book that I couldn't put it down for a second until I finished reading it.
The big idea in THE WORLD IS AS YOU DREAM IT is outlined by shamans in Ecuador who describe to Perkins the difference between living one's fantasies and living one's dream -- and how this difference has enormous personal and global repercussions. Healing involves changing one's dream; replacing a dream of illness with one of health. As one shaman tells Perkins, "I don't heal. I simply help them change their dream."
Perkins has been bringing people to learn from native shamans for many years -- living true to a desire he had since childhood to see indigenous peoples teach westerners their ways, and in so doing, change the course of history. Shamans have a strong need to change things, and Perkins does a fabulous job of describing some of his experiences visiting native shamans in Ecuador who demonstrate their healing and psychonavigation skills. A doctor who was part of Perkins' group was certain she died after ingesting ayahuasca (also known as "vine of the soul", or "vine of death") -- and she was also certain that a Shuar shaman brought her back to a healthy body by sucking the toxins from her and vomiting them nearby.
What impresses me most about THE WORLD IS AS YOU DREAM IT is the way Perkins illuminates the big picture of what humans are doing on Earth at the same time as he shares moving personal accounts of people who come to the Amazon and Andes to receive healings and gain vision in their lives. We are all interconnected, and dreaming this dream together... and we change this world by changing our perceptions. Dream change is an essential skill that everyone concerned with the future of humans on Earth has a vested interest in, and that we all can learn.
If you are ready to journey to a place where "what we dream, happens", this is the book for you!
2604418
I wanted to take a few moments to say how much I enjoyed reading "Hard Days Hard Nights".  This book is a true testament to creating the American dream. Our country is filled with amazing stories and every once in a while there comes along a book that helps revive the American spirit.  This is one of those books where you start reading it and you simply can't and don't want to put it down.

If one has family that immigrated to our great country, one can easily relate to the hard work, drive and determination expressed in the first few chapters.  You don't have to be Italian to relate, this book is more about taking a chance and doing makes you happy from my perspective.  I'd venture to say many people have started out chasing a dream and inevitably abandon their dreams to satisfy expectation or the pressures of sustaining a living.

There are so many aspects of this book that allows the reader feel like they are part of the action.  I cannot say enough about what a great book this is and how amazing these experiences must have been.  Thank you for sharing and helping to re-energize the desire to follow one's dreams.
2313327
I have just finished the last chapter of Chesa Boudin's book Gringo: Coming of Age in Latin America and I am sorry it has ended.  I tried to stretch it out over a week to savor each chapter and visualize his travels, but  I was unable to stop reading.  It is a beauifully written story of his respect for Latin America, it's history and it's people.

I admire Boudin's decision to travel by bus everywhere he went so he could travel with the locals, see the scenery, stop at small villages, despite the discomfort of traveling as many as 50 hours by bus.  Something few of us do today. We are in such a hurry to get to our destination.  He was fortunate to have the time to travel this way.  Boudin chose to travel with strangers, who often became friends.

I feel as if I have just traveled throughout Latin America with Boudin.  I highly recommend you give a gift to yourself and buy this book.
4196256
This is a book I voild not put down. A fascinating journey into the land of Csrlos Casteneda like mysticism . A real possibility about making the leap into another world and expanding your physic ability. A must read for those who seek knowledge. I read about this in a Dr Wayne Dyer book and it is a spellbinding book.
3898887
Susan Nunn's deeply moving and beautifully written book surrounding the very human stories of immigration could not be more timely. With great detail and emotional pitch, this book serves to instill passion about this important topic. The characters and story keep you turning the pages, while the luscious sense of place transports the reader to the border where these life and death dramas occur.
3592016
Robert Rosenberg has written a book that truly captures your imagination.  He paints such a broad picture of what life is like in the different areas of the world, however it does this in such a way that you do not want to put this book down.  I have spent time in Turkey and in Arizona and he describes life in these countries without flaw.  You will not be disappointed with this read and I hope that he comes out with another book, as his writing style is second to none.
4200991
I love books that cross borders, literal and emotional ones. This book does that and so much more. An American crosses the Atlantic and then goes to Israel, where she, Wendy Orange, then crosses the Green Line that separates Israelis and Palestinians. It is funny, at times, so human all the time and just a wonderful read: hopeful without sentimentality, smart without bravado, gutsy without braggadoccio. I love this book and recommend it highly, along with "Drinking the Sea at Gaza", also by a Jewish woman who crosses one serious border. But that's another story. This one is consistently well-written and to be savored. 5 Stars
748283
Through this book I was able to live a dream and understand the world a little better.  What will the future bring?  More countries?  Fewer countries?  This book proves that people and borders do change.
Very well done.
1046145
The box of Jawhara captured my imagination and had my attention the whole time. Its a wonderful book and is a must read! Coming from a diverse cultural background myself, I could appreciate the different ethnic references in this book.
4398143
Pendelton Wallace hit another home run with The Mexican Connection. The gripping story of Mexico's Narco War invading Ted and Chris's life enables the reader to get a look at the brutal environment that many in Mexico suffer. Though the troubles in Juarez have calmed, what the book reveals can erupt at any time. The book even changed my vacation plans in that I am now going to spend a couple days in Cholula, Mexico.
I recommend this Novel to anyone who wants to learn about the troubles in the border area and loves action novels.
2492425
Rhythms takes us on a wonderful journey of African American life from the late 1920s to contempory times. She chronicles the lives of Cora, Emma, and Parris. It is a story about dreams and the price one is willing to pay to make them come true. In the background of the story is a sociological history of African Americans. Ms. Hill's writing creates wonderful, colorful pictures in the mind. Your emotions run the gamut. Within the telling about Cora, Emma, and Parris you will experience first love, sorrow, rage, humiliation, fear, bitterness, fire, low self esteem, confusion, honor, and faith. Each makes choices that causes a ripple of effects. The book show us the power of love and forgiveness. It is never to late to set things right by honoring the truth. This is a book you need to have on your shelf. Bravo Ms. Hill! I can't wait for the next one.