Book Review: The Veins of the Ocean by Patricia Engel

I recently became the city coordinator for the local chapter of Las Comadres & Friends Latino Book Club. Every month there is a new main book, and one other book to read. The main book for November happened to be this book I had been wanting to read.
This is not Patricia Engel's first book she has a few other books out Vida, and It's Not Love, It's Just Paris are two of them.  The Veins of the Ocean was named a New York Times Editors' Choice.
When I received  The Veins of the Ocean in the mail I started reading it immediately. It took me awhile to read only because I stretched it out. I was afraid of the ending. It follows the sad and emotional story of Reina Castillo. Reina was born in Colombia, and carries many of the traditional beliefs and omens about her life. She feels the obligation of family suffering, she was the baby born after the death of another baby. She harbors guilt over a murder he beloved brother Carlito committed. After another family tragedy she sets to the road in Florida. She leaves her mother to her life, and is hoping to feel free from the prison of her mind and family legacy.
She meets man a bit older than her named Nesto. He is a refugee from Cuba with his own burdens and sadness. He is trying to escape the hardships of his past, while still living in the sadness of it. He has children in Cuba. Nesto feels he can not truly move forward in life without them with him. While he tries to help free Reina of her sadness and guilt they agree they will live for today. Neither one feel they can truly belong to each other, with the weight of their families wrapped around them.
This book was written so elegantly and does have so much sadness in it. The characters are so real. The settings are so vivid with the words that Patricia Engel uses. You will visit different parts of Florida, Colombia, and Cuba in this book. Through the characters and their process of becoming you will find out the meaning of the ocean and how she is a multifaceted goddess. You will see indigenous beliefs weaved in with Catholicism, you will see what is beneath the surface.


To purchase this book on Amazon:  click here
Patricia Engel's Goodreads Page

Book Review: Slicky Boys by Martin Limón

So long, farewell my friend. I know we've only known each other a short while, but you invaded my life. I stretched out reading you so that I could have your words linger a little longer. We met at local library association book store, it's like you lept out straight into my hands.

Your words were written to keep me on my toes, while not being out of the realm of possible. Sgt. Sueño and Sgt. Bascon are two of my favorite book characters no. I think Martin Limón is now my favorite author.

Dear Reader,

This book takes you through the life of two detectives in the US Army living in Korea. These two detectives are on the hunt for a murder of a British soldier, and to find out the reason he was murdered. They meet many people leading lives involved in petty crime, Korean high up brass and sometimes information falls into their lap when they board the USD Kitty Hawk. More lives are lost, some are nearly lost. In the end...you'll just have to find out. Go out and find yourself a copy.

Purchase here from Amazon:  http://amzn.to/2ff21oM

Book Review: Ethan and Michelle

Ethan and Michelle

By Giselle Walko

I got Ethan and Michelle on Thursday afternoon, I figured it might take me a couple days to read as I am knee deep in another book and participating in NANOWRIMO this year. I was wrong, as soon as I started I could not put it down, I had to though a couple times.  On to the book..... I honestly can say I really enjoyed this book. The book follows the immediate attraction of two young college students in the 90's. They become friends as one of them is already attached to someone else, but over time feelings develop. I don't want to giveaway too much, but I will say it's not one of those perfect Hallmark love stories however it's not a bad one either.
While reading this book I was talking to myself out loud, I even laughed out loud. You are sure ti enjoy this book about an interracial relationship that is sure to stand the test of time. Go grab a drink and a snack so you can dive right in.


You may purchase this book at Amazon. Here is the link.

















***Ethan and Michelle came to me in an ebook from LibraryThings Member Giveways. In return for the book I agreed to write a review. No monetary compensation

Book Review: Book Fiesta by Pat Mora

Book Fiesta

by Pat Mora

Illustrated by Rafael Lopez

This book is intended for pre-school to early elementary aged children. In my home our six children range in age from three years old to sixteen years old. I read this book to myself initially part of the October books for Las Comadres  book club.

I have read through it several times already to my younger children ages 3, 7, and 10. they like the ideas in the book on how to celebrate both El Dia de Los Ninos and El Dia de Los Libros.  In the book you will see children of different ages, and shades of brown reading in different places. You will see them smiling in worlds that books take them.

The book is beautifully written and even more beautifully illustrated. As you can see in the photos that the book is bilingual, both in English and Spanish. The book is great for both English and Spanish learners. I wish I could have prints of the art to hang throughout my house.

*click on book title to purchase from Amazon. I am an Amazon Affiliate.