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Readers' Comments for THE SAME SKY

In February, a select group of readers who participated in one of our Women's Fiction Author Spotlight Contests won copies of THE SAME SKY by Amanda Eyre Ward. Take a look at some of the readers' comments to give you more insight into this book... but watch out for SPOILERS!

Loretta C. of Hurricane, WV

THE SAME SKY by Amanda Eyre Ward is a timely and riveting book. Although the story is narrated in alternating chapters by Alice, a 40-year-old woman in Austin, Texas who longs for a child and Carla, a young Honduran girl struggling to survive and protect her 6-year-old brother, it is Carla who will linger in your heart and soul long after the story ends. Through her story we learn of the crushing poverty and gang violence that drive these desperate children to leave the only home they've ever known to undertake the perilous trek across Mexico to the U.S.  I highly recommend this book, along with ENRIQUE’S JOURNEY (non-fiction by Sonia Nazario), which depicts a 17-year-old Honduran boy's harrowing 1,600-mile journey across Mexico.

 

Susan B. of Altoona, PA

Thank you for the book! I was not certain I would like it, since it was classified as historical, which I'm not the biggest fan of.  Was I ever pleasantly surprised.  Amanda Eyre Ward has a gift for words.  It was beautifully written, with so much feeling.  It was also a quick read---I finished in two days, once I actually got going on it. It brought to light issues I really had never thought of and inspired compassion for all the illegal immigrants and what they go through for the chance of a better life. I would highly recommend this book to anyone---it was that good. I look forward to enjoying future novels by this writer.

 

Pam N. of Alma, MI

I received THE SAME SKYin the mail on Monday and finished it yesterday. This story caught my attention from "[H]er teeth are white as American sugar" and held it until "finds her way to newborn dreams." A retired teacher of literature, I found myself annotating the text as I always encouraged my students to do. Motifs of America, mother, and God recurred and as I read I was able to place geographically and emotionally the journeys of Carla and Alice as they lead finally to a crossed path.

The juxtaposition of Carla's and Alice's stories puzzled me at first. There seemed to be no connection except their different misery. I had heard of the appalling conditions of Honduras from friends and students who had ventured out on "mission trips" but the horrors became real through Carla. The author's personal research provides intimate insight. This book quietly screams for reform.

The book is rich with metaphor, color imagery, and smoky BBQ. My pencil was busy with admiration---"his words cut short, as if by wire cutters," "sunset burning from marmalade orange to violet, to black," "a sublime bite of salt and fat." The sentences are savory and my senses were sauced and simmered.

I did have questions along the way. Where, specifically, was Carla's home? How did she have such a lush vocabulary and know how to swim? From where did Carla's will and drive come?  The end reminded me a bit of the Adam Sandler movie "Spanglish." I confess I would be interested in a sequel. 

Character is my favorite literary element. I cared for these characters and devoured their stories. Season the pot with family, food and a little high school action---this book was a feast for me!

 

Marion M. of Fox Lake, WI

I just read the book in two days!  Couldn't put it down. Loved it. Will be passing on to all my book club girls. Do glad I won it. You hear about children coming across the border but not first-hand like this one.  So sad.

 

Catherine A. of Staten Island, NY

I enjoyed THE SAME SKY. It was a quick read. And it made me think about how good I have it. I live in America and have two wonderful daughters!

 

Carol S. of Westerville, OH

I have read it and enjoyed it very much! Made me think about what immigrants go through to become citizens of USA. Read a book several years ago titled THE TORN CURTAIN and realized how fortunate we are, and how much we take for granted. Good read! Would definitely recommend reading it for a book group.

 

Susanne T. of Racine, WI

Last night, I finished THE SAME SKY. It was a quick read because you wanted to find out what was happening next with Carla. It tore at your heart what she had to go through at such a young age. Alice's story was a bit boring at times. I predicted early on that the two stories would intersect but how they intersected was a surprise.[SPOILERS] I thought Carla's decision to give up the baby was the right decision for her as she wanted the best for her daughter and also wanted to go to college. [END SPOILERS.] The authors detailed description of Carla's life and journey was incredible.

 

Krystyna G. of Milton, MA

All the political news these days regarding illegal immigrants attempting to make their way into the US made me appreciate this book more than ever. We are constantly hearing about these poor souls trying to come into the US, but I don't think people realize the extreme hardships, struggles and misery they endure to try to fulfill their dream. I found THE SAME SKY to be a tragic story, yet at the same time an educational and beautiful one. I could not put it down once I started reading it, as I was not sure what the outcome would be.  Reading this book made me really appreciate my life (first as a legal immigrant and now a United States citizen) more than ever. I don't take it for granted.