Beyond Juarez

by Marion Surles

A squatters’ neighborhood in Juarez, Mexico is an unlikely place to dream, and yet, Cristal dreams of becoming a teacher to help the lost and neglected. Daniel wants to chase the American dream across the border where riches abound. Itzel is swept along by her life as an unplanned pregnancy and hasty choices carry her where she hadn’t dreamed. As these young people navigate their way toward adulthood, a parking lot massacre, a workplace round-up, and a worldwide virus threaten to dash their hopes for the future. Do these young people have the grit to make their dreams come true? Or is money the only way to escape the crippling poverty of Juarez?

295 pages, Paperback

Published February 15, 2023

About the author

Finalist 2023 Southern Christian Writers Conference Beyond Juarez

Reviews

[Helen Mabery · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Beyond Juarez author Marion Surles describes in realistic details the extreme poverty experienced by the residents of Juarez, Mexico. Some of the characters make choices that lead them to cross the border illegally to chase the American dream. These men and women suffer the consequences of their decisions and soon learn that money cannot solve their problems. The author paints a compassionate, yet realistic picture of the characters who, like all human beings, make both good and bad decisions in their lives and who also experience the same joys and tribulations central to the universal human experience. A main theme of the book is putting faith in God and allowing Him to lead His followers through difficult times. I feel this book appeals to teenage readers as well as adult readers. The strength of Beyond Juarez lies in the author’s ability to write about the humanity behind the headlines.

[Emily Osborne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thankful for this heart and eye opening perspective of those dealing with tragic historical events

[Linda J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though Beyond Juarez is a continuation of the author’s earlier books, you will have no problem starting with this one first. I liked how this fictional book tied into real life events happening in the United States. The book helped me understand the difficulties that the immigrants face when choosing to come here even without using the proper channels. I think that young adults and adults of all ages will enjoy following the lives of several people from Juarez Mexico and the paths they followed into adulthood. Juarez is just right across the border from El Paso, TX but the living conditions, schools, and home life is so different compared to what many of us in the USA are accustomed to. The driving force of putting your faith in God and trusting him to lead you in your decisions and life are prevalent throughout the book. The lessons of trusting God and others that believe in following Him helped me forget about boarders and different customs and remember that we are all following the same God. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did.