Coveting the Dream

by Jacintha P. Griffith

The door to the Land of Opportunity slammed poignantly when a U.S. consulate in Belize denied Serena an entry visa. Fueled by a desperate desire to reunite with her boyfriend, Nick, who yearned for the American Dream, she embarks on a dangerous journey, risking her life and trusting underground smugglers to sneak her in through the back door. She lands in Brooklyn, to find Nick, where the Dream becomes a nightmare and opportunities become disappointments. This story chronicles the journey of a naïve 20 year old woman from Belize, who is determined to create her own American Dream after the devastating realization that Nick has married someone else. She navigates several avenues to obtain the coveted green card, including a fraudulent attempt which leads to her arrest and detention by the Immigration and Naturalization Service. Faced with deportation and the reality that the dream is swiftly slipping out of reach, Serena makes a desperate attempt to keep it in sight. Suddenly, her life takes on a new significance, with the help of a compassionate stranger. "Coveting the Dream..." is a fictional story on a topic that is relevant and timely as the U.S. pushes for more restrictions in the immigration laws.

Genres: Romance

160 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2012

About the author

I left my homeland Grenada, in the West Indies, in February 1979 on a vacation to visit family in Toronto, Winnipeg and Brooklyn, New York. While in Winnipeg, I watched the television broadcast of a political revolution erupting in Grenada. The aftermath of that revolution would later be one of President Reagan’s foreign policies, as he sent in U.S. troops for an invasion in October of 1983. At the time of the revolution, my husband, who was a police officer loyal to the ousted government, was seeking a way out of the country. I continued my trip to my final planned vacation stop in Brooklyn, New York, and while there I made the decision not to return to my homeland where political instability was prevalent. While awaiting my husband’s arrival, I found myself faced with the uncertainties of obtaining legal residency. As I navigated the many legal avenues to remain in the United States, I heard many interesting stories of how people dealt with the barriers to citizenship. Years later, while sitting near a window on the 67th floor of 1 World Trade Center where I worked as a staff financial analyst, I peered across the Hudson River at Brooklyn with its culturally diverse immigrant population, and this story began percolating in my mind.
I left my position with the Port Authority of NY and NJ’s Treasury department in July 1996 to attend New York University’s Masters of Occupational Therapy program. I had decided on a career change where I would be in a position of service to others. I have been working as an Occupational Therapist since January 1999, and have lived and worked as a therapist in New Jersey, Florida, and Texas, where I currently work as a pediatric occupational therapist in the Dallas area. I have developed a passion for social and educational issues since working with young children with physical disabilities, and with the issue of immigration, after working with children of migrant families in Florida. I received a humanitarian award in January 2009 from the Ocala Florida Elks/Florida Elks Association for my service to children in Marion County.
I was married for 26 years, but is now divorced with two grown daughters. This is my first novel. If there is a single sentence that describes my life, it would be this one from a song written by Bill and Gloria Gaither:
“I walk into the unknown, trusting, all the while.”

Reviews

[Sandra Greenman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Coveting the Dream is Jacintha Griffith's first published book. She has centered this story on the character Serena who enters the United States illegally in order to get answers to her dream. As a result of circumstance, hardship and sacrifice some dreams come to a close while others become realized. This book is a mixture of faith, romance and socio/political issues that make this story current. I recommend this book and look forward to reading more from Ms. Griffith in the future.

[Katherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This self published book is worth a read. The immigration issue is a difficult one and Ms. Griffith handled the subject matter well. The book is not long and the story has enough action to keep it interesting.

[Nerisa Eugenia Waterman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full Book Review can be found at the following sites:
http://nerisaewaterman.com/2016/02/02...
And
http://myohosisters.webs.com/apps/blo...-

This book is a quick read, and not to give away too much about this book, this book takes us across many genres, faith and religion being one, and romance being the other. Despite the fact this book is a quick read, the impact that it has on you will last forever. From the first page you are totally and completely invested in the characters and you are no longer imprisoned to the idea of defining characters as Immigrants or Americans. When you start looking at other human beings for who they are… humanity takes over. Which I believe is the strongest message in this book.

[African Americans on the Move Book Club · Rating 3 out of 5]

As i read this novel i began to meet Serena, a woman who risked her freedom to be with her love, but unfortunately and despite her many adversities and hardships that dream was short lived and reality sat in. You could feel the exhaustion and disappointments leap off the page at you as Serena tried over and over to acquire much needed acquaintances for sponsorship even a scandal! It was truly a rollercoaster. It did start off very mysterious and decorative but for me the chapters leading to Nick was a bit boring BUT im glad i gave it a chance because i like Serena's courage to know when enough is enough and just when you think its over magic happens. I enjoyed it!

Majesti Burroughs
AAMBC Reviewer

[Hillary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Especially timely in this Presidential election year, Jacintha Griffith tells the story of a Serena who is a brave heroine whose journey through life takes many unexpected turns after making the decision to come into the United States illegally. Written from a Christian perspective, Serena struggles and ultimately grows in her faith, has love, loses love, and finds love, then loses it, and ...no spoilers. This sweet, relaxing read is well worth the time and monetary investment, & I look forward to her next book.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Coveting the Dream is Jacintha Griffith's first self-published book. This story is based upon Serena who enters the United States illegally in order to fullfill to her dreams. She goes through hoops only to find her dreams crumbled. Although I'd never leave my child to go to another country to find the father, some might feel they must. Timed perfectly for the Presidential election this year. The immigration issue is a very difficult one and Jacintha has handled the subject matter well. This book is a quick read but with just enough energy to keep it interesting.

[Sharifah · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book