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Ana's Story: A Journey of Hope
She's seventeen. She's been abused. She has a child. And she's HIV-positive.
She is Ana, and this is her story. It begins the day she is born infected with HIV, transmitted from her young mother. Now she barely remembers her mamá, who died when Ana was only three. From then on, Ana's childhood becomes a blur of faint memories and secrets—secrets about her illness and about the abuse she endures.
Ana's journey is a long one. Shuffled from home to home, she rarely finds safety or love. And then she meets a boy. Berto is one of the only people Ana trusts with all her secrets. That trust puts Ana on a path to breaking the silence that has harmed her and leads her to new beginnings, new sorrows, and new hope.
Jenna Bush has written a powerful narrative nonfiction account of a girl who struggles to break free from a vicious cycle of abuse, poverty, and illness. Based on Jenna's work with UNICEF and inspired by the framework of one girl's life, it is also the story of many children around the world who are marginalized and excluded from basic care, support, and education. Resources included on this audiobook share how you can make a difference to children in need and how you can protect yourself and others.
A portion of proceeds to benefit the U.S Fund for UNICEF.
She is Ana, and this is her story. It begins the day she is born infected with HIV, transmitted from her young mother. Now she barely remembers her mamá, who died when Ana was only three. From then on, Ana's childhood becomes a blur of faint memories and secrets—secrets about her illness and about the abuse she endures.
Ana's journey is a long one. Shuffled from home to home, she rarely finds safety or love. And then she meets a boy. Berto is one of the only people Ana trusts with all her secrets. That trust puts Ana on a path to breaking the silence that has harmed her and leads her to new beginnings, new sorrows, and new hope.
Jenna Bush has written a powerful narrative nonfiction account of a girl who struggles to break free from a vicious cycle of abuse, poverty, and illness. Based on Jenna's work with UNICEF and inspired by the framework of one girl's life, it is also the story of many children around the world who are marginalized and excluded from basic care, support, and education. Resources included on this audiobook share how you can make a difference to children in need and how you can protect yourself and others.
A portion of proceeds to benefit the U.S Fund for UNICEF.
Audio CD
First published July 1, 2007
113 people are currently reading
1723 people want to read
About the author
Jenna Bush Hager
13 books49.9k followersJenna Bush Hager is a co-host on NBC’s TODAY Show and an editor-at-large for Southern Living magazine. She is the author of the New York Times bestseller Ana’s Story: A Journey of Hope, written after she served as an intern with UNICEF in Latin America. She also co-authored the children’s books Our Great Big Backyard and Read All About It! with her mother. She lives with her husband and two daughters in New York.
In March 2019, she started the #ReadWithJenna Book Club. Our current book is "The School for Good Mothers" by Jessamine Chan. Click here to get your copy and join us today!
Looking for all of Jenna's book club picks? Find them here!
In March 2019, she started the #ReadWithJenna Book Club. Our current book is "The School for Good Mothers" by Jessamine Chan. Click here to get your copy and join us today!
Looking for all of Jenna's book club picks? Find them here!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 494 reviews
February 4, 2019
I listen to the audio version of the book. I really enjoyed this read & was eye opening to listen to what people go through and how they are treated when they have HIV. I highly really recommend this book to everyone.
September 3, 2020
Ana'S story takes you on a journey of A TEENAGE girl living with HIV.
September 3, 2010
This book was very inspiring. It was written like a child would write. Simple and to the point. The author clearly grasped Ana's life and wrote it clearly and lovingly. I really loved it.
The abuse in this book is horrid. Bruises, cuts, scrapes. Touching, feeling, betrayals. The abuse in this book was both ugly and fierce. It's hard to believe these things happen in families and even in life. Though most of the time "stepfathers" or "stepgrampas", in this case, are not the same person as the persons actual relative, hating and spiting becomes more stronger to the grand daughter or daughter. For one thing, drinking caused the abuse, but that is because the person chooses to drink and then cannot control themselves. But when abuse is natural and happens by rage, that is jjust horrible.
HIV/AIDS was also involved in this story. It is very unfortunate that Ana, or even anyone, received this illness. It can ruin lives, families and even friendships. Though, this book shows equality; even if you have HIV or AIDS, you should be treated fairly.
This book also had a pregnancy. And no, it wasn't one of those messed up pregnancies you see on TV or some pretend one. It was real and accepted. However, the mother had not planned the pregnancy, she accepted and loved her daughter how every child should be loved. Ana loved her child with all her heart and never hurt her because her childhood was no childhood of a proper child.
Overall, this book was very unforgettable and amazing. This book had a happy ending and was a very enjoyable read of a real young woman who survived a life of nightmares.
The abuse in this book is horrid. Bruises, cuts, scrapes. Touching, feeling, betrayals. The abuse in this book was both ugly and fierce. It's hard to believe these things happen in families and even in life. Though most of the time "stepfathers" or "stepgrampas", in this case, are not the same person as the persons actual relative, hating and spiting becomes more stronger to the grand daughter or daughter. For one thing, drinking caused the abuse, but that is because the person chooses to drink and then cannot control themselves. But when abuse is natural and happens by rage, that is jjust horrible.
HIV/AIDS was also involved in this story. It is very unfortunate that Ana, or even anyone, received this illness. It can ruin lives, families and even friendships. Though, this book shows equality; even if you have HIV or AIDS, you should be treated fairly.
This book also had a pregnancy. And no, it wasn't one of those messed up pregnancies you see on TV or some pretend one. It was real and accepted. However, the mother had not planned the pregnancy, she accepted and loved her daughter how every child should be loved. Ana loved her child with all her heart and never hurt her because her childhood was no childhood of a proper child.
Overall, this book was very unforgettable and amazing. This book had a happy ending and was a very enjoyable read of a real young woman who survived a life of nightmares.
October 31, 2007
Say what you will about President Bush and his administration, I prefer not to judge a potential author by her familial ties with a politician who I completely disagree with. A lot of people came in asking for this book the week it came out, so I decided to give it a try. First off, it’s aimed at the "young adult" audience, so it was a very short read. I suspect that much of the content was "sanitized" to ensure a sort of PG-13 rating for the core audience of readers. Despite these facts, I felt like it contained a compelling story that is reality for many children and teenagers throughout the developing world that just about anyone could be sympathetic to.
Ana’s Story is narrated in a third person voice from beginning to end. Whatever political leanings Jenna Bush may or may not have thanks to her father’s influence are nowhere to be found throughout the story. She focuses all of her attention on a young woman named Ana who she met while working for UNICEF. Ana was born HIV positive, and grew up in a culture that heavily stigmatized her condition. Despite carefully taking her medications every single day to keep her disease in check, Ana was taught by family members and society alike that she could never openly discuss her condition and that it was a burden she would have to bear alone.
Throughout her childhood, Ana endured many trials and outright abusive situations on top of her growing anxieties over having HIV. Eventually, Ana finds her way into a home for HIV-positive individuals and learns that there is nothing to be ashamed of. However, the story does not end there, and Bush ends her book by describing resources the reader can use to find more information about HIV/AIDS and how the reader can help if he or she wants to (including the obvious UNICEF plug).
All in all, Ana’s Story is certainly a very fast and easy read, but I don’t think that detracts too much from the story itself and more importantly, the fact that Ana’s story can be found all over the developing world. I’ve seen reviews where Bush takes a beating for no other reason than the fact that her father is President Bush. This kind of criticism ignores the actual book and exposes the reviewer’s obvious political bias.
Ana’s Story is narrated in a third person voice from beginning to end. Whatever political leanings Jenna Bush may or may not have thanks to her father’s influence are nowhere to be found throughout the story. She focuses all of her attention on a young woman named Ana who she met while working for UNICEF. Ana was born HIV positive, and grew up in a culture that heavily stigmatized her condition. Despite carefully taking her medications every single day to keep her disease in check, Ana was taught by family members and society alike that she could never openly discuss her condition and that it was a burden she would have to bear alone.
Throughout her childhood, Ana endured many trials and outright abusive situations on top of her growing anxieties over having HIV. Eventually, Ana finds her way into a home for HIV-positive individuals and learns that there is nothing to be ashamed of. However, the story does not end there, and Bush ends her book by describing resources the reader can use to find more information about HIV/AIDS and how the reader can help if he or she wants to (including the obvious UNICEF plug).
All in all, Ana’s Story is certainly a very fast and easy read, but I don’t think that detracts too much from the story itself and more importantly, the fact that Ana’s story can be found all over the developing world. I’ve seen reviews where Bush takes a beating for no other reason than the fact that her father is President Bush. This kind of criticism ignores the actual book and exposes the reviewer’s obvious political bias.
March 30, 2013
Wow, would have thought Jenna Bush such a gifted author. This story is about many individuals who live in poverty but Jenna focuses on a young girl, gaining her trust gradually to tell her story. She is a teen aged pregnant girl with HIV/AIDS, and wise beyond her years. Through Ana's story you can hear the stories of at least thousands of people in terrible poverty and terrible circumstances. And yet, Jenna DOES make it a story of hope. She was working for the UN as an intern during this time and insisted NO SECRET SERVICE or she would not be trusted...this also was in my mind as I read this story. It is excellent and the last chapter has facts, figures and ways to help. I would definitely recommend this book to everyone. But maybe not for the faint hearted. The life she portrays is hard, ugly, and violent at times..heartbreaking.
October 28, 2008
...This book took me awhile to read only because I read it during class. So far this is my favorite book that I have read all year. Ana's Story is a true story and taught me a lot of things. The main thing that I learned was to be happy with everything that I have. Some people aren't as lucky as I am to have the things that I have. Ana really proved that your life can be great no matter what is happening in it. Also I think it would be a great book to read if you are a teen that is pregnant. Ana got pregnant when she was 16 and she had no clue what she was in for. Ana learned to love her life and that's what I thought was great about the book, that no matter how bad your life is it can always get better.
...Ana's Story made me want to look on the positive side for everything since I finished the book. Ana really went threw some hard times and she stuck threw them like it was nothing. When Ana's mom died when she was little she acted like it was nothing, but she was still truely sad about it. I couldn't even imagine my mom passing away and acting like it was nothing. Ana loved her mom very much and I do too, but I would definitely handle it much diferent. I also liked this book because it is a true story. I like non fiction books because I can relate to it some way.
December 15, 2021
Great book for teens.
January 14, 2012
What I love about reading is that it does not only entertain but it educates as well. There are many things I have learned through reading which I may not learn anywhere else. I must say though that most of the books that I really like are those that make me emotional – those that leave me breathless with suspense or make me cry buckets of tears. Indeed, I rate a book highly if it has affected me emotionally such as when I get too attached to the characters or when I am totally caught by surprise by the unexpected plot twists. These emotional attachments are most often results of reading fiction books, which I are the staple books in my shelf. I am not fond of reading nonfiction books because 1) I am more interested with fictional plots, and 2) I am also interested in beautiful prose – two things I think I cannot find in nonfiction books (I might be wrong).
This year, though, the very first book I read was a nonfiction book. I wanted to read something light but inspiring and positive to start the year but most of the books in my TBR are heavy (and thick!)readings, i.e. A Game of Thrones, Pillars of the Earth, The Unbearable Likeness of Being. It’s a good thing I was able to borrow Ana’s Story: A Journey of Hope from a friend late last year so when I saw it sitting in my (disorganized) shelf, I figured it would be the best book to start the year with, plus, I would be able to return it sooner to its owner. :D
Continue reading.
This year, though, the very first book I read was a nonfiction book. I wanted to read something light but inspiring and positive to start the year but most of the books in my TBR are heavy (and thick!)readings, i.e. A Game of Thrones, Pillars of the Earth, The Unbearable Likeness of Being. It’s a good thing I was able to borrow Ana’s Story: A Journey of Hope from a friend late last year so when I saw it sitting in my (disorganized) shelf, I figured it would be the best book to start the year with, plus, I would be able to return it sooner to its owner. :D
Continue reading.
November 29, 2010
Quick read - only took me a couple hours. Almost half the pages are pictures. The font is large and some chapters are only a paragraph long.
Somewhat interesting, but by no means inspiring. This girl seems to have stumbled into assistance after assistance. She never actually does anything to help herself beyond sometimes accepting assistance.
Somewhat interesting, but by no means inspiring. This girl seems to have stumbled into assistance after assistance. She never actually does anything to help herself beyond sometimes accepting assistance.
April 12, 2010
The story of a young girl who winds up getting AIDs and having a baby. It's pretty cursory and I think written towards teenagers.
December 6, 2022
Here Bush tells the story of one of the many people she came to know through her non-profit work with UNICEF, Ana, infected with HIV at birth, orphaned early in life, sexually abused by family, negelected by social services, and raising her own daughter as a poor single mother by early adolescence. Bush isn’t a great writer by any means, but she doesn’t need to be to accomplish her goal in this book, which is to provide an empathetic glimpse into a life wrought with grievous (but unfortunately common) difficulties. There’s no political underpinning here or even calls to concrete action; Bush lets empathy stand on its own merits by giving a name and a story to a person affected by issues that are so commonly discussed behind walls of data and veils of policy. It’s a sad story, but told with dignity and hope.
January 9, 2021
3.5 Stars
Interesting read and a nice teaching element for the youth.
Interesting read and a nice teaching element for the youth.
April 28, 2013
• Elby Wang
• Bush, J., & Baxter, M. (2007). Ana's story: A journey of hope. New York, NY: HarperCollins Publishers.
• Genre: Non-fiction
• Format: audiobook
• Review:
Ana understood that she was different from the other kids since she was seven. She barely has any memory about her mom because she died when she was little. Because of their struggles, her father leaves her and her sister to live with their grandma. Her happiest moments are the times when Daddy visited her. But the tragic loss of her dad ends those small moments of childhood happiness. She starts to pay attention to the cause of her parents’ death and her own illness—she is HIV positive. Abusive circumstances at home compel her to leave her grandmother’s house without regrets. Luckily she finds a shelter that offers all the help she needs. She becomes a teenager, a wife, mother, widow and fighter for her own life. UNICEF is the organization sponsoring this story. The story is told in such a radiant way that we almost forget the pain in Ana’s life. Her courage in facing all the challenges in her life is well-recognized. Moreover, it is clear that UNICEF constructs a moral to the story—that a life in desperate circumstances can still have meaning and happiness. The straightforward illustration of this African girl with AIDS doesn’t dull the true meaning of the story at all. Instead it pins out the crucial truth that millions of Africans face the threat of AIDS. Read this story and you will appreciate what UNICEF has done and be happy to put your coins into the UNICEF box.
• Bush, J., & Baxter, M. (2007). Ana's story: A journey of hope. New York, NY: HarperCollins Publishers.
• Genre: Non-fiction
• Format: audiobook
• Review:
Ana understood that she was different from the other kids since she was seven. She barely has any memory about her mom because she died when she was little. Because of their struggles, her father leaves her and her sister to live with their grandma. Her happiest moments are the times when Daddy visited her. But the tragic loss of her dad ends those small moments of childhood happiness. She starts to pay attention to the cause of her parents’ death and her own illness—she is HIV positive. Abusive circumstances at home compel her to leave her grandmother’s house without regrets. Luckily she finds a shelter that offers all the help she needs. She becomes a teenager, a wife, mother, widow and fighter for her own life. UNICEF is the organization sponsoring this story. The story is told in such a radiant way that we almost forget the pain in Ana’s life. Her courage in facing all the challenges in her life is well-recognized. Moreover, it is clear that UNICEF constructs a moral to the story—that a life in desperate circumstances can still have meaning and happiness. The straightforward illustration of this African girl with AIDS doesn’t dull the true meaning of the story at all. Instead it pins out the crucial truth that millions of Africans face the threat of AIDS. Read this story and you will appreciate what UNICEF has done and be happy to put your coins into the UNICEF box.
January 1, 2009
The thing I liked best about this book, as crazy as it sounds, is the simple way it was written. I had no idea this book was geared more for teens until the first page. But it's a GREAT book to give to any teen. I'm 30 years old and I ended up caring a great deal about what happens to Ana. Jenna did a terrific job of pulling the reader in and making all the situations come alive and making them real to those who have never dealt with them. I'd love to have my daughter read this when she's older. Much, much older. :)
I loved that she dispelled some myths at the end and that she gave resources for people who may need help and for those who want to and can volunterr. I'm planning on making use of some of them myself.
I really only even noticed this book because it was written by Jenna Bush. Had it been more for an adult it would be "my kind of book" but being that it's written for the younger crowd I'd have passed it by had she not been who she is. I applaud her for getting this information out there like she is and hope she does more. I'd probably read something else she wrote.
Oh, by the way, QUICK read, I started it this morning and finished it this evening. :)
I loved that she dispelled some myths at the end and that she gave resources for people who may need help and for those who want to and can volunterr. I'm planning on making use of some of them myself.
I really only even noticed this book because it was written by Jenna Bush. Had it been more for an adult it would be "my kind of book" but being that it's written for the younger crowd I'd have passed it by had she not been who she is. I applaud her for getting this information out there like she is and hope she does more. I'd probably read something else she wrote.
Oh, by the way, QUICK read, I started it this morning and finished it this evening. :)
November 13, 2013
Ana is a teenage girl. Her mother died when she was young and she has to live with having HIV. She was infected, abused, abandoned, and alone. Her strength, bravery, and determination is what got her through it all. She puts up a good fight for her child to have a well deserved life and a better future. Ana's story is inspiring for adults and children around the world.
This story was very inspiring. I loved how Jenna Bush shared Ana's story. This story could give hope and strength to all those that are suffering with HIV, teenage pregnancy, and abuse. It is well written and it provided a different prospective on life. Ana had a good attitude even with everything that was going on and I definitely learned from that. We should be happy with all that we have and have a positive outlook on our lives no matter how many bumps and turns we have in them.
I would recommend this book to people 15 years or older because of the content of the story. Anyone who likes a good read of a true story with inspiration, I would recommend this to you too. This book and story is definitely worth the read.
This story was very inspiring. I loved how Jenna Bush shared Ana's story. This story could give hope and strength to all those that are suffering with HIV, teenage pregnancy, and abuse. It is well written and it provided a different prospective on life. Ana had a good attitude even with everything that was going on and I definitely learned from that. We should be happy with all that we have and have a positive outlook on our lives no matter how many bumps and turns we have in them.
I would recommend this book to people 15 years or older because of the content of the story. Anyone who likes a good read of a true story with inspiration, I would recommend this to you too. This book and story is definitely worth the read.
December 2, 2008
I first heard about this book while watching a 20/20 episode while Jenna was promoting the book. I was so very impressed with Jenna Bush as a person. She was so incredibly mature, full of compassion and perspective, and so disarming in the face of the media. It was actually quite moving. Needless to say, after that interview, this book has been on my list of books to read for a while.
This book does a great job of putting womens issues in a narrative form. It purposefully very easy to read and something that teenagers could read and really start thinking about serious issues. Although,I would not pass this book on to my kids because I am ever a fan of abstinence and I don't feel this book promoted it well enough. At the same time, while I felt a lot of sympathy for Ana, every bit of loyalty in me was a bothered by her treatment of her child's father. At the same time, what can you expect when your main character is only 17?
This book does a great job of putting womens issues in a narrative form. It purposefully very easy to read and something that teenagers could read and really start thinking about serious issues. Although,I would not pass this book on to my kids because I am ever a fan of abstinence and I don't feel this book promoted it well enough. At the same time, while I felt a lot of sympathy for Ana, every bit of loyalty in me was a bothered by her treatment of her child's father. At the same time, what can you expect when your main character is only 17?
May 28, 2009
I read Ana's story and was stunned by it. It's about a girl who was born HIV positive from her mother. As I read the book I couldn't put it down; I was scared for Ana. I didn't know what was going to happen next. Whenever something good would happen to Ana something bad was around the corner. I feel bad because I take life for granted sometimes and I could be in a worse predicament. If something bad happens to Ana she is always optimistic and gets through it. It makes me feel grateful for the stuff I have. I have two loving parents and two loving siblings that care a lot about me. After reading this book, I am now looking on the positive side of things. Ana is very tough, she's been through a lot and still stands strong. I hope I can be more like Ana and stand strong if something bad happens. I liked that it was non-fiction and Ana continues to live her life. This was a different path for me and I really enjoyed reading it. I recommend it to everyone.
March 21, 2008
Ana's Story is based on a true story of a girl living with HIV in a country where HIV is a trivial topic. Ana was led to believe that talking about her disease was wrong and would destroy her reputation; she felt alone and burdened with the secret she was forced to keep.
Jenna Bush writes a compelling story about a girl she met while working with UNICEF in Latin America. The book is aimed for a young adult audience so it's a short and easy read. Despite this, I felt the story was still very good and the depth of it wasn't affected by its short length. I actually felt Ana's pain and experienced her joy through Bush's writing.
Overall the book was really informative. The story was written in an interesting way and made the book worth reading. Anyone looking for a good read should read this book.
Jenna Bush writes a compelling story about a girl she met while working with UNICEF in Latin America. The book is aimed for a young adult audience so it's a short and easy read. Despite this, I felt the story was still very good and the depth of it wasn't affected by its short length. I actually felt Ana's pain and experienced her joy through Bush's writing.
Overall the book was really informative. The story was written in an interesting way and made the book worth reading. Anyone looking for a good read should read this book.
April 23, 2014
CONTAINS SPOILER: In the book "Ana's Story", by Jenna Bush, is about a girl named Ana who has HIV/AIDS and she had gotten it from her mother. Ana also goes through a really tough time because her mother died so she started living with her grandma. Ana's grandma used to be mean to her and also the grandmas boyfriend used to molested Ana and her sister. Ana lived a terrible life when she was in her grandmas house, she also lived a terrible life when she was in one of her aunt's house.
I would recommend this book to people because it is an amazing book and it is also a sad book because she goes through a lot in her life. Also, some people would really like this book because it touches you and it catches your eye when you read the first few pages because it makes you want to continue reading and for it to never end.
I would recommend this book to people because it is an amazing book and it is also a sad book because she goes through a lot in her life. Also, some people would really like this book because it touches you and it catches your eye when you read the first few pages because it makes you want to continue reading and for it to never end.
March 10, 2008
A slick production with color photos and coated paper can't disguise some basic problems with story of a young Latin American woman who was born infected with HIV. We never learn exactly where Ana lives, not even the country. The jacket flap tells us that this is a composite picture based on Jenna Bush's work with UNICEF, and this may explain why Ana never really comes to life. The most useful part of this book is the back matter, which gives 10 myths about HIV/AIDS and gives links to resources.
August 25, 2017
I felt this book was poorly done. It was as if I was reading a small child's picture book. I appreciate Jenna Bush for her work and felt for Ana but the whole point is, did I feel moved enough to want to make a difference, as with all books of this nature should? The answer sad to say is...no. I was rather glad to be done with it. I felt cheated. I truly feel that if authors take on bringing a message to the world, they should do so with effort. This book lacked that. Her work in UNICEF may be commendable, but her writing stirred nothing within me.
October 13, 2014
This is an inspiring read. Ana's story is very sad, but she never gives up and she's fighting for her life and also for her baby. All we need to know about HIV/AIDS, not all are infected by it through what we have always known, some are through childbirth. Awareness and knowledge about them are being widely taught. There are some organizations that helps people and children with these kind of sickness.
October 8, 2007
This was a quick but interesting read. It is the journey of a young girl infected with the Aids virus. Jennna Bush seems very sincere in her hopes to help people around the world through Aids awareness. I will quote her" Simple signs of friendship and acceptance can often change the lives of those on the outskirts of society" We can make a difference if we all work together.
September 30, 2008
This book tells the story of a semi-anonymous girl growing up in Latin America. She is infected with AIDS from the time she was born and grew up in a country that has a lot of prejudice against those with AIDS. The real treat in this book is the gorgeous photography. The book is worth checking out for the photos alone.
March 23, 2009
I saw an article in the paper one day about Jenna Bush talking about why she wrote this book and her experiences through writing it and it interested me. So the next time I went to the library I decided to check it out. I admit, it wasn't the kind of book I can't put down until I fnish it, but I did enjoy it and was glad that Jenna Bush wrote it to spread the awareness of AIDs. :]
December 5, 2015
this book is inspiring despite this young girls upbringing and life sentence of being born with HIV! Jenna did a good job telling her story!
September 17, 2016
This book was very insightful into Ana's story. It's good to know that people can be strengthened and better even though they have experienced challenges. I feel compassion for Ana.
July 2, 2023
Ana's story is a reminder that we can't control the cards that life deals us. Sometimes life is fair to us, sometimes life isn't. What we can control is what we do with the cards that we're dealt. Ana got herself out of various bad situations (abusive family, awful step-grandpa). She graciously dipped out of a relationship that would not work for her and her child. It's amazing thinking about how young she was making these decisions. When I was her age, I was stressed about whether my paper would get a high enough grade to earn me an "A". I appreciate that Ana was willing to share her story and let others know that there is life after an HIV diagnosis.
March 1, 2021
Ana's Story tells the inspirational tale of Ana, a young girl who was born with HIV. Her life starts off very difficult, facing abuse and neglect at a young age, which carries on throughout her childhood.
The book is very thoughtfully written, and Jenna Bush takes great care as she tells Ana's story, which she learned while traveling with UNICEF.
TW: child abuse, child neglect, rape, molestation, sexual assault, bullying, teen pregnancy, parental death
The book is very thoughtfully written, and Jenna Bush takes great care as she tells Ana's story, which she learned while traveling with UNICEF.
TW: child abuse, child neglect, rape, molestation, sexual assault, bullying, teen pregnancy, parental death
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 21, 2018
This book is written in a style geared towards adolescents, so that took a bit to get used to. It's heartbreaking to read because you know the story can be repeated hundreds of thousands of times the world over. AIDS plays a huge role in the story, so thematic elements can be heavy at times. It reads like a school project, to be honest, and not a well-written one, at that. But I appreciate the effort to bring light to the plight of children all over the world.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 494 reviews