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We Are Not From Here
A ripped-from-the-headlines novel of desperation, escape, and survival across the U.S.-Mexico border.
Pulga, Chico, and Pequeña have no false illusions about the town they've grown up in and the dangers that surround them. Though their families--both biological and found--create a warm community for them, threats lurk around every corner. And when those threats become all too real, the three teens know they have no choice but to run: for the border, for the hope of freedom, and for their very lives.
Crossing from Guatemala through Mexico with their eyes on the U.S. border, they follow the route of La Bestia, a system of trains that promise the hope of freedom--if they are lucky enough to survive the harrowing journey. With nothing but the bags on their backs and the desperation that courses through their very veins, Pulga, Chico, and Pequeña know that there's no turning back, dangerous though the road ahead might be.
In this story inspired by real--and current--events, the plight at our southern border is brought to life.
Pulga, Chico, and Pequeña have no false illusions about the town they've grown up in and the dangers that surround them. Though their families--both biological and found--create a warm community for them, threats lurk around every corner. And when those threats become all too real, the three teens know they have no choice but to run: for the border, for the hope of freedom, and for their very lives.
Crossing from Guatemala through Mexico with their eyes on the U.S. border, they follow the route of La Bestia, a system of trains that promise the hope of freedom--if they are lucky enough to survive the harrowing journey. With nothing but the bags on their backs and the desperation that courses through their very veins, Pulga, Chico, and Pequeña know that there's no turning back, dangerous though the road ahead might be.
In this story inspired by real--and current--events, the plight at our southern border is brought to life.
344 pages, Hardcover
First published May 19, 2020
527 people are currently reading
18082 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,426 reviews
May 5, 2020
Wrote it from my heart, hope it reaches yours.
August 31, 2020
I feel like I've been saying this for a lot of books, BUT 2020 is really coming through this year with the books. I was completely and totally heartbroken by this book, but I can't emphasize how important it is
I was provided an ARC of this book for review. All thoughts are my own.
Trigger Warnings: rape, sexual assault, death (on page), dismemberment (on page), violence against children, gang violence, racism
We Are Not From Here is one of those books that takes directly from real life experiences and puts on page for the world to experience. While I'm not a 24/7 watcher of the new (sometimes it makes life too depressing), I am actively aware of what's going on. This novel is a clear discussion of the experience of adults and children but more specifically children who make long and dangerous journeys in attempt to seek asylum from the atrocities that are occurring in their home countries. I must warn all readers that Sanchez does not shy away from the difficult topics that come with this book. If I am correct in my assumption, she was aiming to provide as close to a real life example of what people experience when they make these journeys. Due to the care with which she handled this entire book I felt so much in the pit of my soul for Pulga, Chico, and Pequena. This book, these characters made me laugh, cry, and take a look at my own life and realize that I could never imagine in a million years what these children have to go through and what they are willing to do just to make it to safety.
This is the first time that I need to come back and write a review. There is so much that I want to unpack, but I need to make sure that I gather my thoughts in a way to truly express how great this novel is without spoiling it.
Edit: Below is the rest of the review...
The events that lead to the journey of Pulga, Chico, and Pequena weren't easy to follow either. But I think by bringing the atrocities that these children face in their home countries really illustrates the need for them to make this journey. I wasn't aware of La Bestia prior to reading this book. It's literally a train that hundreds of immigrants ride the top of in order to make a quicker journey to US Borders. Some people call it "the death train" and rightfully so. While reading this book, the reader learns about the shear amount of fear that exists in just getting on this train. This doesn't include the harassment, threat of murder, sexual assault, starvation, and dehydration that most see during the journey. And Sanchez takes the opportunity to make sure that readers are completely aware of every possible scenario. But she does so in conjunction with showing the hope and unbreakable spirit that is exhibited by our three main characters. Don't get me wrong there were times when all three characters wanted to quit and I don't blame them, but it was heart-wrenching to realize that they would rather die trying to make this journey than return home.
There is also a discussion of how these children are treated once they make it into US borders. The recklessness and disgusting behavior that we see in our daily headlines about immigrant children being kept in horrendous situations like cages isn't glossed over in this book. To have made such a perilous journey to escape the abuses of your own country to then be abused by another country broke my spirit. I hope that in reading this book more people become aware of the dire situations that are being faced by immigrant children and how it's imperative that we develop a more humane method of helping those that are seeking asylum. I think for a lot of people in the United States it's easy to ignore issues that aren't directly affecting you; however, I couldn't imagine my child or any child going through what these characters went through and yet I know it happens. This is probably one of the saddest books that I have read in my lifetime and I hope that more people pick it up and share a willingness to learn more about the experiences of others.
I was provided an ARC of this book for review. All thoughts are my own.
Trigger Warnings: rape, sexual assault, death (on page), dismemberment (on page), violence against children, gang violence, racism
We Are Not From Here is one of those books that takes directly from real life experiences and puts on page for the world to experience. While I'm not a 24/7 watcher of the new (sometimes it makes life too depressing), I am actively aware of what's going on. This novel is a clear discussion of the experience of adults and children but more specifically children who make long and dangerous journeys in attempt to seek asylum from the atrocities that are occurring in their home countries. I must warn all readers that Sanchez does not shy away from the difficult topics that come with this book. If I am correct in my assumption, she was aiming to provide as close to a real life example of what people experience when they make these journeys. Due to the care with which she handled this entire book I felt so much in the pit of my soul for Pulga, Chico, and Pequena. This book, these characters made me laugh, cry, and take a look at my own life and realize that I could never imagine in a million years what these children have to go through and what they are willing to do just to make it to safety.
This is the first time that I need to come back and write a review. There is so much that I want to unpack, but I need to make sure that I gather my thoughts in a way to truly express how great this novel is without spoiling it.
Edit: Below is the rest of the review...
The events that lead to the journey of Pulga, Chico, and Pequena weren't easy to follow either. But I think by bringing the atrocities that these children face in their home countries really illustrates the need for them to make this journey. I wasn't aware of La Bestia prior to reading this book. It's literally a train that hundreds of immigrants ride the top of in order to make a quicker journey to US Borders. Some people call it "the death train" and rightfully so. While reading this book, the reader learns about the shear amount of fear that exists in just getting on this train. This doesn't include the harassment, threat of murder, sexual assault, starvation, and dehydration that most see during the journey. And Sanchez takes the opportunity to make sure that readers are completely aware of every possible scenario. But she does so in conjunction with showing the hope and unbreakable spirit that is exhibited by our three main characters. Don't get me wrong there were times when all three characters wanted to quit and I don't blame them, but it was heart-wrenching to realize that they would rather die trying to make this journey than return home.
There is also a discussion of how these children are treated once they make it into US borders. The recklessness and disgusting behavior that we see in our daily headlines about immigrant children being kept in horrendous situations like cages isn't glossed over in this book. To have made such a perilous journey to escape the abuses of your own country to then be abused by another country broke my spirit. I hope that in reading this book more people become aware of the dire situations that are being faced by immigrant children and how it's imperative that we develop a more humane method of helping those that are seeking asylum. I think for a lot of people in the United States it's easy to ignore issues that aren't directly affecting you; however, I couldn't imagine my child or any child going through what these characters went through and yet I know it happens. This is probably one of the saddest books that I have read in my lifetime and I hope that more people pick it up and share a willingness to learn more about the experiences of others.
May 22, 2020
“We are small people, with small names, meant to live small lives. That’s all we’re allowed to live. That’s all the world wants us to live. But sometimes, even that, even that, it won’t give us. Instead the world wants to crush us.”
We are not From Here was a book I knew next to nothing about when I picked it up, had heard no one talk about and had no expectations for.
I now want to remedy that, because this is the type of book that deserves to be shouted about from the rooftops, hyped and be given attention to. I was in no way prepared for the lasting impact this book would have on me, and I now need to talk about it in the hopes that even one person will read it.
We follow three Guatemalan teens on one of the most dangerous and deadly trips a person can take. They want to reach the US, and cross from Guatemala through to Mexico, following La Bestia- the beast train.
The characters were the shining light of the story. After seeing everything that had gone through, I was rooting for them with every fibre of my being. I loved their bond-family-though not by blood. I really admired the lack of romance in this book (and that is coming from me, a sucker for any type of romance). Their relationships felt so natural and authentic, and even stronger than if they were romantic ones.
“Blood doesn’t matter to us unless its spilling. We’re family. There for each other no matter what.”
They're just teenagers-the same age as me- and yet I could never even imagine what they had gone through. Simply hearing their internal dialogue about the types of things they have to worry about broke my heart. They not only prepare for the worst every single day, but they expect it.
“Maybe in other places terrible news is unexpected, but here it is not. Here we wait for it always, and it always comes."
Pequeña, Chico and Pulga are fictional characters, but this story is real. These are the experiences of thousands of people, their lives. And yet even if they make it through the perilous journey to the US, their troubles continue.
“We are so small. We are specks that don’t matter to this world. Our lives, our dreams, our families, don’t matter to this world. Our hearts, our souls, our bodies don’t matter to this world. All it wants to do us is crush us."
We Are Not From Here showcased the worst of humanity, the darkest most horrible experiences one could ever encounter- but also the importance of kindness, human connection and love.
In terms of storytelling, I could not stop listening. The plot was as riveting as it was difficult to read. I needed to know what would happen, needed everything to work out for these characters. I loved the inclusion of Spanish words throughout, and how they were incorporated so that even I, a non-Spanish speaker could understand through the context. I would really recommend the audiobook to those interested, because to me it elevated the atmosphere and reality of the story.
I am not quite sure what is holding me back from giving this a full five stars. It may have been the ending which I think wrapped up a little too quickly for my liking, or the lack of an epilogue. Whatever it is, I would still recommend this book without hesitation to anyone who wants a hard hitting and relevant YA contemporary.
“We did it.
We are not those in the distance who have stopped running and have to wait for the next train. We are not those back in our neighborhoods, waking up to another day and another and another and whatever threat has climbed in through our windows, whispered our horrible fate into our ears.
We are each luchadores.
We are fighters.
We are those who dared to try against impossible odds."
Thank you to Dreamscape Media and Libro.fm for this ALC
Release Date: 19 May 2020
We are not From Here was a book I knew next to nothing about when I picked it up, had heard no one talk about and had no expectations for.
I now want to remedy that, because this is the type of book that deserves to be shouted about from the rooftops, hyped and be given attention to. I was in no way prepared for the lasting impact this book would have on me, and I now need to talk about it in the hopes that even one person will read it.
We follow three Guatemalan teens on one of the most dangerous and deadly trips a person can take. They want to reach the US, and cross from Guatemala through to Mexico, following La Bestia- the beast train.
The characters were the shining light of the story. After seeing everything that had gone through, I was rooting for them with every fibre of my being. I loved their bond-family-though not by blood. I really admired the lack of romance in this book (and that is coming from me, a sucker for any type of romance). Their relationships felt so natural and authentic, and even stronger than if they were romantic ones.
“Blood doesn’t matter to us unless its spilling. We’re family. There for each other no matter what.”
They're just teenagers-the same age as me- and yet I could never even imagine what they had gone through. Simply hearing their internal dialogue about the types of things they have to worry about broke my heart. They not only prepare for the worst every single day, but they expect it.
“Maybe in other places terrible news is unexpected, but here it is not. Here we wait for it always, and it always comes."
Pequeña, Chico and Pulga are fictional characters, but this story is real. These are the experiences of thousands of people, their lives. And yet even if they make it through the perilous journey to the US, their troubles continue.
“We are so small. We are specks that don’t matter to this world. Our lives, our dreams, our families, don’t matter to this world. Our hearts, our souls, our bodies don’t matter to this world. All it wants to do us is crush us."
We Are Not From Here showcased the worst of humanity, the darkest most horrible experiences one could ever encounter- but also the importance of kindness, human connection and love.
In terms of storytelling, I could not stop listening. The plot was as riveting as it was difficult to read. I needed to know what would happen, needed everything to work out for these characters. I loved the inclusion of Spanish words throughout, and how they were incorporated so that even I, a non-Spanish speaker could understand through the context. I would really recommend the audiobook to those interested, because to me it elevated the atmosphere and reality of the story.
I am not quite sure what is holding me back from giving this a full five stars. It may have been the ending which I think wrapped up a little too quickly for my liking, or the lack of an epilogue. Whatever it is, I would still recommend this book without hesitation to anyone who wants a hard hitting and relevant YA contemporary.
“We did it.
We are not those in the distance who have stopped running and have to wait for the next train. We are not those back in our neighborhoods, waking up to another day and another and another and whatever threat has climbed in through our windows, whispered our horrible fate into our ears.
We are each luchadores.
We are fighters.
We are those who dared to try against impossible odds."
Thank you to Dreamscape Media and Libro.fm for this ALC
Release Date: 19 May 2020
July 16, 2020
Why this book may not be for you: This is a YA contemporary about a very difficult subject. The plot is simple, and with that I don't mean to say that any of the character's motivations are simple or that any of this journey is simple, but rather that we follow a very stripped down story in a linear fashion. Our three main characters need to run, and they do. The beginning felt a bit on the slow side to me, relying overmuch on repetition to establish our characters, their circumstances and their motivation. In comparison, the second half of the book is almost frenetic.
It is a very heavy story. Content warnings for gun violence, death of a parent, rape, sexual assault, an "on screen" death of a child, dismemberment, and additional violence against children.
Why I loved this book: First, I should clarify that while I am Latina, I am not from Guatemala or Mexico, so this should not be considered an own voices review.
This is one of those "ripped from the headlines" sorts of books, giving names and faces to what are too often are just soundbites and 10-second-clips in the US. From migrant caravans to kids in cages to build the wall-- I feel like it's easy to consider these as a whole, as concepts, and to remove the real people at the heart of these issues. This is fiction, but through a well written story, Torres Sanchez invites us to humanize and give attention to what isn't fiction for so many migrants.
Torres Sanchez does an excellent job balancing her portrayals of Guatemala, Mexico and the US. Puerto Barrios has family and love and delicious food. It has people helping each other, mothers being more progressive than their mothers, women adopting children and welcoming them into their families. It has children who play and dream and enjoy sodas. It also has violence of the sort that means that a premature death is all but guaranteed for our three main characters. We are able to understand why they need to leave, but also the pain of all they leave behind. Likewise, their journey through Mexico is dangerous-- life and limb in literal peril. We see the additional violence of those who take advantage of migrants, and worse, those who kidnap, inflict additional violence or kill them. At the same time, we see the shelters, scattered throughout the train line, willing to take in and house those who desperately need it. And of course, Pequena, Pulga and Chico are headed towards the US, where they have placed all of their hopes and dreams, where there can be opportunity for them. And when Pulga gets to the border, he's thrown in a cage. It's written with the complexity it deserves.
Torres Sanchez also does a good job getting us invested in the characters, not only because of their immediate danger, but through the love they have for their families and for each other. Through these three different characters, their varying degrees of softness, their distinct personalities, we get to ask the question of what would it take to survive three times.
This book made me incredibly curious to learn more about La Bestia and those coming from central America to seek asylum in the US. I've got a bunch of additional non-fiction resources on hold from the library. I love when a book makes me think deeply about a subject and invites me to continue to do more research.
Overall, an emotional work I will not soon or easily forget and one I couldn't put down. I read this in one single sitting.
October 29, 2021
A strong story with a very possibly scenario
We are Not from Here
By Jenny Torres Sanchez
This is a very possibly scenario of what may bring unaccompanied minors on the long trek to the US from Central America. Bitterly emotional, frightening, and sadly quite realistic.
We are Not from Here
By Jenny Torres Sanchez
This is a very possibly scenario of what may bring unaccompanied minors on the long trek to the US from Central America. Bitterly emotional, frightening, and sadly quite realistic.
May 9, 2023
If I say this book is about life being unfair, it is downplaying it. And makes me sound ignorant. We Are Not From Here addresses a heavy topic that I was not aware of up until now. This book tells us about the cruel reality for some Guatemalans having a difficult and restless life they did not choose for themselves. Although they only desire a peaceful life and to chase after their dreams, it is barely enough.
"We are luchadores. We are fighters. We are those who dare to try against impossible odds. We determine our own fate."
Its entirety shattered me. My heart goes to Pequeña, Pulga and Chico, who the world does not deserve, who desperately wants to seek refuge and a better life across the borders to los Estados Unidos despite the terrifying journey they have to take. To run away from the torment they are experiencing in Guatemala despite the families and memories they will leave behind.
It breaks me how their stories are only a part of what’s happening in reality. But what left me to actual pieces is the author’s note. Jenny Torres Sanchez doubted herself at some point from writing this book, and I can’t help but thank her for continuing it, for amplifying these kids’ voices – to show what it feels like to experience terror, to feel lost, to take risks, to lose someone, to fear, and to stand on the brink of giving up.
It is disheartening knowing that although we are all on the same vast ocean, we are all on different boats. I still have minute knowledge apart from some articles and testimonies about La Bestia, but I believe this is the least I can do now. To learn and to acknowledge.
"We are luchadores. We are fighters. We are those who dare to try against impossible odds. We determine our own fate."
Its entirety shattered me. My heart goes to Pequeña, Pulga and Chico, who the world does not deserve, who desperately wants to seek refuge and a better life across the borders to los Estados Unidos despite the terrifying journey they have to take. To run away from the torment they are experiencing in Guatemala despite the families and memories they will leave behind.
It breaks me how their stories are only a part of what’s happening in reality. But what left me to actual pieces is the author’s note. Jenny Torres Sanchez doubted herself at some point from writing this book, and I can’t help but thank her for continuing it, for amplifying these kids’ voices – to show what it feels like to experience terror, to feel lost, to take risks, to lose someone, to fear, and to stand on the brink of giving up.
It is disheartening knowing that although we are all on the same vast ocean, we are all on different boats. I still have minute knowledge apart from some articles and testimonies about La Bestia, but I believe this is the least I can do now. To learn and to acknowledge.
July 7, 2020
A timely, thought provoking, heart wrenching, desperate tale of 3 teens trying to cross the Mexican border into the US for safety and a future that will viscerally tear through your heart.
Jenny Torres Sanchez has literally ripped my heart out with this book! Pulga, Chico and Pequeña’s journey brought up so many emotions in me - I ugly cried, I laughed, I felt horror, I felt hope but above all I felt such admiration and love for these characters.
This is a reality we hear often in the news - immigrants desperately trying to cross into US borders. This story brings this to life in such a vivid, emotional way. We experience why these teens need to leave everything and everyone they know and love. We are with them every step of their perilous, often daunting journey and feel all their loss and their unyielding desire to survive.
𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐈 𝐮𝐫𝐠𝐞 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝. It was my favorite June read and easily will be in my top books for the year. Thank you to Libro.fm for providing me with an ALC which was absolutely amazing!
Jenny Torres Sanchez has literally ripped my heart out with this book! Pulga, Chico and Pequeña’s journey brought up so many emotions in me - I ugly cried, I laughed, I felt horror, I felt hope but above all I felt such admiration and love for these characters.
This is a reality we hear often in the news - immigrants desperately trying to cross into US borders. This story brings this to life in such a vivid, emotional way. We experience why these teens need to leave everything and everyone they know and love. We are with them every step of their perilous, often daunting journey and feel all their loss and their unyielding desire to survive.
𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐈 𝐮𝐫𝐠𝐞 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝. It was my favorite June read and easily will be in my top books for the year. Thank you to Libro.fm for providing me with an ALC which was absolutely amazing!
August 1, 2020
For anyone who said "oh em gee, American d*rt is so good. I can't believe it! I wish we had books like this by own voices authors, but oh well!" THIS is that book. It is, far and away, so much better than (Am.) dirt. These characters, the journey, it's just phenomenal.
May 30, 2020
One of my favorite reads of this year!!! This tugged at all the heart strings. I cried and I smiled reading this book.
We are not from here is about 3 kids who want to leave the lives behind in Guatemala and head to the United States. It talks about the dangers they face in their own country. It talks about the dangers they encounter in trying to come into the States. I have never read a book like this one. A true eye opener.
We are not from here is about 3 kids who want to leave the lives behind in Guatemala and head to the United States. It talks about the dangers they face in their own country. It talks about the dangers they encounter in trying to come into the States. I have never read a book like this one. A true eye opener.
August 19, 2024
There has not been nearly enough buzz about this book, one that is so deeply harrowing and beautifully written and incredibly important. I cried many times reading this and this pain will linger in my memory just as impactfully as Randy Ribay's Patron Saints of Nothing's effect on me has. Need I say more? Read this book. And share it with everyone after you do.
Read
June 29, 2020I was traveling and had a million things to get done when this novel was sent to me for a potential blurb. I was riveted from the first page of this book and shocked and touched by the plight of the three teenagers in Guatemala whose plight and fate this story follows. I could not put this book down and I am honored to help it enter the world. I can’t imagine any teen being anything but riveted by the story of Pulga Chico and Pequena as they are forced to make a terrifying journey, leaving behind their home and loved ones when their lives are threatened. I can’t imagine any heart would not be moved by their fight to survive and retain their humanity. Sanchez has created characters that are real and flawed and brave and young and unforgettable; each of the three strong in a different way. If you aren’t afraid of being ripped apart by raw emotion, read this book. If you are afraid of being ripped apart by raw emotion, read this book. Because some books, like We Are Not From Here are important and necessary and they force us to imagine the unimaginable. They shrink our world by expanding our understanding and empathy.
November 9, 2024
This book was wonderful. It reminded me of how lucky I am. I feel like everyone should read this book at least once in their life even though I reread it frequently. It’s a realistic fiction that is absolutely gut wrenching
September 6, 2020
We Are Not from Here
Jenny Torres Sanchez
What a phenomenal read about three teens' harrowing journey from Guatemala through Mexico to the US. Based on real life events, the writing was visceral, realistic and gut wrenching. I was completely immersed into the story of these teens' lives as they escape danger as you find yourself rooting for their survival and plight. I highly recommend this book. an absolute 5 star read for me.
Jenny Torres Sanchez
What a phenomenal read about three teens' harrowing journey from Guatemala through Mexico to the US. Based on real life events, the writing was visceral, realistic and gut wrenching. I was completely immersed into the story of these teens' lives as they escape danger as you find yourself rooting for their survival and plight. I highly recommend this book. an absolute 5 star read for me.
October 4, 2023
We Are Not from Here by Jenny Torres Sanchez is absolutely outstanding and should be required reading as far as I'm concerned. It's a tough read and it feels like it's ripped right out of the headlines. I know I can't say anything that hasn't already been said about it, but do yourself a favor and read it.
January 22, 2024
this was one of the best, most beautiful, most heart-wrenching books i’ve read in a very long time.
i’m half mexican, part asian. my abuelos — and my halmoni — were immigrants. my ancestry is scattered over five continents. and my skin is brown.
this book holds the story of my people. all the immigrants, all the descendants, everyone like me, like my grandparents, like us.
i cried so many times while i was reading this. the prose, the characters, the humanity — it’s unforgettable. i sobbed in a public library amidst the blood and patter of f-words in one scene, because their stories have broken my heart.
the theology is shattered and flawed and beautiful. there’s a mixture of alebrije type of spirit guardians, and ghosts, and reincarnation, and gorgeous, gorgeous catholicism. the christian representation was absolutely, unapologetically lovely.
the content is heavy. the stories are pure grief and trauma and hope. as much as this book was a political protest against the way trump’s laws treated little migrant children — this was also a cry to look at the humanity of these people. they’re people. not drug smugglers. not terrorists. they are broken, terrified people. it is the story of us, of them, of the unity we could achieve if only we cared.
“but i don’t know what i believe anymore. i don’t know if i believe in god. because if god exists, and he sees everything, why doesn’t he see us?
why?
and why do we have to die to finally, finally be safe?
and how can the world hate us for trying to survive?”
c o n t e n t
language:
a heavy dose of f words (probably a little over 20 in total, although a good 10 of them are concentrated over like, three pages.) they’re all appropriately used. a couple uses of b**tch (if i’m remembering right). frequent uses of godd*mn and sh*t. a lot of other pg language.
sex:
the female mc is forced into a sexually abusive relationship (consisting of nonconsensual kissing, touching, and rape. the last isn’t… explicit or violent, but it’s somewhat shown.) she’s also groped a few times.
violence:
characters die in graphic ways — murder by gunshots, or being run over by a train or a car. the author is relatively horrific with her descriptions, because they’re necessary. they’re necessary.
i’m half mexican, part asian. my abuelos — and my halmoni — were immigrants. my ancestry is scattered over five continents. and my skin is brown.
this book holds the story of my people. all the immigrants, all the descendants, everyone like me, like my grandparents, like us.
i cried so many times while i was reading this. the prose, the characters, the humanity — it’s unforgettable. i sobbed in a public library amidst the blood and patter of f-words in one scene, because their stories have broken my heart.
the theology is shattered and flawed and beautiful. there’s a mixture of alebrije type of spirit guardians, and ghosts, and reincarnation, and gorgeous, gorgeous catholicism. the christian representation was absolutely, unapologetically lovely.
the content is heavy. the stories are pure grief and trauma and hope. as much as this book was a political protest against the way trump’s laws treated little migrant children — this was also a cry to look at the humanity of these people. they’re people. not drug smugglers. not terrorists. they are broken, terrified people. it is the story of us, of them, of the unity we could achieve if only we cared.
“but i don’t know what i believe anymore. i don’t know if i believe in god. because if god exists, and he sees everything, why doesn’t he see us?
why?
and why do we have to die to finally, finally be safe?
and how can the world hate us for trying to survive?”
c o n t e n t
language:
a heavy dose of f words (probably a little over 20 in total, although a good 10 of them are concentrated over like, three pages.) they’re all appropriately used. a couple uses of b**tch (if i’m remembering right). frequent uses of godd*mn and sh*t. a lot of other pg language.
sex:
the female mc is forced into a sexually abusive relationship (consisting of nonconsensual kissing, touching, and rape. the last isn’t… explicit or violent, but it’s somewhat shown.) she’s also groped a few times.
violence:
characters die in graphic ways — murder by gunshots, or being run over by a train or a car. the author is relatively horrific with her descriptions, because they’re necessary. they’re necessary.
July 22, 2020
Pulga, Chico, and Pequeña live in Guatemala. Pulga and Chico are not related by blood, but Chico was adopted by Pulga's mother, when Chico's mother is gunned down in the local market. Pulga and Chico witness the murder of an elderly shopkeeper, who has always been kind, and then are forced into working for the killer, collecting protection money or drug profits. Meanwhile, their friend, Pequeña, has an unwanted baby, having been raped by a local thug, who insists they come away with him. So the three run north, hoping to get to the U.S., riding the dangerous trains, known as La Bestia. A harrowing and sad story of friendship and fear, unexpected kindness and vitriol. Heart-wrenching, for sure. This is clearly targeted at a younger audience than American Dirt, which I liked better since I did not connect to the characters in this one. P.S. Don't forget to read Sanchez's afterword.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 11, 2020
This is a clear and direct YA alternative to American Dirt. A heart-stopping and emotional story of immigrating to the US by teens who have no choices left where they are. Beautiful and so incredibly sad. Makes you think about why people still risk coming to this country, even when they face being locked in cages. A stunner of a book and so, so timely.
March 13, 2025
this put me in a massive audiobook slump bUT i think it is very well written and very good, just Heavy and i have been struggling with serious books recently.
October 23, 2023
→WE ARE NOT FROM HERE
Genres: Realistic Fiction, Contemporary, Survival, Social Justice
Author: Jenny Torres Sanchez
Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★.5
"You plan your escape because no matter how much color there is or how much color you make yourself see, you've watched every beautiful thing disappear from here. Made murky by night and darkness and shadow.
You plan your escape because you've seen your world turn black.
You plan your escape.
But you're never really ready to go. "
→What is it about?: Pulga lived in fear for his life. He watched as blood bled into the concrete and human life ended in an instant. He saw as young boys were recruited and was unable to avoid when he was drawn into conflict. With his and Chico's lives on the line, the two realize that running from the place they have grown up will become a reality. Pequeña was told to keep her head down. She had to live in fear because her body changed, because she grew older, because she was a girl, and because she could be killed at any time. She wanted to run away because she knew the future she would have if she stayed here. So the three of them run—run in hopes that America will be a place where their dreams must come true. They go on the route of La Bestia, a journey that will be both mentally and physically demanding. Only a few will survive, and what awaits them on the other side is not what they had dreamed of.
___________________
→ My thoughts: Fellow readers, I cried. I cried because the writing was beautiful. I cried because these characters' journey contained many truths. We Are Not from Here does not represent the journey that all migrants go through, but it carries an undeniable reality: There are many people who leave their homes in search of a better life. Instead of being received with compassion, they are received with cruelty. I love fiction that helps readers educate themselves and learn more about an experience that many are going through right now. It's a story that is visceral in the truth it ultimately reveals: on a journey for a better life, many will lose their lives, their will to live, who they were, and their loved ones.
"Feeling too much will kill me, I tell myself.
Not feeling anything will, too, it says."
Jenny Torres Sanchez's writing is memorable. It's honest, truthful, and realistic. She has such a way of writing emotions that it seems to seep through the pages. Her writing is filled with emotion. Pulga and Chico are fifteen, yet they have seen dead bodies, have seen people die, have lived in fear, and have been forced to do things they don't want to do. Pequeña goes through a different set of struggles than Pulga and Chico. The things she goes through have strong effects on her, both mentally and physically. As a reader, it becomes undeniably clear that Pequeña, Chico, and Pulga's hope for a better life becomes an option that could save them from the lives they have been living thus far. The circumstances they are in will kill them, figuratively and literally. It takes courage to leave behind the people they love and the place they grew up in. It takes courage to go through what they do. It is terrifying to know that there are people who do not survive the journey. There are people who make it, but their voices are unheard.
"I love you so much. Could he love me even though he never knew me? The way I love him. Your pain, you can leave all of it behind you now. I'm heading there, to the future, to the place where he grew up. But now there's a different pain. Because I'm not leaving just pain behind. I'm leaving behind everything I loved, too."
As the story progresses, the characters strive to survive. In order to do so, they must see, experience, and do things that take from them. Yet they all do this in the hope that they will live a better life. The way each character slowly loses parts of themselves and processes their trauma is written in a way that drew me in completely. I was immersed in the writing, in the story of these characters' journeys, which led me to spend my entire afternoon reading. The relationship between Chico and Pulga is one of the many things that stood out to me the most. They had such a complex friendship that was profound. Pulga's relationship with the part of him that feels emotions deeply was explored throughout the story in the best way possible. It asks a question: What does it look like if someone survives but loses themselves?
This is such a heart-breaking story. It is also one of survival, resilience, and dreams. It's an excellent story that is definitely one of the best novels I have read this year.
✅PLOT
✅CHARACTERS
✅PLOT TWISTS
Genres: Realistic Fiction, Contemporary, Survival, Social Justice
Author: Jenny Torres Sanchez
Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★.5
"You plan your escape because no matter how much color there is or how much color you make yourself see, you've watched every beautiful thing disappear from here. Made murky by night and darkness and shadow.
You plan your escape because you've seen your world turn black.
You plan your escape.
But you're never really ready to go. "
→What is it about?: Pulga lived in fear for his life. He watched as blood bled into the concrete and human life ended in an instant. He saw as young boys were recruited and was unable to avoid when he was drawn into conflict. With his and Chico's lives on the line, the two realize that running from the place they have grown up will become a reality. Pequeña was told to keep her head down. She had to live in fear because her body changed, because she grew older, because she was a girl, and because she could be killed at any time. She wanted to run away because she knew the future she would have if she stayed here. So the three of them run—run in hopes that America will be a place where their dreams must come true. They go on the route of La Bestia, a journey that will be both mentally and physically demanding. Only a few will survive, and what awaits them on the other side is not what they had dreamed of.
___________________
→ My thoughts: Fellow readers, I cried. I cried because the writing was beautiful. I cried because these characters' journey contained many truths. We Are Not from Here does not represent the journey that all migrants go through, but it carries an undeniable reality: There are many people who leave their homes in search of a better life. Instead of being received with compassion, they are received with cruelty. I love fiction that helps readers educate themselves and learn more about an experience that many are going through right now. It's a story that is visceral in the truth it ultimately reveals: on a journey for a better life, many will lose their lives, their will to live, who they were, and their loved ones.
"Feeling too much will kill me, I tell myself.
Not feeling anything will, too, it says."
Jenny Torres Sanchez's writing is memorable. It's honest, truthful, and realistic. She has such a way of writing emotions that it seems to seep through the pages. Her writing is filled with emotion. Pulga and Chico are fifteen, yet they have seen dead bodies, have seen people die, have lived in fear, and have been forced to do things they don't want to do. Pequeña goes through a different set of struggles than Pulga and Chico. The things she goes through have strong effects on her, both mentally and physically. As a reader, it becomes undeniably clear that Pequeña, Chico, and Pulga's hope for a better life becomes an option that could save them from the lives they have been living thus far. The circumstances they are in will kill them, figuratively and literally. It takes courage to leave behind the people they love and the place they grew up in. It takes courage to go through what they do. It is terrifying to know that there are people who do not survive the journey. There are people who make it, but their voices are unheard.
"I love you so much. Could he love me even though he never knew me? The way I love him. Your pain, you can leave all of it behind you now. I'm heading there, to the future, to the place where he grew up. But now there's a different pain. Because I'm not leaving just pain behind. I'm leaving behind everything I loved, too."
As the story progresses, the characters strive to survive. In order to do so, they must see, experience, and do things that take from them. Yet they all do this in the hope that they will live a better life. The way each character slowly loses parts of themselves and processes their trauma is written in a way that drew me in completely. I was immersed in the writing, in the story of these characters' journeys, which led me to spend my entire afternoon reading. The relationship between Chico and Pulga is one of the many things that stood out to me the most. They had such a complex friendship that was profound. Pulga's relationship with the part of him that feels emotions deeply was explored throughout the story in the best way possible. It asks a question: What does it look like if someone survives but loses themselves?
This is such a heart-breaking story. It is also one of survival, resilience, and dreams. It's an excellent story that is definitely one of the best novels I have read this year.
✅PLOT
✅CHARACTERS
✅PLOT TWISTS
July 21, 2020
Audiobook Review
Overall 5 stars
Performance 5 stars
Story 4.5 stars
This was such a heart wrenching and captivating story of survival. We Are Not From Here centers around 3 teens trying to escape to the United States from Guatemala. Pulga, Chico, and Pequeña run from their homes and family, fueled by fear and the hope for a better life. There are triumphs as well as gut wrenching sorrow along the way for these 3 children. The narration by Marisa Blake was amazing. She captured the emotions so well and voiced all the characters (young, old, male, female) so wonderfully. I don't think the story would have been quite as impactful to me if I hadn't listened to it. Jenny Torres Sanchez transported me with her words and had my heart racing and breaking for these children. This is such a powerful story, because though the characters may be fictional, the trauma and realities are not. This is a thought provoking novel that will stick with you long after you finish the last page.
*I voluntarily listened to a review copy of this book. Thank you Libro.fm, Dreamscape Media, and Philomel Books*
Overall 5 stars
Performance 5 stars
Story 4.5 stars
This was such a heart wrenching and captivating story of survival. We Are Not From Here centers around 3 teens trying to escape to the United States from Guatemala. Pulga, Chico, and Pequeña run from their homes and family, fueled by fear and the hope for a better life. There are triumphs as well as gut wrenching sorrow along the way for these 3 children. The narration by Marisa Blake was amazing. She captured the emotions so well and voiced all the characters (young, old, male, female) so wonderfully. I don't think the story would have been quite as impactful to me if I hadn't listened to it. Jenny Torres Sanchez transported me with her words and had my heart racing and breaking for these children. This is such a powerful story, because though the characters may be fictional, the trauma and realities are not. This is a thought provoking novel that will stick with you long after you finish the last page.
*I voluntarily listened to a review copy of this book. Thank you Libro.fm, Dreamscape Media, and Philomel Books*
November 25, 2020
when i finished this i couldn't write a review because i was crying and so sad, so i went to sleep but im awake now and i thought i could write a review to make others read that amazing book too but i just can't, all i can say is that book is about real lives, you will feel the sentimentos, you gonna cry, you gonna have fear, you gonna think why so many have privileges and others dont, you gonna finish it crying but thats why it's amazing!
October 15, 2020
Wow! What a tear breaker!!! I thought I would be able to quickly read this but I had to put it down after a few scenes that really touched me.
This book right here is phenomenal. The story between Pulga, Pequéna and Chico is a story I will never forget, because I know it is similar to thousands of our fellow brothers and sisters crossing the border.
Pulga, Pequéna and Chico are teenagers living in Guatemala trying to escape a dangerous fate if they stay is Puerto Barrios. We follow their journey as they travel across Mexico to the States alone without any sort of plan.
I loved how the story unfolded between the perspectives of Pulga and Pequéna. I always wondered why Chico didn’t have his POV written but I believe it was for the best after finishing this one.
Thank you, Jenny, for writing a beautiful story that touched my heart and I know many others as well.
This book right here is phenomenal. The story between Pulga, Pequéna and Chico is a story I will never forget, because I know it is similar to thousands of our fellow brothers and sisters crossing the border.
Pulga, Pequéna and Chico are teenagers living in Guatemala trying to escape a dangerous fate if they stay is Puerto Barrios. We follow their journey as they travel across Mexico to the States alone without any sort of plan.
I loved how the story unfolded between the perspectives of Pulga and Pequéna. I always wondered why Chico didn’t have his POV written but I believe it was for the best after finishing this one.
Thank you, Jenny, for writing a beautiful story that touched my heart and I know many others as well.
January 22, 2020
We Are Not From Here follows three Guatemalan teens along their treacherous journey to the United States as they flee the violence of their homeland. Pequeña, Pulga, and Chico, whose Spanish nicknames even deny their humanity, ride La Bestia—the beast, the death train—dreaming of better lives. Eerily reminiscent of the Holocaust, this book is about the unthinkable events that force people from their homes, that occur along their journey to the U.S., and that greet them once they arrive (so long as they survive). Unforgettable—the squealing brakes of La Bestia are the screams of migrant children, demanding to be heard. Open your eyes.
January 23, 2021
Powerful!
This quote got me so hard: “We understand danger. We grew up with danger. This danger feels different. This danger feels more crushing. Maybe because it’s so close to where hope lives.”
This quote got me so hard: “We understand danger. We grew up with danger. This danger feels different. This danger feels more crushing. Maybe because it’s so close to where hope lives.”
May 27, 2020
Rating: 4 Stars ★★★★
We Are Not From Here is such an impactful, emotional and character-driven novel that focuses on immigration as 3 teens flee Guatemala to reach the US. This novel is a must read for 2020, it will stay with you long after the final page.
↠ We Are Not From Here full ARC review 🌿✨
Novels such as this one are so difficult to review, especially as a reader from a Latinx family. Sanchez brilliantly focuses on the characters internal and emotional journeys that change throughout the course of this novel as the reach the US. Pulga, Chico & Pequeña are characters that came to life in such an indescribable way. They each have their own personal and heartfelt stories that not only come to life, but intertwine as these 3 teens who are basically family, continue despite facing uncertainties.
The writing is poetic, the narrative also weaves in elements of magical realism, as it follows each of our main cast's journeys. It also explores very real topics in a heartbreaking way. However, this novel is not without hope.
I'm speechless after finishing this book, I highly recommend this book, its not one to miss!
*Read an ARC sent by the publisher (Full review will be on my blog)
We Are Not From Here is such an impactful, emotional and character-driven novel that focuses on immigration as 3 teens flee Guatemala to reach the US. This novel is a must read for 2020, it will stay with you long after the final page.
↠ We Are Not From Here full ARC review 🌿✨
Novels such as this one are so difficult to review, especially as a reader from a Latinx family. Sanchez brilliantly focuses on the characters internal and emotional journeys that change throughout the course of this novel as the reach the US. Pulga, Chico & Pequeña are characters that came to life in such an indescribable way. They each have their own personal and heartfelt stories that not only come to life, but intertwine as these 3 teens who are basically family, continue despite facing uncertainties.
The writing is poetic, the narrative also weaves in elements of magical realism, as it follows each of our main cast's journeys. It also explores very real topics in a heartbreaking way. However, this novel is not without hope.
I'm speechless after finishing this book, I highly recommend this book, its not one to miss!
*Read an ARC sent by the publisher (Full review will be on my blog)
October 27, 2020
CWs:
Descriptions of childbirth, self-injury/abortion attempt, some child neglect, gang violence, gun violence, murder, severe injury, blood, dismemberment, fatphobia and fatphobic comments, allusions to rape, as well as descriptions of depression, illness, concussions, and conditions within immigrant detention centers.
We Are Not From Here describes a harrowing journey from Guatemala to the U.S.-Mexico border as three friends leave their families behind and run for their lives in search of something better. That journey takes up most of the book, really forcing the reader to sit with the dangers of that choice and confront the trauma that comes with it. It is not, in any sense, an "easy" read, because the realities of undertaking that perilous journey are constantly shown in their fullness.
I do think this book is beautifully written and deeply emotional. It's easy to get invested in this trio, and you want to root for them as they constantly skirt the line between life and death. You want them to keep going, and you want them to be safe, because they deserve that. There's also an interesting use of surrealism woven throughout the text, especially by way of vivid day dreams where the characters imagine they are somewhere else or doing something else. Those out-of-body moments were extremely compelling, and really drove home that desire of wanting to escape or feeling detached from your own reality.
Where the story fell short for me, personally, was towards the end, when I felt the story relied heavily on factors of convenience. I think luck does play a part in any immigration journey such as this, especially if it is to end "successfully," but only to an extent. As a side character in the story actually mentions, this is a journey that some people take upwards of four or five times before even making it all the way, much less making it *into* the States. So the fact that our trio of main characters are young teenagers by themselves who have heard a few stories and did some cursory research at their school's library somewhat pushes the boundaries of believability for me, especially considering where they end up.
I also question who exactly this story is written for and who benefits from this specific kind of immigrant story. I know the author has mentioned that she wrote it for immigrant kids who are facing these same choices and the realities of such a journey every single day, and I think that's completely valid. But I also worry that the people drawn to this story might be people who believe that "immigrant stories" owe them danger, trauma, suffering, and a statement on the "indomitable human spirit." Because of the nature of this book, it sits right in that zone. It *is* deeply traumatic and full of suffering, it's about these three kids who keep going forward only because they cannot go back. It's not that I think it's inaccurate or unearned, but I do worry about the stereotypes it might play into and I wonder how it fits in conversation with real-life Latinx immigrant narratives.
Overall, I think this is a strong story that seeks to shed light on a journey that is all too real for many Latinx immigrants. It strives to show how these three characters are people who deserve their dignity and safety, and how they're willing to fight for it. I appreciate the vision, but as I said some of the execution left me questioning a bit. If this one is of interest, I would encourage people to further contextualize this book with other nonfiction narratives written by Latinx immigrants.
We Are Not From Here describes a harrowing journey from Guatemala to the U.S.-Mexico border as three friends leave their families behind and run for their lives in search of something better. That journey takes up most of the book, really forcing the reader to sit with the dangers of that choice and confront the trauma that comes with it. It is not, in any sense, an "easy" read, because the realities of undertaking that perilous journey are constantly shown in their fullness.
I do think this book is beautifully written and deeply emotional. It's easy to get invested in this trio, and you want to root for them as they constantly skirt the line between life and death. You want them to keep going, and you want them to be safe, because they deserve that. There's also an interesting use of surrealism woven throughout the text, especially by way of vivid day dreams where the characters imagine they are somewhere else or doing something else. Those out-of-body moments were extremely compelling, and really drove home that desire of wanting to escape or feeling detached from your own reality.
Where the story fell short for me, personally, was towards the end, when I felt the story relied heavily on factors of convenience. I think luck does play a part in any immigration journey such as this, especially if it is to end "successfully," but only to an extent. As a side character in the story actually mentions, this is a journey that some people take upwards of four or five times before even making it all the way, much less making it *into* the States. So the fact that our trio of main characters are young teenagers by themselves who have heard a few stories and did some cursory research at their school's library somewhat pushes the boundaries of believability for me, especially considering where they end up.
I also question who exactly this story is written for and who benefits from this specific kind of immigrant story. I know the author has mentioned that she wrote it for immigrant kids who are facing these same choices and the realities of such a journey every single day, and I think that's completely valid. But I also worry that the people drawn to this story might be people who believe that "immigrant stories" owe them danger, trauma, suffering, and a statement on the "indomitable human spirit." Because of the nature of this book, it sits right in that zone. It *is* deeply traumatic and full of suffering, it's about these three kids who keep going forward only because they cannot go back. It's not that I think it's inaccurate or unearned, but I do worry about the stereotypes it might play into and I wonder how it fits in conversation with real-life Latinx immigrant narratives.
Overall, I think this is a strong story that seeks to shed light on a journey that is all too real for many Latinx immigrants. It strives to show how these three characters are people who deserve their dignity and safety, and how they're willing to fight for it. I appreciate the vision, but as I said some of the execution left me questioning a bit. If this one is of interest, I would encourage people to further contextualize this book with other nonfiction narratives written by Latinx immigrants.
June 1, 2020
I don’t want to spoil this story by revealing too may details, so I’ll keep this brief. Pulga, Chico, and Pequeña are teens being threatened so much that it’s no longer safe to remain in their country. So they make the gut-wrenching decision to leave the only home they’ve known and begin the devastating journey through the deadly dessert and into the United States. It’s a grueling and tearful journey, but based on many real-life experiences. And that’s all I’m going to share of the plot line. 🙂 But I’ll also say that it’s absolutely heartbreaking and will keep the reader on the edge of their seat until they discover how it all ends.
Americans generally have such a limited understanding of the reasons why so many cross the border to get into our country without going through so-called “proper channels.” Ignorance is bliss, y’all. Because this story made me feel such anger and sorrow at the lack of options for people literally running for their lives. This story forces the reader to consider — if your family was being threatened, held at gunpoint, children being raped, your food/money being stolen, while you basically become slaves to hostile community leaders, would you take a major risk and break the law in order to save your family? Perhaps you’ll never truly know. My thanks to Libro.fm for providing me the audiobook of We Are Not From Here.
For more children's literature, middle grade literature, and YA literature reviews, feel free to visit my personal blog at The Miller Memo!
Americans generally have such a limited understanding of the reasons why so many cross the border to get into our country without going through so-called “proper channels.” Ignorance is bliss, y’all. Because this story made me feel such anger and sorrow at the lack of options for people literally running for their lives. This story forces the reader to consider — if your family was being threatened, held at gunpoint, children being raped, your food/money being stolen, while you basically become slaves to hostile community leaders, would you take a major risk and break the law in order to save your family? Perhaps you’ll never truly know. My thanks to Libro.fm for providing me the audiobook of We Are Not From Here.
For more children's literature, middle grade literature, and YA literature reviews, feel free to visit my personal blog at The Miller Memo!
January 11, 2022
4.5 stars!
Pulga, Chico and Pequena are forced to flee from Guatemala through Mexico to the USA after a local gangster takes interest in them. Knowing it’s the only way they’ll survive, they set out on the hardest journey of their lives.
I loved the characters in this YA novel. They were so well developed and I was emotionally invested in all of them. The author did an excellent job of depicting how they were really left with no choice but to flee, even though they loved their families. It was a gritty and raw read that left me reeling and wanting to learn more about detention centers in the US and their policies. The writing was great as the story was told from Pequena’s and Pulga’s POVs. Their voices were clear and distinct in all chapters. Just when I thought their journey couldn’t get any harder, they met another obstacle they had to overcome. I would recommend this one for any reader, and I will be ordering a copy for my classroom library!
Pulga, Chico and Pequena are forced to flee from Guatemala through Mexico to the USA after a local gangster takes interest in them. Knowing it’s the only way they’ll survive, they set out on the hardest journey of their lives.
I loved the characters in this YA novel. They were so well developed and I was emotionally invested in all of them. The author did an excellent job of depicting how they were really left with no choice but to flee, even though they loved their families. It was a gritty and raw read that left me reeling and wanting to learn more about detention centers in the US and their policies. The writing was great as the story was told from Pequena’s and Pulga’s POVs. Their voices were clear and distinct in all chapters. Just when I thought their journey couldn’t get any harder, they met another obstacle they had to overcome. I would recommend this one for any reader, and I will be ordering a copy for my classroom library!
Read
May 29, 2024This book was an amazing example of the struggles we take for granted. Such as always having water and food, a roof over our heads, etc.
May 14, 2020
FULL REVIEW CAN BE FOUND ON TOMES AND TEXTILES.
“We are not those back in our neighborhoods waking up to another day and another and another of whatever threat has climbed in through our windows, whispered our horrible fate into our ears. We are luchadores. We are fighters. We are those that dare to try against impossible odds. We determine our own fate.” Jenny Torres Sanchez, We Are Not From Here
💙
I have really struggled with what to say about this book. It hurt my heart to read it, like so many things that I have learned about the undocumented immigrant experience, but, also, I was unable to stop listening to the audiobook. I stayed up late to finish it. I was carried away by the narrative, sure, but this book was first a character study of three young teens struggling with life in Guatemala and faced with impossible circumstances. They risk it all to make the trek north on La Bestia, where they are outsiders and struggling along the way against insurmountable circumstances, outcasts everywhere they go. They encounter both help and hurt and you can’t help but root for them.
💙
The entire beating heart of of this compelling story are the characters themselves and their relationships: Pulga, Chico, and Pequeña. The found family trope was so delicately drawn to expose the humanity and complexity of these three friends. It was beautiful.
💙
On the other side of the coin, I do always wonder how many stories of the struggle to make it to the US to escape dire circumstances only to be tossed aside and imprisoned or worse are needed. There has been tremendous discourse on IG about harmful books, who gets to tell a story, what types of stories capture authentic experiences, and capitalizing on Black and Brown pain. We know which books are extremely harmful to the immigrant experience (AD) and which ones are necessary and authentic (The Undocumented Americans, for example).
To me, We Are Not From Here falls towards The Undocumented Americans side of the spectrum. This fiction was well-researched and also obviously part of Jenny’s family lived experiences. It was heartfelt and poignant with tension necessary to carry the story without seeming exploitive.
💙
I think you’re going to see this one on a lot of year-end lists, so I encourage you to pick it up and tell me what you think.
FOLLOW TOMES AND TEXTILES FOR MORE BOOKISH PHOTOS AND GENERAL FLAILING ABOUT BOOKS.
“We are not those back in our neighborhoods waking up to another day and another and another of whatever threat has climbed in through our windows, whispered our horrible fate into our ears. We are luchadores. We are fighters. We are those that dare to try against impossible odds. We determine our own fate.” Jenny Torres Sanchez, We Are Not From Here
💙
I have really struggled with what to say about this book. It hurt my heart to read it, like so many things that I have learned about the undocumented immigrant experience, but, also, I was unable to stop listening to the audiobook. I stayed up late to finish it. I was carried away by the narrative, sure, but this book was first a character study of three young teens struggling with life in Guatemala and faced with impossible circumstances. They risk it all to make the trek north on La Bestia, where they are outsiders and struggling along the way against insurmountable circumstances, outcasts everywhere they go. They encounter both help and hurt and you can’t help but root for them.
💙
The entire beating heart of of this compelling story are the characters themselves and their relationships: Pulga, Chico, and Pequeña. The found family trope was so delicately drawn to expose the humanity and complexity of these three friends. It was beautiful.
💙
On the other side of the coin, I do always wonder how many stories of the struggle to make it to the US to escape dire circumstances only to be tossed aside and imprisoned or worse are needed. There has been tremendous discourse on IG about harmful books, who gets to tell a story, what types of stories capture authentic experiences, and capitalizing on Black and Brown pain. We know which books are extremely harmful to the immigrant experience (AD) and which ones are necessary and authentic (The Undocumented Americans, for example).
To me, We Are Not From Here falls towards The Undocumented Americans side of the spectrum. This fiction was well-researched and also obviously part of Jenny’s family lived experiences. It was heartfelt and poignant with tension necessary to carry the story without seeming exploitive.
💙
I think you’re going to see this one on a lot of year-end lists, so I encourage you to pick it up and tell me what you think.
FOLLOW TOMES AND TEXTILES FOR MORE BOOKISH PHOTOS AND GENERAL FLAILING ABOUT BOOKS.
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