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Özgürlüğe Mahkum
Özgürlük, bedenin tutsak olmaması mıdır, yoksa ruhun sınır tanımadan özgürce dolaşabilmesi midir?
Esperanza`nın Kutusu kitabının yazarı María Amparo Escandón sizleri yeniden büyük bir yolculuğa çağırıyor...
"Küçük bir kız olduğum zamanlarda, babam tırı sürerken ben okurdum. Sonra büyüyüp de şoför koltuğuna oturduğumda, okuma işini babam üstlendi. Sonra sık sık yer değişimi yapar olduk. Okumayı bitirdiğimiz kitapları tırın küçük uyuma bölmesinde tutamayacağımızdan, hepsini pencereden dışarı atıyorduk ve yolları etrafa saçılmış bilgilerle dolduruyorduk.
Aşktan Söz ettiğimizde Sözünü Ettiğimiz kitabı büyük ihtimalle Indio`yu hemen geçişte 10 numaralı otoyolun yamacında bir yerde, bir kokarca leşinin yanında duruyordur. Hamlet`in sayfaları dönen dikenlere takılmış Salton Gölü üzerinde 86 nolu otoyolda takılı kalmıştır. Palm Springs yolundaki kum tepeleri, tam yel değirmenlerinin çölden gelen rüzgârı yakalayıp elektriği dönüştürdüğü yerde, Don Kişot`un ciltli baskısını öğütüyorlardır.
Yolda sesli okuduğum cümleleri yan yana dizip bir ip yapsam, dünyayı tamamen sarabilirdim"
Esperanza`nın Kutusu kitabının yazarı María Amparo Escandón sizleri yeniden büyük bir yolculuğa çağırıyor...
"Küçük bir kız olduğum zamanlarda, babam tırı sürerken ben okurdum. Sonra büyüyüp de şoför koltuğuna oturduğumda, okuma işini babam üstlendi. Sonra sık sık yer değişimi yapar olduk. Okumayı bitirdiğimiz kitapları tırın küçük uyuma bölmesinde tutamayacağımızdan, hepsini pencereden dışarı atıyorduk ve yolları etrafa saçılmış bilgilerle dolduruyorduk.
Aşktan Söz ettiğimizde Sözünü Ettiğimiz kitabı büyük ihtimalle Indio`yu hemen geçişte 10 numaralı otoyolun yamacında bir yerde, bir kokarca leşinin yanında duruyordur. Hamlet`in sayfaları dönen dikenlere takılmış Salton Gölü üzerinde 86 nolu otoyolda takılı kalmıştır. Palm Springs yolundaki kum tepeleri, tam yel değirmenlerinin çölden gelen rüzgârı yakalayıp elektriği dönüştürdüğü yerde, Don Kişot`un ciltli baskısını öğütüyorlardır.
Yolda sesli okuduğum cümleleri yan yana dizip bir ip yapsam, dünyayı tamamen sarabilirdim"
289 pages, Paperback
First published April 19, 2005
79 people are currently reading
1249 people want to read
About the author
María Amparo Escandón
9 books270 followersMaría Amparo Escandón is a Mexican born, US resident, best-selling bilingual novelist, short story writer, screenwriter, and film producer. Her award-winning work is known for addressing bicultural themes that deal with the immigration experience of Mexicans crossing over to the United States. Her stories concentrate on family relationships, loss, forgiveness, faith, and self-discovery. A linguist with a sharp ear for dialogue, she explores the dynamics of language in border sub-cultures and the evolution of Spanglish. Her innovative style of multiple voice narrations and her cleverly humorous, quirky, and compassionate stories with a feminine angle capture the magical reality of everyday life and place her among the top Latin American female writers. Her work has been translated into over 21 languages and is currently read in more than 85 countries.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 251 reviews
October 13, 2020
My 2nd reading of this book, and maybe because I knew what to expect it was not quite as good a read as the first time. That being said, the story is set in a Mexican ladies prison and follows Libertad, who is in prison for an unknown reason. Her mother died when she was an infant and so she was raised by her truckdriver father. No home, just living her entire life on the road and eventually at the age of 15 driving the family 18-wheeler. We learn her story bit by bit as she relates it to the fellow prisoners during weekly Library Club. She acts as if she is reading a book, but she is really telling her tale. We also meet the women in the prison and the Warden, and the back and forth scenes are well done.
September 30, 2020
González and Daughter Trucking Co. started out fairly unassuming for me, but WOW was it building to something special. Incarcerated in a women’s prison in Mexico, Libertad is encouraged by a fellow inmate to share her story, but she can’t find her way to the telling until she opens a random book and begins to “read.” Thus the Library Club is born, and in a play on Scheherazade’s one thousand and one nights, Libertad unfolds her life story (under the guise of fiction) in weekly installments for an eager audience of fellow inmates. Born and raised on the road, Libertad’s only connection is with her over-protective father, who’s deep seated paranoia over a frightening experience in his past keeps him changing his name and never settling down. The Library Club allows Libertad to unpack and grapple with the generational trauma handed down from her father, as she knits together the narrative of her life.
The way Libertad (and truly Escandón) reveals details is a masterclass in storytelling, and the “literary license” employed creates extremely satisfying ambiguity. I also loved the sort of mixed-media format, which intersperses conversations from the prison and the road, and snippets of Libertad’s diary into the two main narrative arcs. Libertad is a tremendous character, and I fell so in love with her over the course of this novel, a rare book I could definitely see myself reading again. I just can not recommend this book highly enough, please go read it!
Cw for violent misogyny, violence and deaths.
The way Libertad (and truly Escandón) reveals details is a masterclass in storytelling, and the “literary license” employed creates extremely satisfying ambiguity. I also loved the sort of mixed-media format, which intersperses conversations from the prison and the road, and snippets of Libertad’s diary into the two main narrative arcs. Libertad is a tremendous character, and I fell so in love with her over the course of this novel, a rare book I could definitely see myself reading again. I just can not recommend this book highly enough, please go read it!
Cw for violent misogyny, violence and deaths.
Read
May 3, 2008Just one of those really neat, really different books. Escandon has that wonderful ability, characteristic of much excellent fiction from Mexico, of narrating sad events in a funny manner. The reader enjoys the actual story telling, but feels the pathos of what's being told.
Libertad is in a Mexican prison. Intially, we don't know why she's there, who her mother is, or why she spent her childhood in long distance trucks driven by her father. She doesn't like to talk about herself, but has a compulsion to tell stories.
She finds the solution in the Library Book Club, where she "reads" classic works of literature to an ever-growing group of inmates. When she "reads," though, she is really telling her own story, filtering it through whatever novel she is purportedly "reading" from.
Really great so far.
Libertad is in a Mexican prison. Intially, we don't know why she's there, who her mother is, or why she spent her childhood in long distance trucks driven by her father. She doesn't like to talk about herself, but has a compulsion to tell stories.
She finds the solution in the Library Book Club, where she "reads" classic works of literature to an ever-growing group of inmates. When she "reads," though, she is really telling her own story, filtering it through whatever novel she is purportedly "reading" from.
Really great so far.
June 27, 2025
51st book read in 2025
I originally read this wonderful novel in 2005, for a reading group. I read it again this year, for a reading group. I loved it both times.
Libertad Gonzales is the daughter of two truckers whose mother died at Libertad’s birth. She was raised by her father while riding the Interstates in his 18-wheeler. He taught her to read, to navigate truck stops and eventually to drive an 18-wheeler herself.
When the story opens, Libertad is serving time in a Mexican prison and is consumed with guilt but unable to reveal her crime to her fellow inmates at the Mexicali Penal Institution for Women. She picks up an old paperback in the prison library and begins reading aloud but what comes out is not the story in the book but her own.
The other women are largely illiterate, so Libertad forms The Library Club and “reads” to them from various novels. Thus, the reader learns her history, as do the inmates, who are not stupid and figure out what she is doing. They are hooked though and follow these readings like a daily soap opera.
The prison, its inmates and staff comprise a complex scenario of graft, rehabilitation and sorority. The truckers are larger than life and the author even provided a glossary of trucker lingo.
In my second reading I realized more clearly that this is a story of how haunted Libertad’s father is, both by his past and her mother’s death. As the young girl moved into her teens, she and he had to refigure their relationship. It got complicated.
The ending is perfect!
I originally read this wonderful novel in 2005, for a reading group. I read it again this year, for a reading group. I loved it both times.
Libertad Gonzales is the daughter of two truckers whose mother died at Libertad’s birth. She was raised by her father while riding the Interstates in his 18-wheeler. He taught her to read, to navigate truck stops and eventually to drive an 18-wheeler herself.
When the story opens, Libertad is serving time in a Mexican prison and is consumed with guilt but unable to reveal her crime to her fellow inmates at the Mexicali Penal Institution for Women. She picks up an old paperback in the prison library and begins reading aloud but what comes out is not the story in the book but her own.
The other women are largely illiterate, so Libertad forms The Library Club and “reads” to them from various novels. Thus, the reader learns her history, as do the inmates, who are not stupid and figure out what she is doing. They are hooked though and follow these readings like a daily soap opera.
The prison, its inmates and staff comprise a complex scenario of graft, rehabilitation and sorority. The truckers are larger than life and the author even provided a glossary of trucker lingo.
In my second reading I realized more clearly that this is a story of how haunted Libertad’s father is, both by his past and her mother’s death. As the young girl moved into her teens, she and he had to refigure their relationship. It got complicated.
The ending is perfect!
December 31, 2020
Really enjoyed this book. The only thing I found offensive was that I felt the women were made out to be dumb enough that they couldn't tell Libertad wasn't actually reading a book to them. I was also a little bit disturbed by some of the sexual situations Libertad was aware of when her father was having sex and one scene in particular where she realizes she requires a bra.
July 7, 2024
4.5 STARS!!! LOVED THIS BOOK!!! I read this slowly because i just didn't want it to end! Libertad is an inmate at a Mexican women's prison whom other prisoners know very little about...What crime did she commit? What is her real name? How long has she been sentenced? Where did she learn to read and write English so proficiently?
Every Wednesday, with the blessing of the Warden, Libertad hosts "Library Club" and "reads" to an ever-increasing group of inmates from books on the sparse shelves of the prison library. In this way she is able to share her own life story as the daughter of a fugitive long-haul trucker. Some prisoners, whose time for release came about, requested to stay in prison longer so as not to miss the "Library Club" story installments. I loved the friendships and politics within the prison walls, the connections among long-haul truckers and their lives on the road, and the role of books throughout Libertad's entire life.
"With so many women sleeping in such a small cell, it was hard to tell where one body ended and another began, making it difficult to identify oneself as an individual."
"A book changed everything. Which book, Libertad didn't remember."
"When she read to her fellow inmates, she felt the pressure in her chest ease. Wiping her soul clean of remorse had turned out to be most difficult and slow, but she had more time than life...This was her only way of alleviating the pain."
"Wherever we went, no matter what type of road we traveled or how heavy a load we hauled, we read aloud to each other over the constant rumble of the engine. I never went to school. I was truck-schooled."
"He had ordered an inscription to be painted on the back of our trailer: Necessity is a better teacher than university."
"Then I'd tear out the pages filled with poems and throw them out the window. Writing was the only way I could leave tracks on the pavement. As the truck sped down the highway, I'd watch the crumpled pieces of paper rolling behind us, pulled along by the vacuum and ending their days on the shoulder, like roadkill. Tossing these poems was a way to claim the space where they landed as mine. This rite, this secret ceremony I conducted every day, gave me a sense of place."
Every Wednesday, with the blessing of the Warden, Libertad hosts "Library Club" and "reads" to an ever-increasing group of inmates from books on the sparse shelves of the prison library. In this way she is able to share her own life story as the daughter of a fugitive long-haul trucker. Some prisoners, whose time for release came about, requested to stay in prison longer so as not to miss the "Library Club" story installments. I loved the friendships and politics within the prison walls, the connections among long-haul truckers and their lives on the road, and the role of books throughout Libertad's entire life.
"With so many women sleeping in such a small cell, it was hard to tell where one body ended and another began, making it difficult to identify oneself as an individual."
"A book changed everything. Which book, Libertad didn't remember."
"When she read to her fellow inmates, she felt the pressure in her chest ease. Wiping her soul clean of remorse had turned out to be most difficult and slow, but she had more time than life...This was her only way of alleviating the pain."
"Wherever we went, no matter what type of road we traveled or how heavy a load we hauled, we read aloud to each other over the constant rumble of the engine. I never went to school. I was truck-schooled."
"He had ordered an inscription to be painted on the back of our trailer: Necessity is a better teacher than university."
"Then I'd tear out the pages filled with poems and throw them out the window. Writing was the only way I could leave tracks on the pavement. As the truck sped down the highway, I'd watch the crumpled pieces of paper rolling behind us, pulled along by the vacuum and ending their days on the shoulder, like roadkill. Tossing these poems was a way to claim the space where they landed as mine. This rite, this secret ceremony I conducted every day, gave me a sense of place."
November 11, 2021
I liked this one because it’s a very unusual story. The main character is telling her story from a Mexican prison. She did not have a permanent home growing up. Life on the road with her dad, the truck driver is greatly influenced by his fear of Mexican authorities because of his past in that country.
May 30, 2015
This is what I'd describe as a Woman's Novel, but not chic lit! A wonderful heartfelt story of a woman who leads a very unusual life right from birth. Libertad is in a women's prison in Mexico. The other inmates talk about
why they are there but Libertad never divulges why she is there. She is one of the few who speaks English, and also can read and write. She decides to start a reading group in the prison library. She gets an enthusiastic response from both the warden and the inmates. On her first reading she holds a book in her hands, but begins to tell her
life story.
This is one of the most unusual books I've ever read. It's also one of the best!
why they are there but Libertad never divulges why she is there. She is one of the few who speaks English, and also can read and write. She decides to start a reading group in the prison library. She gets an enthusiastic response from both the warden and the inmates. On her first reading she holds a book in her hands, but begins to tell her
life story.
This is one of the most unusual books I've ever read. It's also one of the best!
September 28, 2017
This is just a unique and amazing novel set in a Mexican womans' prison but with flashbacks to Libertad's life on the road with her father. I don't think I've ever read anything like it, but it isn't weird, depressing or bizarre. Well....a little bizarre at times, but I was so involved with the story that I gladly entered the alternative reality where a warden would allow the prisoners to create a "beach" in the middle of their compound. And of course I loved the power of the "Library Club" and the importance of "story" in people's lives.
August 6, 2018
this was interesting - a bit odd, a little different, and rather meta. libertad can certainly be added to the list of unreliable narrators in fiction! the story didn't quite all come together for me at the end as it felt a bit too tidy in contrast to the rest of the book. but, i did mostly enjoy the plot and the characters. escandón deftly navigates her dual timeline, between libertad's previous life on the road with her trucker father, and her current life in a mexican prison for women. it felt like there were a few holes in the plot, and (for me) there wasn't quite enough depth to some characters, particularly libertad's father. of course, i realize this is libertad's story, but given the importance of her father as the central/only person in her life i would have loved to explore his motivations and psychology a bit more. still, this story felt different, which is often hard to pull off in the fiction market, and i appreciated that very much.
March 29, 2023
4.5 stars
This book was not at all what I expected. By the title I assumed that the father and daughter were on a long-distance road trip and discussed books, essentially having there own book club. WOW! I was in for a treat as it is so very different and so much more than I expected. This book is a hoot and the book club is the best! That's all I'm saying, so you can enjoy the ride too!!
This book was not at all what I expected. By the title I assumed that the father and daughter were on a long-distance road trip and discussed books, essentially having there own book club. WOW! I was in for a treat as it is so very different and so much more than I expected. This book is a hoot and the book club is the best! That's all I'm saying, so you can enjoy the ride too!!
February 8, 2025
I absolutely enjoyed this book! I am so glad I decided to read this even after disliking the author's other book 'L.A Weather' that I read in 2024.
I found this story to be enticing right from the opening and in between the different timelines, Escandon kept my interest with both the story and the characterizations of not just Libertad but all of the characters.
This was emotionally engaging and I was intrigued by every character that was introduced even to the very end.
I found this story to be enticing right from the opening and in between the different timelines, Escandon kept my interest with both the story and the characterizations of not just Libertad but all of the characters.
This was emotionally engaging and I was intrigued by every character that was introduced even to the very end.
May 26, 2015
Libertad Gonzalez has spent her life on the road with her trucker dad, crisscrossing the United States. Somehow, she ends up in the Mexicali Penal Institute for Women. While life in jail isn’t a walk in the park, it can be an afternoon on the beach. This is because the Mexican prison and those who run it are open to bribery. One of the wealthy women living in the Mexicali Penal Institute has sand brought in and transforms the prison yard to a beach. The warden is a (rule-breaking) character as are the inmates.
Libertad is a reader. She decides to start a prison book club. The club regularly meets to hear Libertad read aloud. Although Libertad picks different books, it is very clear that she is not really reading them. She is telling her own story of life on the road, of her father the literature professor who ran from the Mexican government and became a truck driver in the U.S.
Every storytelling session ends on the cliff-hanger—you have to continue to read to find out happen happens next. Libertad’s fellow inmates and listeners have to come back to the book club to learn her story. More and more come each day. They start to guess at the outcome, about the plot elements, the twists of fate that led Libertad into a Mexican prison. They argue over the way the story will—or should—continue. In short, they embrace the life and tale of ‘Mudflap Girl’ before they finally learn about the awful thing that Libertad has done that landed her there. And they may be able to help her make amends.
High school housekeeping: On this Throwback Thursday, the popularity of Orange is the New Black got me thinking about books with women in prison. Gonzalez and Daughter Trucking Company is a wonderful novel about the pleasure of storytelling and of listening to a great story. The lineage for this sort of tale goes all the back to The 1001 Arabian Nights (tales of Shahrazad) and includes the recent bestseller A Tale for the Time Being. Libertad will charm you with her tale of life on the road and the impending sense of doom. You’ll want to keep turning the pages, and at the same time you won’t want to come to the end of this story.
NOTE: This review is also posted on my blog School Library Lady.
Libertad is a reader. She decides to start a prison book club. The club regularly meets to hear Libertad read aloud. Although Libertad picks different books, it is very clear that she is not really reading them. She is telling her own story of life on the road, of her father the literature professor who ran from the Mexican government and became a truck driver in the U.S.
Every storytelling session ends on the cliff-hanger—you have to continue to read to find out happen happens next. Libertad’s fellow inmates and listeners have to come back to the book club to learn her story. More and more come each day. They start to guess at the outcome, about the plot elements, the twists of fate that led Libertad into a Mexican prison. They argue over the way the story will—or should—continue. In short, they embrace the life and tale of ‘Mudflap Girl’ before they finally learn about the awful thing that Libertad has done that landed her there. And they may be able to help her make amends.
High school housekeeping: On this Throwback Thursday, the popularity of Orange is the New Black got me thinking about books with women in prison. Gonzalez and Daughter Trucking Company is a wonderful novel about the pleasure of storytelling and of listening to a great story. The lineage for this sort of tale goes all the back to The 1001 Arabian Nights (tales of Shahrazad) and includes the recent bestseller A Tale for the Time Being. Libertad will charm you with her tale of life on the road and the impending sense of doom. You’ll want to keep turning the pages, and at the same time you won’t want to come to the end of this story.
NOTE: This review is also posted on my blog School Library Lady.
August 19, 2017
This author appears to come highly credentialed, but her work is definitely not for me because:
1. Her primary audience is women and I don't qualify.
2. There is one decent (but highly romanticized) male in the book. The other men are angry, woman-beating, repulsive sex fiends, more or less. The author presents a fun moment where two of her ex-con women enjoy the idea of creating a business where they are paid to physically beat up men.
Form your own conclusions there.
3. The heroine runs away and finds her perfect everlasting love, then loses him, in less than 48 hours. Yeah, that's believable. And guess who rides in again in the final pages. Swoon!
4. The author threw in some of the MOST inept writing I have ever seen. It was just bizarre; it seemed she just didn't know how to express herself in an interesting way so she reached out and came up with...
...well, she thought men might have a way to understand the pain involved in childbirth by playing hockey, for one.
...and this: "...it was possible to hear the tortilla machine groaning painfully in the kitchen, as if it suffered from menstrual cramps."
That tortilla machine wasn't the only one groaning after I read that.
Finally, her premise of the main character telling her story as therapy by pretending to read from multiple books to a captive audience who doesn't really get that's what's going on- well, it could have worked but she didn't quite pull it off.
I am fairly certain a lot of people would like this book, but it failed repeatedly with me.
1. Her primary audience is women and I don't qualify.
2. There is one decent (but highly romanticized) male in the book. The other men are angry, woman-beating, repulsive sex fiends, more or less. The author presents a fun moment where two of her ex-con women enjoy the idea of creating a business where they are paid to physically beat up men.
Form your own conclusions there.
3. The heroine runs away and finds her perfect everlasting love, then loses him, in less than 48 hours. Yeah, that's believable. And guess who rides in again in the final pages. Swoon!
4. The author threw in some of the MOST inept writing I have ever seen. It was just bizarre; it seemed she just didn't know how to express herself in an interesting way so she reached out and came up with...
...well, she thought men might have a way to understand the pain involved in childbirth by playing hockey, for one.
...and this: "...it was possible to hear the tortilla machine groaning painfully in the kitchen, as if it suffered from menstrual cramps."
That tortilla machine wasn't the only one groaning after I read that.
Finally, her premise of the main character telling her story as therapy by pretending to read from multiple books to a captive audience who doesn't really get that's what's going on- well, it could have worked but she didn't quite pull it off.
I am fairly certain a lot of people would like this book, but it failed repeatedly with me.
November 7, 2016
transportes gonzalez e hija es un gran libro, uno que yo recomiendo a cualquier persona excepto por unas cosas menores.
para empezar, la historia fue bien echa como describa la vida de libertad en un club de lectura en una prisión. Aunque elimina la posibilidad de que ella podría morir, esta historia se trata menos de acción y más del desarrollo del protagonista. para la libertad, ella crece en camiones sin madre, nunca en un solo lugar. ella empieza la vida leyendo en el troque de su padre y no tuvo que ir a la escuela, pero no tener una madre comienza a tomar efecto porque ella se convierte en una mujer sin guía. su padre no sabe nada acerca de las necesidades de las mujeres como donde dormir, y los relaciones que quiere tener. problemas empiezan porque el padre la atrapa. para el padre, su historia es de perder personas importantes en su vida como virginia y libertad. en la prisión, maciza está tratando de reunirse con su hijo. en esta historia, parece que hay una idea central que la vida entre una madre y su hijo es necesaria en orden para ser feliz, pero una vez que están separados, están encarcelados en alguna manera. libertad esta físicamente en prisión en el final, pero se puede decir que su padre la encarcelado en el troque, y su madre esta encarcelada en el cielo. maciza es una madre que es encarcelada y perdió a su hijo.
un problema que tuve con el libro fue que no era fácil saber cuando era historia de libertad o historia en el prisión y esto me afectó mucho cuando leí porque se me hiso duro entender la historia del prision.
para empezar, la historia fue bien echa como describa la vida de libertad en un club de lectura en una prisión. Aunque elimina la posibilidad de que ella podría morir, esta historia se trata menos de acción y más del desarrollo del protagonista. para la libertad, ella crece en camiones sin madre, nunca en un solo lugar. ella empieza la vida leyendo en el troque de su padre y no tuvo que ir a la escuela, pero no tener una madre comienza a tomar efecto porque ella se convierte en una mujer sin guía. su padre no sabe nada acerca de las necesidades de las mujeres como donde dormir, y los relaciones que quiere tener. problemas empiezan porque el padre la atrapa. para el padre, su historia es de perder personas importantes en su vida como virginia y libertad. en la prisión, maciza está tratando de reunirse con su hijo. en esta historia, parece que hay una idea central que la vida entre una madre y su hijo es necesaria en orden para ser feliz, pero una vez que están separados, están encarcelados en alguna manera. libertad esta físicamente en prisión en el final, pero se puede decir que su padre la encarcelado en el troque, y su madre esta encarcelada en el cielo. maciza es una madre que es encarcelada y perdió a su hijo.
un problema que tuve con el libro fue que no era fácil saber cuando era historia de libertad o historia en el prisión y esto me afectó mucho cuando leí porque se me hiso duro entender la historia del prision.
June 28, 2012
Stellar. Absolutely Stellar. I am on summer break, so my standards for fabulous are a little more flexible, but I think this one truly deserves five stars. It reminded me of "The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao" (not the same level of ridiculous amazing, but still...). It grabbed me from the very beginning with its setting in a Mexican prison, its compelling narrator Libertad, and its alternating voices of prisoners, truckers and father/daughter. It is funny and sad and a little bit magical. Loved it.
January 29, 2011
Can't explain why I enjoyed this book. Made me smile even though one would consider Libertad's situation extremely unfortunate. Part of the reason is that the Warden reminded me so much of the warden in musical "Chicago." Seems like the book could be read for pure entertainment, but I wonder if the author secretly has some symbolism - at least for herself if not for all readers. I'm going to think more about the significance of this story. will keep track of future writings of the author.
March 26, 2008
I am still reading this book. Fascinating non-linear tale of a woman in a Mexican prison who "reads" her personal history to her fellow prisoners at "Library Club" every week. She is the daughter of a Mexican intellectual who flees the intellectual purge in 1968 in Ciudad Mexico and becomes an illegal immigrant trucker in the US. I'll share more when I finish the book.
April 6, 2017
I read this book for my Chicana studies class. The main character is serving time in Mexicali Penal Institution for Women. My Mexicali! Anyway, I really loved this book and I'm happy it had such a lovely ending. It's a change from the depressing books that we usually read for school.
May 29, 2016
Pleasantly surprised. About a girl who spends her whole life on the road driving a truck with her Dad. She ends up in prison and we learn about her life through the stories she tells the other inmates. Very clever.
May 11, 2025
Wow, what a read! Escandon’s “about the author” perfectly sums up her style — “cleverly humorous, quirky, and compassionate writer.” I thoroughly enjoyed every page of this novel, and I can’t wait to read more from Escandon! The story itself is an adventure with unexpected twists and turns, perfectly fantastic elements mixed in with unglamorous aspects of reality. The format chosen to present the story, including a richly developed frame story with a diverse cast of supporting characters and dialogue from truckers that follows the timeline of our narrative, immerses the reader in Libertad’s life and story. Despite the setting, the reality faced by the characters, and the sadness of many elements of the story, it is undergirded by a joyful humor, never taking itself too seriously. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys adventure, drama, well-developed characters, and beautiful prose.
December 27, 2021
My only qualm with the Gonzalez & Daughter Trucking Co. is how Libertad and her dad dispose of books once they've finished reading one. Libertad lives in the cab of an 18-wheeler with her trucker father who takes on the responsibility of also being her teacher. Due to cab space limitations, they live a very minimalistic lifestyle. Libertad isn't able to keep any of the books she loves, not even her favorite. So anytime she finishes a book her dad has her toss it the truck's window. *insert horrified gasp* Here's why I find this unnecessary and unrealistic - they frequently make stops at truck/rest stops for gas, food or to spend the night. Instead of littering why not just hold onto the book until your next stop to toss it in the trash or donate it to the motel?
May 8, 2023
I just loved this story about Libertad because it was simple, heartfelt, emotional, etc.
A short and easy read.
The story involved one of my favorite subjects, books. The main character, Libertad loved to read even though she never went to school, her father taught her to read classics and taught her everything else.
Libertad and her father drive the road as truckers delivery material and whatever jobs they can get.
Libertad tells her story from a woman's prison in Mexico in a book club she forms and brings the women together and gives them dreams and another place to be while in prison.
A lovely story!
A short and easy read.
The story involved one of my favorite subjects, books. The main character, Libertad loved to read even though she never went to school, her father taught her to read classics and taught her everything else.
Libertad and her father drive the road as truckers delivery material and whatever jobs they can get.
Libertad tells her story from a woman's prison in Mexico in a book club she forms and brings the women together and gives them dreams and another place to be while in prison.
A lovely story!
October 15, 2017
Oh, I loved it! I can't give it 5 stars because I won't read it again, but I'd give it a 4.8, for sure. And I will recommend it to all my reader friends who love a good yarn. This one has many of the elements that keep me engaged including a prison setting, classic literature, suspense, and a perspective that takes us away from the clichés of pop lit. I have read a bazillion novels set in prison, and they all follow a similar formula: a corrupt warden, an unfair judicial system, convicted inmates who are actually victims, and it would seem that this one is no different... Oh, but it is!
July 20, 2024
Fun setting! I don’t think I’ve read any books that take place in prison or on the road with long haul truckers. I really like how this story was told and despite the heavy topics it made me laugh at times
June 1, 2025
2.5 stars rounded up to 3. This was amusing in some places, and the story of the girl and her father was gripping. But the prison life for these women in Mexico seemed bizarre, cozy, like a sorority or something. And some of the events and dialogue as well as the flow of the language felt awkward to me. Perhaps it was just the translation that was off-putting for those parts? I finished it anyways, skimming the prison scenes and slowing down for the father-daughter story. I really wanted to like this one more than I did. Again, maybe it was the translation that was the issue.
July 31, 2024
González & Waddington, LLC: Your Trusted Legal Advocates in Weston, Florida
Navigating the legal system can be a challenging and emotional experience, whether you're dealing with family law matters or facing serious criminal charges. At González & Waddington, LLC, we are committed to providing expert legal representation to clients in Weston, Florida, and Sunrise FL divorce lawyers throughout South Florida. Since our establishment in 2006, our veteran-owned law firm has built a strong reputation for delivering outstanding legal services with a focus on excellence, integrity, and client satisfaction.
Expert Criminal Defense for Your Peace of Mind
Criminal charges can have a profound impact on your life, affecting not only your personal freedom but also your future opportunities. At González & Waddington, LLC, we offer comprehensive criminal defense services designed to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome for your case. Our experienced attorneys are adept at handling a wide range of criminal matters, including:
Felony and Misdemeanor Cases: Whether you’re facing felony charges, such as robbery or assault, or misdemeanor offenses, like petty theft or disorderly conduct, our team is equipped to develop a strong defense strategy. We analyze evidence, challenge accusations, and fight for a fair trial to secure the best possible results for you.
Serious Criminal Allegations: Serious criminal charges, including drug trafficking or violent crimes, require an experienced and knowledgeable defense team. Our attorneys are skilled at managing complex cases and exploring all legal options to defend against severe penalties and long-term consequences.
DUI/DWI Defense: Being charged with driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) can lead to significant legal and personal repercussions. We provide expert defense to challenge the evidence, negotiate reduced charges, and protect your driving privileges.
Expungement and Record Sealing: A criminal record can impact your employment opportunities and personal life. We help clients navigate the expungement and sealing process, aiming to remove or restrict access to past offenses and facilitate a fresh start.
Compassionate Family Law Services
Family law issues are often deeply personal and emotionally charged. At González & Waddington, LLC, we approach each case with sensitivity and a commitment to protecting your interests. Our comprehensive family law services include:
Divorce Proceedings: Divorce can be a complex process involving the division of assets, alimony, and other critical issues. Our attorneys provide guidance and support throughout the divorce process, working to achieve a fair and equitable resolution that meets your needs.
Child Custody and Support: Ensuring the well-being of your children is our top priority. We assist with custody arrangements and child support issues, striving to create solutions that prioritize your children’s best interests and ensure their needs are met.
Domestic Violence Protection: If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, we offer legal protection and support. We help obtain restraining orders and other legal remedies to ensure your safety and hold perpetrators accountable.
Adoption Services: The adoption process can be intricate and emotionally rewarding. Our attorneys provide comprehensive support throughout the adoption journey, ensuring that all legal requirements are met and that the process is as smooth as possible.
A Veteran-Owned Firm with a Commitment to Excellence
As a veteran-owned law firm, González & Waddington, LLC brings a unique perspective to our practice. Our values of integrity, dedication, and respect, honed through military service, are central to our approach to every case. We are committed to upholding these values and delivering exceptional legal services with a focus on achieving the best results for our clients.
Bilingual Services for Our Diverse Community
We recognize the importance of clear and effective communication in legal matters. To better serve our Spanish-speaking clients, González & Waddington, LLC offers bilingual legal services. Our team is fluent in Spanish and dedicated to providing comprehensive support, ensuring that all clients receive the assistance they need in their preferred language.
Why Choose González & Waddington, LLC?
Selecting the right legal representation can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Here’s why González & Waddington, LLC is the right choice for your legal needs:
Proven Experience: Since 2006, we have developed extensive experience in both family law and criminal defense. Our proven track record of successful outcomes and satisfied clients reflects our commitment to excellence.
Personalized Attention: We believe in offering individualized attention to each client. Our attorneys take the time to understand your unique situation and provide tailored legal solutions that address your specific needs.
Dedicated Advocacy: Our team is dedicated to advocating for your rights and interests with professionalism and compassion. We work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome for your case and provide support throughout the legal process.
Comprehensive Services: From criminal defense to family law matters, we offer a wide range of legal services designed to meet your needs. Our holistic approach ensures that all aspects of your case are handled with expertise and care.
Get in Touch with Us Today
If you’re facing legal challenges related to family law or criminal defense, González & Waddington, LLC is here to provide the expert support and representation you need. Our experienced attorneys are ready to assist you with professionalism and dedication, ensuring that your rights are protected and your interests are represented. Contact us today at [phone number] to schedule a consultation and learn how we can support you through your legal journey. At González & Waddington, LLC, your legal matters are our top priority, and we are committed to guiding you every step of the way.
Full Address ( Street Address, City, State & Zip code):
Address: 1792 Bell Tower Ln #218, Weston, FL 33326, United States
Zip code: 33326
Company Phone: +1 954-909-7407
Website URL: https://gonzalezwaddington.com/
Davie FL Family lawyers.
Navigating the legal system can be a challenging and emotional experience, whether you're dealing with family law matters or facing serious criminal charges. At González & Waddington, LLC, we are committed to providing expert legal representation to clients in Weston, Florida, and Sunrise FL divorce lawyers throughout South Florida. Since our establishment in 2006, our veteran-owned law firm has built a strong reputation for delivering outstanding legal services with a focus on excellence, integrity, and client satisfaction.
Expert Criminal Defense for Your Peace of Mind
Criminal charges can have a profound impact on your life, affecting not only your personal freedom but also your future opportunities. At González & Waddington, LLC, we offer comprehensive criminal defense services designed to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome for your case. Our experienced attorneys are adept at handling a wide range of criminal matters, including:
Felony and Misdemeanor Cases: Whether you’re facing felony charges, such as robbery or assault, or misdemeanor offenses, like petty theft or disorderly conduct, our team is equipped to develop a strong defense strategy. We analyze evidence, challenge accusations, and fight for a fair trial to secure the best possible results for you.
Serious Criminal Allegations: Serious criminal charges, including drug trafficking or violent crimes, require an experienced and knowledgeable defense team. Our attorneys are skilled at managing complex cases and exploring all legal options to defend against severe penalties and long-term consequences.
DUI/DWI Defense: Being charged with driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) can lead to significant legal and personal repercussions. We provide expert defense to challenge the evidence, negotiate reduced charges, and protect your driving privileges.
Expungement and Record Sealing: A criminal record can impact your employment opportunities and personal life. We help clients navigate the expungement and sealing process, aiming to remove or restrict access to past offenses and facilitate a fresh start.
Compassionate Family Law Services
Family law issues are often deeply personal and emotionally charged. At González & Waddington, LLC, we approach each case with sensitivity and a commitment to protecting your interests. Our comprehensive family law services include:
Divorce Proceedings: Divorce can be a complex process involving the division of assets, alimony, and other critical issues. Our attorneys provide guidance and support throughout the divorce process, working to achieve a fair and equitable resolution that meets your needs.
Child Custody and Support: Ensuring the well-being of your children is our top priority. We assist with custody arrangements and child support issues, striving to create solutions that prioritize your children’s best interests and ensure their needs are met.
Domestic Violence Protection: If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, we offer legal protection and support. We help obtain restraining orders and other legal remedies to ensure your safety and hold perpetrators accountable.
Adoption Services: The adoption process can be intricate and emotionally rewarding. Our attorneys provide comprehensive support throughout the adoption journey, ensuring that all legal requirements are met and that the process is as smooth as possible.
A Veteran-Owned Firm with a Commitment to Excellence
As a veteran-owned law firm, González & Waddington, LLC brings a unique perspective to our practice. Our values of integrity, dedication, and respect, honed through military service, are central to our approach to every case. We are committed to upholding these values and delivering exceptional legal services with a focus on achieving the best results for our clients.
Bilingual Services for Our Diverse Community
We recognize the importance of clear and effective communication in legal matters. To better serve our Spanish-speaking clients, González & Waddington, LLC offers bilingual legal services. Our team is fluent in Spanish and dedicated to providing comprehensive support, ensuring that all clients receive the assistance they need in their preferred language.
Why Choose González & Waddington, LLC?
Selecting the right legal representation can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Here’s why González & Waddington, LLC is the right choice for your legal needs:
Proven Experience: Since 2006, we have developed extensive experience in both family law and criminal defense. Our proven track record of successful outcomes and satisfied clients reflects our commitment to excellence.
Personalized Attention: We believe in offering individualized attention to each client. Our attorneys take the time to understand your unique situation and provide tailored legal solutions that address your specific needs.
Dedicated Advocacy: Our team is dedicated to advocating for your rights and interests with professionalism and compassion. We work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome for your case and provide support throughout the legal process.
Comprehensive Services: From criminal defense to family law matters, we offer a wide range of legal services designed to meet your needs. Our holistic approach ensures that all aspects of your case are handled with expertise and care.
Get in Touch with Us Today
If you’re facing legal challenges related to family law or criminal defense, González & Waddington, LLC is here to provide the expert support and representation you need. Our experienced attorneys are ready to assist you with professionalism and dedication, ensuring that your rights are protected and your interests are represented. Contact us today at [phone number] to schedule a consultation and learn how we can support you through your legal journey. At González & Waddington, LLC, your legal matters are our top priority, and we are committed to guiding you every step of the way.
Full Address ( Street Address, City, State & Zip code):
Address: 1792 Bell Tower Ln #218, Weston, FL 33326, United States
Zip code: 33326
Company Phone: +1 954-909-7407
Website URL: https://gonzalezwaddington.com/
Davie FL Family lawyers.
August 12, 2017
This novel starts with a wonderful set-up. Told inside a women´s prison in Mexico by an American held for reasons not revealed until the end, we follow the tale of her upbringing while also tracking the developing relationships among the women in the prison. I was initially fascinated by the backstory of her "university professor turned trucker-fugitive" father. There were elements of this book that prevented me from getting emotionally attached to the characters (the characters are outrageous who act and develop in not quite believable ways). I really enjoyed the way American Spanish was woven into the novel. The USA has one of the biggest Spanish-speaking populations in the world; it is wonderful to see that reflected in literature.
July 1, 2016
I like books about women, written by women. I was pretty sure I'd like this since the tagline for the book reads: "A road novel with literary license." Humor and clever play on words. And the book turned out to be one I couldn't put down and kept thinking about when I wasn't reading it. The "daughter" of the title is a long-haul trucker like her father - how she becomes a trucker and easily adjusts to that lifestyle is the story she tells from a Mexican women's prison. This is one of those books you tell all your friends to read.
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