Because I misread the class syllabus, I didn't purchase the Young Adult version of Sonia Nazario's "Enrique's Journey"--which honestly I think is fortunate. Though I didn't read the YA version, I understand that version had many, many "fast-forwarded" scenes (if not cuts) compared to the version I read. While this is not necessarily a bad thing, I think these "cuts" take away from Enrique's unforgettable quest. Yes, the YA version is catered towards the younger folk but I don't think such a version was necessary. Enrique has only one version to his journey and that's through his gritty, brutal, and honest perspective. It might be too hard to read at times but we can't always sugar coat the truth--in this case, the horrors of immigration.
In this case, "Enrique's Journey" chronicles the life of a young Honduran boy and his quest to reunite with a mother who left for America in order to provide a better life for him and his sister. The beginning chapter(s) starts off with Lourdes--Enrique's mother--leaving Enrique (not abandoning). Because she struggles to support her young children in Honduras, she hopes leaving for America to get better work will benefit her children.
Hope.
I emphasis on word because it seems to be a central theme throughout the novel. Lourdes travels the dangerous journey through Central America, Mexico and the US (Texas) border with only hope (and her love for her children/family) as her guide. Unfortunately, young Enrique has no idea why his mother left and it doesn't help that his family in Honduras doesn't give him straight answers. This causes a lot of anger/resentment from Enrique and over the years, he was shuffled from one family home to another. It's only over time, after Enrique's gone through a "rebellious" phase that he realizes the struggle his mother has gone through (and is still going through). So because he believes she's the only one who'll love and understand him, Enrique feels compelled to reunite with his mother--and so begins Enrique's epic journey.
To travel through Central America and through Mexico into the US, Enrique rides the tops of freight trains--which is really, really dangerous. Not only does Enrique have to worry about that, he also has to face another threat--gangsters. They rule the tops of these trains; robbing, beating, raping, and killing migrants. Equally dangerous are the corrupt police officers and Mexican immigration officers (who are known to rob migrants before deportation). But throughout it all, Enrique faces these obstacles (with hope at his side) because without it, his accomplishments wouldn't be possible. It's because of hope that he doesn't turn back and admit defeat after the first, second, third or fourth time getting caught and deported. He kept on going.
I definitely believe Enrique's journey will appeal to adolescents because of the way this novel positions teens like Enrique--relatable.
Grade: A
In this case, "Enrique's Journey" chronicles the life of a young Honduran boy and his quest to reunite with a mother who left for America in order to provide a better life for him and his sister. The beginning chapter(s) starts off with Lourdes--Enrique's mother--leaving Enrique (not abandoning). Because she struggles to support her young children in Honduras, she hopes leaving for America to get better work will benefit her children.
Hope.
I emphasis on word because it seems to be a central theme throughout the novel. Lourdes travels the dangerous journey through Central America, Mexico and the US (Texas) border with only hope (and her love for her children/family) as her guide. Unfortunately, young Enrique has no idea why his mother left and it doesn't help that his family in Honduras doesn't give him straight answers. This causes a lot of anger/resentment from Enrique and over the years, he was shuffled from one family home to another. It's only over time, after Enrique's gone through a "rebellious" phase that he realizes the struggle his mother has gone through (and is still going through). So because he believes she's the only one who'll love and understand him, Enrique feels compelled to reunite with his mother--and so begins Enrique's epic journey.
To travel through Central America and through Mexico into the US, Enrique rides the tops of freight trains--which is really, really dangerous. Not only does Enrique have to worry about that, he also has to face another threat--gangsters. They rule the tops of these trains; robbing, beating, raping, and killing migrants. Equally dangerous are the corrupt police officers and Mexican immigration officers (who are known to rob migrants before deportation). But throughout it all, Enrique faces these obstacles (with hope at his side) because without it, his accomplishments wouldn't be possible. It's because of hope that he doesn't turn back and admit defeat after the first, second, third or fourth time getting caught and deported. He kept on going.
I definitely believe Enrique's journey will appeal to adolescents because of the way this novel positions teens like Enrique--relatable.
Grade: A
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