Allison K. Garcia

I remember reading another book by this author recently and thinking how thought provoking the story was. This book is just as powerful and really takes readers into the world of how an undocumented person has many obstacles trying to better their life. Linda is the main character in this story and I really loved how hard she worked and how much she wanted to help her family. The struggles that the author describes when Linda was a child was very hard to read. I liked how the author pointed out how children crossing the border with their parents have no choice whether to stay or go. It made me think how unfair these children have been treated here in the United States when their choice to come here was decided by their parents.

I can't imagine what it must be like to experience what Linda has as she attends college all the while worried that her secret may be found out. What would it be like to always look over your shoulder wondering if someone was there to arrest you because you are in the country illegally? I enjoyed learning about the Dream Act which I had never heard of before.

The story is well written and opens doors of discussion about immigration. There are many opinions about this subject and the author offers us a different way to view this issue. These people are just like everyone else. They seek to provide for their family, make a better life for them and follow their dream.

There is one character that really irked me most of the time. He thought he was better than others and had a real problem with immigrants. His prejudice was overwhelming and I liked that he had to swallow his pride and find a job that he felt was beneath him. Will he change his mind about immigrants, or will his bitterness destroy him? The constant belittling from his wife will take a toll on him as well.

The author makes a great point when talking about immigrants from European places. I remember reading about immigrants coming to Eliis Island fresh off boats waiting to enter the United Stares. We forget sometimes that many people from different nationalities are immigrants. Linda is very passionate about explaining this to her college classmates. Not everyone agrees with her but I loved her passion and her strength in standing up for what she believe in.

The ending is filled with a dangerous situation and brings heartache to several characters. The book is a realistic look at immigration and the effects it has on people. As in her other book, the author uses Spanish through out the book with footnotes at the bottom of the pages to translate the words into English. I continue to wish the author would put the English translation in parenthesis next to the Spanish words. It was very distracting for me to have to continually look down at the bottom of the page to understand what was being said.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.… (más)

This book deals with the issues of illegal immigrants and the issues that surround them. I was hoping I would enjoy this book, but I could not handle the way Allison K. Garcia seemed to glorify the illegal immigrants over actual United States citizens. I believe the Dream Act does an injustice to those immigrants who follow the letter of the law in order to come legally to the United States.

I found the constant use of Spanish to be distracting and made it difficult to read. But if you know Spanish you will enjoy this book.… (más)

Vivir el Dream is an inspirational story containing many thought-provoking points on the undocumented immigration issues we are facing in the United States. It stirs up emotions.

The reader follows three main characters: Juanita, Linda, and Tim.

Juanita knows very little English but works her tail end to help support her daughter.

Linda is an undocumented immigrant and a very smart college student who is working day and night.

Then there is Tim who is a born-and-raised American who is married. This couple lives the American dream. Tim's wife is a country club member and their children attend a private school until they are faced with Tim being laid off.

These characters are relatable.

This book touches on many topics including, illegal immigration, rape, marriage abuse, marriage struggle,

Alison K. Garcia authenticity to the story by not being afraid to put lots of Spanish dialogues and terms in her book. English people, like myself, have to turn to the footnotes containing the English translations. This pulled me out of the story quite a lot.

I knew a little bit about undocumented immigration and the Dream Act because I was an intern for Alan Headbloom's Feel Like You Belong. Alan interviews a variety of immigrants who came to America for a better life.

All and all, Vivir El Dream gives a wonderful glimpse into the struggles and determination undocumented families deal with and what they won't go through to have a better life. It also shows what United States citizens go through too. Garcia gets you thinking. I love how she put two different lifestyles side by side. This would make a really good book club book because you could get some really good discussions. I would recommend this book. This isn't an easy read, so don't plan on reading it all in a couple of hours.… (más)

'Life is better singing'.
What an incredible book! Linda was brought to the USA by her mother when she was 3 years old. They were fleeing an abusive situation that was sure to end in death. The author shows us the plight of those who are here by no choice of their own and who have no other home. The faith portrayed by this young lady and those close to her was evident in all their actions. In spite of possible deportation every day, they continued to work and serve those around them.
This novel shows us faith and the redeeming love of God when immigration is such a conundrum. I received this copy through CelebrateLit. All impressions and opinions are my own.… (más)