pickThe novel “The Radius of Us“ was very good. The story itself had many interesting events, keeping readers constantly hooked, and was written very descriptively, so that readers could always get a sense of what was going on.
The Radius of Us: A Novel | 
pickThe novel “The Radius of Us“ was very good. The story itself had many interesting events, keeping readers constantly hooked, and was written very descriptively, so that readers could always get a sense of what was going on.
pickGretchen is a high school student dealing with the feelings she is experiencing after being assaulted during robbery. Phoenix is trying to seek asylum in the States after his life and his brothers life is being threatened in their home country. After a freak meeting between the two of them in a park they have no idea how their lives are going to change for the better by just knowing each other. How they are going to help each other become whole.
In March the PTA brought Marie Marquardt to my kids‘ high school. In addition to being a YA author of books with immigrant characters (using sensitivity readers), she‘s chair of El Refugio, serving detained immigrants and their families. It was eye opening and yet I still was not prepared for what I know today.
My husband is an immigration attorney, and I have to say that no other YA author does as good of a job exploring the issue of immigration and how it affects young people in the US.
A little reading and a face mask before bed... Excited to delve in to this book!
Told in alternating first person points of view, this is a story of unconditional love, sacrifice, trust, and the journeys of two young adults burdened but also connected with each others' traumas.
bailedThis book just wasn't for me. The premise sounded great but I'm 15% in and not feeling it. It seems like it is trying too hard to check all the diversity boxes. On top of the white girl and El Salvadoran boy both with anxiety & PTSD issues, there is a brown BFF, a hippie mom, a stay at home dad, & lesbian foster parents. Also hugging total stranger after a five minute conversation is weird to me especially in the context of this story.
pick"Every teen and every person should read #TheRadiusofUs With the politically-charged society that we live in, sometimes you just have to put yourself in someone else‘s shoes" says our reviewer
pickHigh-school senior Gretchen Asher's life changed forever the night she was attacked. Phoenix (18) & his brother (12) fled their home in El Salvador to seek asylum in the US. These two characters stole my heart as their histories were revealed. I'm leery of love stories, but G & P were interesting as individuals. They support each other as they learn how to keep living a full life despite their past trauma. Addresses PTSD & US immigration system.
pickThe characters were remarkable. It was great to see how much Gretchen has evolved and moved forward in her life with the help of Phoenix. Ninety seconds can really change a life in a good way. This book touched on the subjects about immigration, gang violence and the Hispanic culture. With a little hint of romance here and here, it made the story very realistic. I absolutely love this book and I'm glad I decided to read the whole thing.
