Jenda Jonga is such a lovable character! Behold the Dreamers shines a light on the futility on the immigrant experience and cements the notion that a path to citizenship really is necessary. Those who strive without achieving are simply going to become "bowed by life," as Jenda is. And how depressing does that sound? This is an important and noble book.

I was so impressed by the sophistication of the writing and the way that grief and abandonment worked on so many levels. How is it possible that the author is only 26 years old? She writes with a maturity beyond her years. Her church mothers are the conscience that lives in all of us.