Riveting, compelling, and intriguing--just some of the words that have been used to describe this book. Arabella has a powerful, moving story to tell, and she tells it with conviction. It is a story of challenges, trials and incredible sorrows. A story of endurance, perseverance and remarkable triumphs. It is an immigrant's story and one that transcends race and culture and dispels stereotypes. The author offers her readers a lot to consider and provides a wealth of information about events that were strange, frightening, sad, difficult, unexplainable, fishy, and also just plain great. She presents the material in a way that audiences will enjoy reading about and learning from. Arabella reels us into her world and takes us back in time as she retraces her life. We see the aspirations, disappointments and heartache of a young girl growing up in Colombia. We are with her when she arrives in the United States and struggles to overcome barriers and adjust to life in a strange land. She saves a life and impacts another. She experiences hardship and tragedies, yet in her own way she is able to attain joy in her life. Specific, sensory details in the stories Arabella tells, help us to imagine not only the basic facts of each circumstance, but what it felt like to be in each situation: what she saw, what she heard, what she touched, what she smelled, what she tasted, what she thought, what she felt. These details are so heartwarming and easy to picture, they really draw a reader into the story. Throughout the book, the narrative voice is strong, familiar, and easy to follow. This is an excellent piece which flows nicely, and just about anyone can understand and benefit from this story. It should be well received by a wide audience. To gauge interest, the author let avid readers read the manuscript. She also gave excerpts to occasional readers and others who have not read a book in years. Here are some comments:
"I stayed up all night with this book knowing that I would be late for work the next day. I simply couldn't put it down.¬¬" Sara L - Tucson, AZ
"I was so engrossed in the story I missed my stop and didn't realize it till I was four stations away." - Janelle P. Rockville, MD.
"I have never seen members of our book club group so animated. Arabelle took us places and stirred up conversations about stereotypes, other cultures and current affairs. For the first time ever, we are planning to travel together and we are going to Colombia! We want to see the mountains and beaches and taste the fruits and vegetables that Arabelle so proudly described. - Ruth Z. Long Island, NY
"Halfway through the book, I deliberately slowed down so I would not get to the end too soon. This book evoked deep emotions in me. I laughed, I cried, I felt her pain and sorrow. Above all she has inspired me to face life head on. Great book!" Joanne H, New Jersey.
"I forgot how much fun reading could be, this book is riveting" Gordon D - Silver Spring, MD
"The last time I read a book, I was in college and that was 20 years ago. I read a few pages of this book and I am eager to read the rest of the story. Seth A. - Minneapolis, MN
"I don't even read, but you just sold a copy, with many more sales to come! Peter F. - Seattle Washington
