This book is really interesting, it is like Miguel's diary, yet it seemed like an ordinary book told by the narrator as well. The characters in this story is very unique, and has all been through things we had never imagined before. This is the first book I have read about kids who have went to Juvi, etc. Miguel also didn't tell us what he did untile the very end, left me wondering the whole time. I really liked this book; at times it was just beautifully written. The characters' stories are heartbreaking, but still hopeful. I think this book was a little bit too long, but if you enjoy books that meander through a story at an easy pace, this is good for that. The narrator, Miguel, is smart and thoughtful. This book is largely his reflections on life. He makes a couple of unlikely friendships that change him. Ultimately, he needs to come to terms with something terrible he was involved in that neither he nor his family can seem to forgive him for. When the book ends, you know Miguel is only beginning his journey of forgiving himself for what happened; the book is about how he gets to the point of wanting to move on. Probably would recommend this book to high school kids. It contains some strong language and really heavy emotional situations.
