Mr. Tobar went off on tangets quite often. I found that this got me off course. This didn't allow me to keep my mind focused and connected. There are many sentences in Spanish. There is no way of figuring out the meaning of these sentences. When writing for an English speaking audience either write in English or include the translation.

Similar themes to "The Help", but concerning current affairs and more credible.

Outstanding, timely, engaging book. The characters live and breathe -- I cared about them, even the ones I didn't like so much (well, except for the district attorney...didn't care for/about him! <grin>)

This enjoyable novel is a gently told drama about social classes and struggles between them in LA today. I found most effective the initial set up and especially the presentation of the unlikely (& very attractive, because of this) protagonist, Araceli. But I also really liked the humor and charm associated with the 2 pre-teen boys: their commentary, their insights, and their attitudes. Perhaps because of their ages, the latter are all full of honesty and that gives all hope for the future. The title might imply harshness. Be ensured, it’s not that. Even the villains are relatively harmless in this saga.

Scott and Maureen Torres-Thompson are living beyond their means in a gated community. They have a big argument and separately leave home--each thinking that the other stayed behind with their two sons (11 and 9). The only adult in the house is Araceli, the Mexican housekeeper (who is an illiegal resident). With no food, little cash, and no way to contact the parents, Araceli decides to take the boys to find their grandfather in south central LA -- a whole new world to the boys. Meanwhile the parents arrive home and think the boys have been kidnapped. A manhunt ensues, there is an arrest, an investigation, and a release. Tobar handles multiple points of view deftly. This is an insightful commentary on contemporary society.