ARACELI’S PATH

Among Angels and Devils in Juarez

by

MARION SURLES

Genre: Realistic Fiction / Border Stories / Mature Middle Grade

Publisher: Love and Literacy

Date of Publication: November 30, 2019

Number of Pages: 145

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Araceli comes from a blended, dysfunctional family held together by the love of a grandmother. Rubí is being raised by a single mother who works as a prostitute. Both young girls are affected not only by their mothers’ choices but also by the violence and culture of Juarez, Mexico.

Can they overcome the cards they have been dealt, or are they destined to follow the same paths as their mothers?

Follow the lives of Araceli and Rubí from childhood to young adulthood and listen for children everywhere who are voiceless, trapped in their own cultures.

English version

Spanish version

Amazon

Proceeds benefit Love and Literacy  

While a fictional tale, this story takes a hard look into life for those living in Juarez, Mexico. It is not for the faint of heart and I found it heartbreaking to see young girls forced into prostitution to stay alive and make their way in the world not to mention the squalor that they experience on a daily basis.

Araceli’s story is similar to many in her town. She is a substitute mother for her younger siblings since their mother is not interested in their welfare, only her own. Thankfully, they have their Abuela to help fill the gap that their mother leaves behind. There is also a kind neighbor that owns the corner store that looks out for Araceli and her sisters. Araceli has dreams beyond ending up like her mother, married with many children and no future. It was hard to watch her struggle with life and not be able to see her dreams come to fruition, but she doesn’t give up on a better life.

I felt like Araceli never gave up hope on herself, her life, her family, and even those around her. This is evident with another girl, Rubi. Rubi’s life was even harder than Araceli’s growing up. I don’t think she attended school at all, was left outside when her mother was entertaining men, and I’m not sure if she was fed much. There are passages that mention Rubi at the age of 12 with heavy makeup and pregnant. I think she had three to four children before she was 18, possibly younger. Araceli tried to befriend Rubi but was rebuffed. Perhaps Rubi didn’t trust anyone and could only look out for herself. I think that one of the few people that were able to get through to her was Paul. Paul was a photographer with a church missionary group that was building homes for some families in Juarez. For some reason, he took Araceli and her family under his wing and even Rubi to the extent she allowed it. His kindness and generosity is overwhelming but is just a drop in the bucket considering all of those that need help.

I enjoyed this book on various levels. It taught me about the reality of this town in Mexico, and possibly others like it; the kindness of strangers especially Paul (Abuelo), and the photographs of the town and the joy in their faces despite everything. I hope that those that read this book take to heart the opportunities to help those less fortunate whether it is locally or in another country. This is the type of book that could open up discussions in the classroom or at home about the fate of the world and those around us.

We give this book 5 paws up.

Marion Surles was born in 1957 in Columbus, Mississippi. From a young age, she was interested in learning Spanish, due to a special offering of Spanish at her elementary school. She received a BA and MA in Spanish and social work from Mississippi State University and teaches Spanish and English as a Second Language to all levels of students. She also serves as a volunteer missionary at home and in many Spanish-speaking countries. Most recently, she has formed a mission in Juarez, Mexico called Love and Literacy, which encourages reading and staying in school. Every two months, Marion travels to Juarez to bring books and literacy activities to a poor neighborhood, partnering with a local family to serve as the library. Her books are a fictional account of the lives of her students. Her Facebook page, Love and Literacy, gives updates of her work in Juarez.

Marion lives in Dublin, Texas with her husband, horses, and dogs. She enjoys trail riding, kayaking, and camping, plus visiting with her daughters and granddaughter nearby.

Website ║ Facebook ║ Amazon Author Page

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GIVEAWAY!  GIVEAWAY! GIVEAWAY!

TWO WINNERS: Autographed copies of Araceli’s Path and Grit in

Juarez (choice of English or Spanish), Day of the Dead shopping bag &

plate, Mexican coin purse, Mexican candy. 

NOVEMBER 5-15, 2020

(US ONLY)

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