American Dirt

 

"One of the very first bullets come in through the open window above the toilet where Luca is standing." That sentence alone drew me in thinking that this story is a hard look of what the migrants had to endure. But as I read I wasn't too impressed.

I looked to what others had to say about this book. And some were furious of the way this author wrote this book. And she not knowing first hand of what some went through. Especially I believe her grandmother being Puerto Rican. And she did more research rather than searching her own history.

Another said the book was about the plot, the surroundings.

For me I agree it was the layout of the grounds that the migrants had to go through to get where they wanted. I believe the characters, the main characters didn't stand out to me.

Lydia, Sebastian, and Luca a family from Acapulco. Sebastian a journalist. And Lydia who owned a bookstore living their everyday life who never lived in fear. For that I didn't get that raw sense of what the author was trying to convey.

Being that book is fiction, one needs to remember. So as I read I found that other characters around Lydia and Luca were very interesting. It got pretty bad for them. The journey that was traveled. The strength that they all had. Especially Luca. He might of went into this with a child's mind but when Lydia and he got to where they wanted Luca became so mature. So sad for the others not to make it. But cheering for those who did.

American Dirt was good. I give 4 

Hercule Poirot's Christmas

 

It took me a while to read this book. Finally finished today. 

What can I say except another great book of Agatha Christie's. Usually I find the character Poirot stuffy and a know it all. That didn't change here. But what changed was the demeanor of Poirot in this story. He was not in the forefront as his other books. He was mostly in the background letting police do their job.

Although he was asked to help. And naturally he did. What did we find? We found that even though family was called to have a sort of family Christmas there is a murder. Simone Lee father, was murdered. We find that the whole family could have opportunity. George & Magdalene Lee, David & Hilda Lee, Pilar Estravados, & Stephen Farr. Possible motives hate, gain & diamond complications.

Poirot's manner of trying to find out who killed Simone Lee he says to go back to the character of the dead man. What manner of a man was Simeon Lee? He wasn't a bad or mean person. He treated his wife badly. Ran around with other women. Sadly his wife died with a broken heart.

What does he have to bequeath his sons and daughter? Pride that was frustrated in a disappointment in his children. And he waited patiently for years to revenge on someone who caused him injury.

With all that one by one Hercule Poirot ticked off each person and why til he found who wasn't who they say they were and who done it!

I was amused of Hercule Poirot saying that he admired Superintendent Sugden's stolidness. Usually he never thinks that only of himself.

This is a Christmas mystery. And even though it was around Christmas I believe it could be read anytime. 

I give Hercule Poirot's Christmas 5 

What can I say It's Agatha Christie!