Into the Beautiful North by Luis Alberto Urrea Review and Giveaway

Nineteen-year-old Nayeli works at a taco shop in her Mexican village and dreams about her father, who journeyed to the US when she was young. Recently, it has dawned on her that he isn't the only man who has left town. In fact, there are almost no men in the village--they've all gone north. While watching The Magnificent Seven, Nayeli decides to go north herself and recruit seven men--her own "Siete Magníficos"--to repopulate her hometown and protect it from the bandidos who plan on taking it over.

Filled with unforgettable characters and prose as radiant as the Sinaloan sun, Into the Beautiful North is the story of an irresistible young woman's quest to find herself on both sides of the fence.

My Take:

 This was a surprise read.  I didn't know what to expect but it was not this. This was a quick, fun read. Exactly what I needed.  The dialogue is witty and descriptions fun.  The author tells the story of the four friends who encounter the crime and poverty of their beloved country and contrast the problems of living in the United States.  This is not a book on politics, immigration laws, or personal opinion.  It is the story of one little Mexican town that needed a few good men, a hilarious female mayor, Aunt Irma, three girlfriends, Nayeli, Zolo, and Vampira (satirical name) and their fourth wheel, Tacho, the owner of a diner and personality not to miss.  I chuckled my way through the book.  A really fun read.  Language and sexual innuendo makes it rated PG-13.  Appropriate for high school girls.  My copy will be given to the high school where I work. Book group guide here.

If you want it, it's up for grabs.  I have a copy for two people with a physical U.S. or Canadian address (sorry, Mexico).  Contest ends July 31st.