Extremely well-written and full of interesting case studies covering a wide range of topics and campaigns.

Parts of this book were phenomenal and enlightening and written with strength and pointed clarity. However, a few of the middle essays felt tangential at best and I found them difficult to follow. Also, because of the nature of an essay compilation, some entries lacked context or assumed knowledge about specific incidents. Even as someone who attempts to be informed, some of the events she referenced were foreign to me and so they carried less weight. 

This book took my breath away. It is beautifully written, heart-wrenchingly honest, and so important. Patrisse’s stories were vivid and moving, and I’m glad to have learned from her. This book will stick with me for a long time.

The beginning feels a little slow and disjointed, but on the whole this is a moving, lyrical, honest memoir. Definitely recommend. It gives such a nuanced picture of the border and the systems of violence facing those who seek to cross. 

“Some politicians in the United States think that if a mother or father is deported, this will cause the entire family to move back to Mexico. But in fact, the mothers and fathers with the best family values will want their family to stay in the US, they will cross the border again and again to be with them. So you see, these same people, the ones with the most dedication to their family, they begin to build up a record of deportation, they have more and more problems with the government, and it becomes harder and harder for them to ever become legal. In this way, the US is making criminals out of those which could become its very best citizens.”

This book is simple, thoughtful, and illuminating. The basic framework of authority and vulnerability as axes not opposites was so helpful and well-supported with anecdotes, scripture, and wisdom. I will take many lessons from this book.

What a gem! Well-researched, thoughtful, honoring without being fawning, and an absolute delight to read. I was particularly fascinated by the final chapters about social implications and culture shifts. A worthwhile read for anyone (Little Women fan or not!).

This book will wreck you. It’s written so incredibly well so that you feel every bit of tension and emotion. It’s so ordinary and yet so powerful. Everyone should read this book.