Some Rivers End on the Day of the Dead Review

Monday, January 17, 2011

Title: Some Rivers End on the Day of the Dead
Author: Eileen Granfors
Publisher: CreateSpace
Published: August 1, 2010
Genre: MG, Contemporary
Pages: 280
Source: Won
Like "Esperanza Rising" and "Rules of Attraction," this coming-of-age novel, "Some Rivers End on The Day of the Dead" follows a Hispanic teen, Marisol. She and her mother are on the run from their home in Tijuana, Mexico. Her father, investigating the drug wars as a journalist, has been murdered. But Marisol's new home is a riverbed camp in a rich California suburb.

A wildfire separates Marisol from her mother and her school. Cut off and alone, she challenges herself to find a way to reunite with her family and to celebrate the Day of the Dead in Mexico to honor her father with the proper traditions.
Marisol is living in the wind with her mother after her father, an investigative journalist, is murdered for his investigation into the drug wars. No matter what though, Marisol knows she still has her mother to hold onto, and as a young teen, that’s what she holds onto as her lifeline. Then, a wildfire strikes, and Marisol is separated from her mother. Desperate and alone, Marisol makes a promise to herself. Not only will she find her mother, but she’ll reunite with the rest of her family on The Day of the Dead, allowing herself and her family to give her father the final rest he deserves in her culture.

I won this book a bit ago, and I’ve seen it around, but never really gave it a second thought. While the cover is very artistic, it really failed to jump out at me. However, I received a nice note from the author, Eileen Granfors, who said that her book is often turned down because Marisol, the MC is too innocent. I have a thing for indie books, so I was definitely intrigued to see what agents saw (or didn’t see) in Some Rivers End on the Day of the Dead (which, coincidentally, is a mouthful of a title). Granfors has spun a tale that’s sweet, endearing, and cultural, giving you a taste of Marisol’s life while propelling you on an adventure with her.

I have to say that the prose of Some Rivers End on the Day of the Dead wasn’t really exceptional per se, and I don’t think anything struck me as absolutely remarkable, but it wasn’t a bad book overall. Yes, Marisol was very innocent and sweet, but I think it worked for the context of the story. I also think the major highlight of Some Rivers End on the Day of the Dead were the hints of characterization enmeshed in Marisol’s heritage and culture. It also had a powerful theme of friendship, family, embracing one’s heritage, and coming-of-age, which kept the story moving. I do have to admit though, I felt that Some Rivers End on the Day of the Dead felt a bit unpolished, if you will, and the plot wasn’t exceptionally fast-paced, either, lagging a bit at times.

Overall, Some Rivers End on the Day of the Dead is a sweet book. The themes and underlying values of the book breathe life into it and redeem most of what the book lacks. However, I can’t say that this was my absolutely favourite book, and as contemps are hit or miss with me, this wasn’t a true hit. I give it a 3 out of 5, and I’d recommend it to more of an upper MG/lower YA audience who enjoy contemporary fiction.

23 comments:

  1. I do not read Middle grade books but am always on the lookout for books for my young cousins. The story does seem like a sweet read , even if it's not so exceptional. Thanks for the review!

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  2. I don't read much middle grade either, I tend to find it hard to relate to the characters, but this does sound like a cute story. And I like that family and friendship are so prominent, so much of family is missing from YA overall with boarding schools and absentee parents being such dominant themes. Beautiful review as always though Melissa!

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  3. Other than Rick Riordan's books I don't read much MG - I find it a little too difficult to relate to. That being said, this book does sound very cute and I love the cultural aspect. Fantastic honest review!

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  4. I am always looking for strong, culturally diverse middle school reads that I feel will attract all my students. While the plot of this book sounds very good, I am wondering it the themes alone would hold my kids attention. I might have to at least give this a read and see.

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  5. I dont read middle grade so I prob wont read this but your review was fantastic...:D

    And that cover...yikes....

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  6. Thank you readers and commenters and Melissa! The cover relates to The Day of the Dead (El Dia de los Muertos) in which the calaca (skeleton) is praised and taken as part of the Mexican tradition of how we are all the same under out skin. It's not a vampire book, I assure you. :0) Eileen

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  7. My cousin(who is the same age as myself) would probably LOVE this book than! She always wants to read MG books, which is fine, but they just aren't for me normally. I'll have to mention this book to her.

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  8. Great review! The cover for this one is pretty cool!

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  9. The cover is definitely original and artistic but overall I am not persuaded to read this book- thanks for your review nevertheless!

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  10. Sounds a bit young for me, but definitely like a good story! I like books that celebrate culture, as well. I haven't heard of this one before, so thanks for introducing it to me! =)

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  11. Great review (again:)) Melissa! It doesn't sound like my type of story, but I think I might try it.
    -Danna
    http://friendlyreaderohyeah.blogspot.com/

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  12. Thanks for this review, Melissa. I hadn't heard of this book before. I love the cover. I think this might be a fun read for my little cousins. They often asks me questions about Mexican culture or the Day of the Dead. Maybe reading this with them would yield a different experience.

    Something to think about. Thanks for your honest review.

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  13. It's great to see support for Indie authors! The cover is very original and artistic but I don't really think the story is really for me after reading your review.

    RE your comments on my blog: Awww, thanks Melissa- I love your blog too! I'm really glad to hear you've been enjoying historical fiction recently, I think it's grown in popularity recently. I think you'd enjoy Cate Od The Lost Colony :)

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  14. I love the subject matter and I actually love the cover. I can see how it could be too juvenile but it still sounds sweet. Great review.

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  15. I actually am intrigued with this novel because of the subject matter and the fact that it deals with cultural heritage. Normally I wouldn't read a MG novel either, but this one sounds like cute read. And I actually love the cover for it too and what it symbolises as explained in the comment by Eileen. Great review Melissa!

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  16. So true, they tend to be a hit or a miss for me too. And this one, seems to much of a miss for me

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  17. Well said Melissa! Contemporary fiction is hit or miss with me too.

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  18. Good review Melissa! The cover is artistic and to me eye catching. Just started seeing this one around. Glad to know your take on it and what it's about.

    Heather

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  19. Great review Melissa. It sounds interesting but I think it might be a bit too young for me :)

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  20. I don't have time to read much MG but do recommend titles to my cousins and brother. I think I'll be recommending this one to them. Great review!

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  21. This was one of those books that I could not put it down. It 'a touching story of a young girl struggling to survive in an extremely difficult situation, but rewarding finishes.
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  22. Great honest review. That cover definitely caught my attention.

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  23. I've been meaning to start reading more MG. This sounds cute... I could see myself enjoying it.

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