Minding Ben
When I read something comparing this book to "The Help", I was skeptical and fully prepared to be disappointed. After only a few pages, the skepticism was put aside and I became immersed in Grace's story. Her tale of the trials she endured as an immigrant in this country are told in a very personal way, making her character come alive. The use of vernacular and dialect makes all the characters and events real and believable. While Grace's inability to remove herself from her situation with the Bruckners was at times frustrating, her poise and equanimity makes her a sympathetic figure and I felt she would triumph in the end. I'm ready for the sequel!
Rated of 5
by Lisa G. (Riverwoods, IL)
Minding Ben by Victoria Brown
Customs, dreams, losses and relationships make this book a very good choice for book groups. At 16 Grace finds her way into a life she would have never imagined when arriving in NY from Trinidad She becomes a nanny to Ben who much to his mother's consternation, loves Grace unconditionally. Themes of friendship, family and pretending to be what one is not are woven throughout the book, making it a very emotional read
Rated of 5
by Carm D. (Omaha, NE)
Minding Ben
This was an excellent first novel. The fact that it is partially autobiographical is a bonus. One realizes what a brave young lady she was to come to New York as a 16 year old girl from Trinidad, where she knew no one. The experiences of Grace in this novel are probably typical of many immigrants. They arrive here and some people take advantage of them, it is so sad that this happens. I hope there will be another book continuing Grace's journey, I'm looking forward to more of her story.
Rated of 5
by Gail G. (Northbrook, Illinois)
First Impressions
This is a sad but well written book about Grace Caton, a 16 year old Trinidad girl who gets talked into coming to America to further her education and better her life. She is disappointed at every turn from the moment she steps off the plane. [spoilers removed] I do not know if young people would enjoy this book but I’m sure older readers would. The characters are very well developed. The story line is believable and I’m sure one that is easily recognizable.
Rated of 5
by Debby H. (Grand Blanc, MI)
Delightfully Entertaining
I really liked this story. I found myself wanting to read it every spare minute I had. This is actually quite rare for me because I bore easily. I think if an author, through their writing, can cause the reader to experience strong emotions, said author must be quite good. There was a particular character in "Minding Ben" that I swear to you, I just wanted to strangle she irked me so desperately. Enough said.
Rated of 5
by Susan S. (Middlebury, Connecticut)
Minding Ben by Victoria Brown
This is not a frivolous beach read like The Nanny Diaries. Minding Ben is a far more substantial novel, full of prejudice and the injustices experienced by any group of people who find themselves in the position of the "underdog".
The dialect was a distraction at times but was necessary for authenticity. The main characters were well fleshed out, and if the character of Grace is partly autobiographical, then I take my hat off to Victoria Brown.
A good read.
Rated of 5
by Barbara B. (Alta Loma, CA)
A Multicultural Gem
Minding Ben is so much more than another "Nanny Diaries" novel. For me, it read as a serious story about a young woman, from Trinidad, living in America & struggling to find her place. Grace is very strong & it was easy to forget that she was 16 years old. I loved her determination to make it work. I really liked her friends & found myself pulling for them. Miriam & Sol seemed to be over the top & I didn't care what happened to them. I feel as though this book would make a good choice for book clubs, as there are a lot of social issues to discuss.
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of 5
by Marsha S. (Nags Head, NC)
