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Lucy B. (Urbana, Ohio)
(12/30/10)
Coming to America
The prologue was about a sixteen-year-old girl coming to America and then not being met by her cousin at the airport. The first chapter was a year or so later and it was hard for me to try to understand how she fit in with the characters at this point. The rest of the story was told well and I felt sorry for how she was treated by her employers.
Kathy S. (Danbury, CT)
(12/30/10)
Pass
I so did not like this book. The characters were not well developed and the story line did not hold my attention. Every time the book started to get interesting, the author would drop that story line and begin another. I especially did not like how the book ended ... very abruptly and with many loose ends.
Shelby L. (Hamden, CT)
(12/29/10)
Many better books to read
This is a light, better than "beach read" book but the story felt familiar and predictable, as if I already knew the immigrant Nanny experience from what I've read in the news or seen on TV. The characters are real, although stereotypical in many instances, evil Jewish landlord, gangster Island acquaintances, neurotic employer, and on and on.
If your reading time is limited try something else.
Bea C. (Liberty Lake, WA)
(12/28/10)
There but for the Grace.....
The author, like the main character, Grace, experienced immigrating to the US from Trinidad and working as a nanny, which she calls a "baby sitter". Grace finds employment, but it seems to be a hopeless, go nowhere situation, with no chance of saving enough money to better herself and almost a slave to an unfeeling, power hungry employer. The book touched on the problems of getting a green card, disappointment in what immigrants find in America and homesickness for their homeland while trying to make the U.S. their new home. Not an exciting plot, but interesting enough to keep reading until the end. Anyone who feels discouraged about their own set of circumstances will feel a little luckier about their life after reading what these people go through.
Barbara F. (Santa Rosa, CA)
(12/28/10)
Minding Ben
I would recommend this book without reservation. The narrative is compelling and draws the reader into the frustration, unfairness and sometimes the small joys of the illegal immigrant life in New York City. I was often unsure of whether I was reading a memoir or a novel. I think this confusion stems from a lack of story line or plot. It is, at times, an uncomfortable read because the reader does not want to be associated in any way with the thoughtlessness and selfishness the heroine has to deal with. The ending adds to the confusion between memoir and novel but that doesn't spoil the read. It would be a good Book Club read.
Beth (USA)
(12/27/10)
Minding Ben
An interesting story with insight into the immigrant experience. Grace was a wholly sympathetic character, and the peek into the world of "playground politics" was fascinating. The problem that I had with the book was the one-dimensional quality to the ogreish family for whom Grace worked, and the absence of a more developed relationship between Grace and her young charge, Ben.
Cynthia A. (Grand Rapids, MI)
(12/26/10)
Real Characters
The characters in this story are what make it so real. The little communities, traditions, expected behaviors and unexpected twists and turns make it such a good read. Just when you think you know a character and you decide to like or dislike the person, the author shows you a different side of him causing you to change your opinion. I wish this book didn't end. I want to know more of Grace's story.
Jane D. (Boulder, CO)
(12/26/10)
Minding Ben
I was totally engrossed in this book. It provides an educational and eye-opening look at a world I knew nothing about. As a linguist, I was particularly intrigued by the Caribbean English, although I sometimes wished for a glossary, and a brief explanation of the grammar. Great story! I didn't want it to end.