Really enjoyed this book. Loved the descriptions of various latin american countries and their people and regions. The contrast of life in Canada and life abroad. A coming of age story that is inspiring, thoughtful and humorous.

After winning Canada Reads 2012, I decided to read this book. When I looked at the top five chosen by Canadians, this was my second choice to read as I have an interest in foreign political matters. After completing this book, I felt un-satisfied. I was continually thinking that the "good parts" would eventually come. Unfortunately, it never did. I admit that this might have to do more with my expectations of what the book was supposed to be instead of what it was. I guess I was looking for more of what was taking place during the time period (i.e. the adult conversations that her book talked several times about in secret although revealed little details, and what was happening all those years besides smuggling goods across borders.) Instead, this was more of a "girl-to-woman" account that was primarily sitting on the sidelines of history and the effect it had on her mental being. It's not that her story isn't compelling; I just felt like I never really understood why this is supposed to be such an essential story for all of Canada to read. Unfortunately, this book is a bit hyped and I am really surprised of how well it did in the competition.

Especially recommended for the 40+ and worldly Canadian woman. i loved how Carmen relates the most unusual of circumstances of her life as an underground revolutionary to pop hits of the day -ties the reader's privileged circumstances when particular songs were hits to to the occasionally hellish goings on in Carmen's life. Kudos to the various Canadian arts councils for helping in the sharing of this story.

This is the recollections of woman from the age of about 11 years onward, who is the daughter of people who were members of the Chilean political underground movement. Carmen Aguirre recounts her experiences (confessing that they are her memories and may differ from her other family members recollections of the time), and in so doing, brings to us her experiences of being a young girl, teenager and woman during those times. Consistent with another review of this book in their opinion that the characters were what brought this book to life; I fully agree. The characters, family members, friends, other members of the underground, etc., and how Carmen remembers them, are who this book is so memorable. There is much to be learned in reading this as well, about the political situation of that time (1970 onwards) in Chile, Peru, Bolivia and Argentina. I actually felt really enlightened by learning of the really difficult times happening in this part of the world, during those years, with the military rule, etc. It was surprisingly interesting, to read about the political situation. One does not have to be a particularly political person to enjoy this book. I would also say that Ms. Aguirre has used good humour and wit in this book. She is a playwright but hasn’t really written this kind of material before, from what I could see. If you enjoy reading about people experiences then I suggest that you would enjoy this book. I happen to read it on my KOBO. The drawback of this, is that any photos that she may have had in the book, are not available when reading it on the KOBO. But enjoyable and interesting, nonetheless.