If, like me, you read for entertainment you might be disappointed with this one. While ultimately somewhat uplifting the grim circumstances surrounding these characters are not fun to read. At least it's put my life into perspective.

I read this book before becoming a mother, then read is again to review it for Netgalley after becoming a mother. I found it really hard to read because it really is on point. It really was heartbreaking and ultimately uplifting. I feel it could be the kind of book that could help anti-immigration supporters understand a little bit the other side of the story.

Told from two distinct points of view, that of an young illegal immigrant from Honduras and that of a married woman in Austin Texas, this story tugs at your heart as it tells the impact of immigration has on people. I felt like there was more to the story and it deserved a sequel.

I felt myself holding my breath for pages at a time with these folks. Even though I read this a long while back, I can recall feeling such empathy for what they all were going through. Carla was so much like so many of my students at that time, and the woes of the couple at the center of the novel could be any couple anywhere. This has enjoyable secret keeping that ultimately leads to some gripping moments. A worthwhile read.

This book struck a cord being about motherhood. I also enjoy the representation of cultures in this book. The 2 families were adorable. Alice and Jake are a strong couple finding their way and meaning. Carla and Junior are searching for a better life. Their lives intersect in unexpected ways. They all display courage and hope while trying to find a sense of belonging and a place to call home.

I'm woefully and awfully behind in reading the ARCs so kindly granted to me and The Same Sky by Amanda Eyre Ward is something I should have read in early 2015. I offer sincere apologies to Ms. Ward and her publisher for my lateness.

That being said, it was incredibly timely that I read this book now, in August 2018 as the stories of migrant children separated from their parents are so present in the news.

If you want to know why people in Central America are so desperate that they risk dangerous journeys and possible death to bring their children to America, read this book. Carla's story, the story of a preteen from Honduras, is haunting and heartbreaking and absolutely full of hope.

Her story is balanced with Alice, a fortysomething woman from Austin, Texas who has a successful business, a house everybody considered cute and trendy, a good marriage, and so much more. She's the epitome of what American women are supposed to want, aside from being a mother.

The moral of this still is, in a sense, that the famed American Dream isn't all it's cracked up to be. But it's still a dream, it's still worth fighting for, and while it might torture you in the process, it might work out in the end.

***I received a copy of The Same Sky through NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest and original review. All thoughts are my own.***

This is a gritty realistic read not for the faint of heart.. It is not about hearts and flowers and a simple, easy to read story. I can appreciate the value of the story and recognize that it is the reality of the world, but I must admit it is not one of my favorite books. I know it has a great current aspect, but I did not enjoy reading it.

Amanda Eyre Ward never fails to write books that break my heart. This was another intensely emotional one. Told in turns by a young girl named Carla and a Texas BBQ owner, Alice, the storyline pulled me right in and kept me engrossed. I felt really invested in the characters and what became of them. It was a very touching and poignant story, and I am so glad I read it!

Enjoyed reading this book. I will recommend to my book club!