Esperanza Rising - Pam Munoz Ryan
pages: 288 published: 2002
Esperanza is the daughter of a wealthy mexican family of land owners. But a family tragedy forces her to cross the border into the United States of America in the middle of the Great Depression, looking for an escape. She has now fallen to the lowest rank on the social ladder, she will need to learn a new way of life.
This book is not so much about telling a story but more about bearing witness to the life lead by immigrants in the United States during the Great Depression.
The postman always rings twice - James M. Cain
pages: 116 published: 2010
This is a classic. The title has always rung a bell but I actually had no idea what the story was about.
Frank is a drifter. After stopping for lunch in a road-side diner in California, he accepts to stay to work for the owner. It is a turning point in his life. Lust, love, murder, betrayal will follow. I can't really say much more without giving too much away. Don't look for an explanation in the title, there is no postman in the story.
A short book, but well written and a good plotline, with intrigue and unexpected twists.