The Only Road by Alexandra Diaz

 

This past week, I read The Only Road by Alexandra Diaz. This novel is a realistic story about two cousins who travel on a journey from Guatemala to the United States for a better life. When Jaime's cousin and best friend Miguel is murdered by a local gang called the Alphas, he is left with very few options. He can join the Alphas, not join but possibly be killed himself, or go to the New Mexico to live with his older brother. With the support of their family, he and Miguel's older sister Ángela decide to risk everything and pick the third option. Although the journey is dangerous and full of hardships, Miguel and Ángela make new friends along the way and rely on each other to survive.

I thought that The Only Road was very suspenseful. I was constantly worried for Miguel and Ángela's health and safety because they had to fend for themselves on their journey without the help of their parents and relatives besides the food in their backpacks and the money sewn into their pants. Some of the challenges they faced were preserving their food rations as long as possible, avoiding both gangs and the immigration police, and traveling on trains. In one scene, I was terrified that they would either be caught or be killed. There were light-hearted moments scattered throughout, though. Miguel, Ángela, and their friends heal an injured dog and take it with them. I also enjoyed whenever Miguel had free time to draw.  This story is inspired by true events, and Diaz includes an author's note, a glossary, and a list of books and resources about the immigration experience from Mexico and Central America to the U.S. at the end of the book. This book is a great choice for anyone who wants a realistic story about family or a perilous journey.