SOCIAL SCIENCES

The Death and Life of Aida Hernandez: A Border Story

by Aaron Bobrow-Strain
Farrar. Apr. 2019. 432p. notes. ISBN 9780374191979. $28; ebk. ISBN 9780374717179. SOC SCI
COPY ISBN
On the surface, this compelling account traces an undocumented teen mother and her struggles navigating life in the face of violence, assault, and deportation. However, Bobrow-Strain (politics, Whitman Coll.; White Bread) does not present Aida Hernandez's story as a representation of the immigrant experience, but more of a mirror, or prism, on attitudes and policies concerning U.S. immigration. In relating Aida's tale, the author paints a vivid and revealing look at the policies and actions along the border that create a system designed to make it virtually impossible for people like Aida to survive. Most revealing is the examination of who stands to gain by maintaining a state of crisis along the border, not only those who stand to lose, like Aida.
VERDICT Bobrow-Strain crafts a gripping narrative that is highly recommended for anyone looking for a better understanding of the policies and emotions surrounding the current debate over immigration and border security. [See Prepub Alert, 10/29/18.]
Reviewed by Michael C. Miller, Austin P.L. & Austin History Ctr., TX , Apr 01, 2019
Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

NONFICTION

Barbie: Her Inspiration, History, and Legacy
by Gerber, Robin
NONFICTION

White Supremacy Is All Around: Notes from a Black Disabled Woman in a White World
by Cadet, Akilah
NONFICTION

Tits Up: What Sex Workers, Milk Bankers, Plastic Surgeons, Bra Designers, and Witches Tell Us About Breasts
by Thornton, Sarah
NONFICTION

Mutuality in El Barrio: Stories of the Little Sisters of the Assumption Family Health Service
by Kasten, Carey & Brenna Moore
NONFICTION

The Unclaimed: Abandonment and Hope in the City of Angels
by Prickett, Pamela & Stefan Timmermans
NONFICTION

Forever Barbie: The Unauthorized Biography of a Real Doll
by Lord, M.G.
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?