I just finished reading Across a Hundred Mountains by Reyna Grande and highly recommend it as required reading for anyone remotely interested in learning what life is like in Mexico.
The story follows a young woman named Juana as she struggles to deal with extreme poverty and events that occur because of it. Along the way, Juana meets Adeline, whose life forever changes the way Juana sees the world.
After have pedaled the length of Mexico, this book opened my eyes to the hopes and dreams of the people I’ve see and gotten to know. Reyna’s vivid descriptions of the lives and dwellings of those living in extreme poverty have helped me see more than I did previously. As a child, the auther of Across a Hundred Mountains lived barefoot and penniless in a shack in southern Mexico. At the age of ten, she crossed into the USA illegally and took advantage of all the US has to offer. But even so, her experiences as a young child gave life to Juana in a way few writes could ever manage to do.
I’ll check this out. BTW, thanks for all the inspiration. I’ve been feeling as if I have been there with you guys all the way.
Take care,
Jack
http://adventuresinvoluntarysimplicity.blogspot.com/
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I just wanted to let you know that I am constantly checking in on you guys.
Your story is great and inspiring.
My three boys bicycle and are watching out for bicyclists here in Ecuador, where we are on a 6 week adventure of our own.
We keep looking for them, and eye-ing the shoulders to see how it would be for you.
We think you are doing great!
Elizabeth
P.S. My oldest son, Marshall thinks we are going to break your world record. I don’t know how that would be possible. You Rock!
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My boys are totally determined to get there! Honestly, I don’t think we could call it quits now if we wanted to. the boys are having a blast and have no desire to stop right now. Yes, we know that could change at any point, but not quite yet!
So Jack – how does it feel to be free at last?? I h ope you are taking advantage of it!
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