Barbara

This is a sequel to "In the Woods" I picked this first as I have trouble listening to male narrators do female voices. So far I have not found one who does not make all the female voices sound the same, and none in character.
However, I liked this one so much, I just ordered the other.
The narrator here is wonderful, and the complexities of all the characters unfolds beautifully.
Now that I have finished it, the characters as well as the authoress are still developing in my mind.

Excellent

I learned much and this book held my attention. It was also nice that a lot of it took place outside.

This tells the story of how it was compiled, and the contributions of a very interesting American Doctor.

Very good writing and narration.
Tells the "other side of the story"

What it was (is?) like to be a black maid for white families in the South, and the repercussions of speaking out about the truth of their treatment.

Not only does Urrea do an excellent job of writing from many women's points of view, he also gives what most non Mexicans would not consider: "The other side of the story".
Glimpses into points of view and realities that, if you don't live in Mexico, you might never imagine.

IMO, there is no way any book could out do "The Hummingbird's Daughter" (and hopeflly it's upcoming sequel of the rest of Saint Teresita's life in AZ.)

This is not an epic book. It is simply very, very good and eductional.

I enjoyed this a lot.
I liked it well enough to order Fire Study.

I really liked this book. The story is interesting and unique, and the narrator did a wonderful job.

I have mixed feelings about this book. I really valued seeing life from the slaves point of view in such a personal way.
Sometimes I wondered how accurate the research is. The description of the white slave traders dragging Africans from their villages alerted me, as many of the slaves were captured by other African tribes, and delivered to the Ivory coast.
It was a bit strange to have an entire story taking place in the South, with a narrator who did not have a southern accent. However, I felt the narrator did an excellent job.
Overall I give it a high rating as I felt the characters were true to life and I learned on a feeling level, about the life of the "ordinary" slave.
It held my attention.

Very good story and narration, and elements of wonder. Strong and intelligent characters. Strong female character.