OnlineBookClub.org

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Beyond Petra" by Mohamed Abueljebain.]

Beyond Petra by Mohamed Abueljebain is a non-fiction story about a young Jordanian man who had a dream of immigrating to the United States. After failing to obtain a visa, he decided to immigrate illegally.

Monzy felt he was a failure in his father eyes. He studied to be a hair stylist, instead of working alongside his father on the family farm. Monzy loved his country, but he wanted something more. His love of American movies, especially the Rocky series, inspired him to imitate his hero. He would never give up on his dream. Monzy would do whatever it took to make the trip to the United States.

A customer who came in for a haircut was Monzy's initial contact to begin his odyssey to fulfill his dream. He traveled by plane, bus, and boat. Will the coyotes get him across the border? Can Monzy fulfill his dream or will his nightmares become his reality?

I found this story to be entertaining and educational. The author showed what extremes people will put themselves through to get into the United States. The immigrant leaves their family behind, risks their life to reach a different country, puts their trust in unknown people, and hopes everything will have a happy ending. Their distrust of strangers, fear for their safety, hunger, loneliness, and homesickness begin to feel normal.

I enjoyed the author's descriptions of life in his natal country. He talked about typical Jordanian foods, traditions, customs, and sayings. These descriptions continued as he traveled through Turkey, Greece, and beyond. The author also included historical information about Jordan and Petra.

There were two things I disliked about this book. The first was the numerous grammar mistakes. Incorrect verb forms and misspelled words, such as "quite" for "quiet," frequently appeared in the text. The second was the way the story would present time jumps without any indication to alert the reader. A simple chapter heading would help readers realize when the story had transitioned from the present to the past.

I rate this book 2 out of 4 stars. This compelling story offers readers a window into the mindset of an illegal immigrant. The description of the journey and the historical notes hold the reader's interest throughout the book. I lowered the score due to the numerous grammar errors and the absence of any indication of time jumps. This book would appeal to readers who want to understand the motivation behind the risks taken by illegal immigrants. People who want to learn more about Jordan's landscape, especially Petra, and the typical foods and customs of this country would like this book. Readers who are triggered by stories about illegal immigrants may want to pass on this one.

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Beyond Petra
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It's quite heartbreaking when people's circumstances force them into odd choices. Thank you for your honest review of this story.

This sounds interesting. I might be willing to look past the editing issues in order to learn more about illegal immigration and Jordanian culture. This is definitely a timely issue. Thanks for the review!

I like how Monzy is inspired to immigrate to America because of the hero series (Rocky). It goes to show the extent movies influence thinking. Thanks for the review.

Espie wrote: ↑31 May 2019, 00:54 It's quite heartbreaking when people's circumstances force them into odd choices. Thank you for your honest review of this story.

I agree. Thanks for commenting.

maggi3 wrote: ↑31 May 2019, 01:09 This sounds interesting. I might be willing to look past the editing issues in order to learn more about illegal immigration and Jordanian culture. This is definitely a timely issue. Thanks for the review!

We hear so much about illegals that enter from the south. This book tells the story from a different perspective. Thanks for commenting.

Wyland wrote: ↑31 May 2019, 06:40 I like how Monzy is inspired to immigrate to America because of the hero series (Rocky). It goes to show the extent movies influence thinking. Thanks for the review.

That is so true! People think that what they see in the movie is reality. These are our modern-day heroes! I appreciate your comments. Thanks for stopping by!

The book sounds interesting. I'd be curious to know if he thought it was worth it in the end. I guess I'd need to read the book to find out.

CyndiA1 wrote: ↑31 May 2019, 11:34 The book sounds interesting. I'd be curious to know if he thought it was worth it in the end. I guess I'd need to read the book to find out.

I hope you like the ending! Thanks for commenting.

I find unexplained time jumps and numerous errors distracting; based on your review, this one isn't for me, but I appreciate the honest information.

Cecilia_L wrote: ↑31 May 2019, 12:51 I find unexplained time jumps and numerous errors distracting; based on your review, this one isn't for me, but I appreciate the honest information.

I hear you! Some things just frustrate the reading experience. Thanks for commenting!

This is a very interesting topic, but it is a pity that the grammar errors and the jump from present to past are emerging. As a non-native speaker, these details would confuse me quite a lot. Perhaps the author will improve these aspects so the readers could enjoy a complete experience. However, the book presents a cultural, truthful and educational nuance. Thank you for your sincere review!

Immigration nowadays in the US is such a hot topic. I think this would be an eye-opener. Pity about the grammatical mistakes. Thanks for your honest review!

InStoree wrote: ↑01 Jun 2019, 05:07 This is a very interesting topic, but it is a pity that the grammar errors and the jump from present to past are emerging. As a non-native speaker, these details would confuse me quite a lot. Perhaps the author will improve these aspects so the readers could enjoy a complete experience. However, the book presents a cultural, truthful and educational nuance. Thank you for your sincere review!

That's how I felt. The story was interesting, but the numerous mistakes were frustrating. Thanks so much for commenting!

briellejee wrote: ↑01 Jun 2019, 08:43 Immigration nowadays in the US is such a hot topic. I think this would be an eye-opener. Pity about the grammatical mistakes. Thanks for your honest review!

That was one of the things that drew me to this book. Your eyes will be opened by this book. Thanks for commenting!