Official Review: The Land of Sunshine and Hell

[María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda]

It takes a lot of selflessness to give up your kid when you think it's in their best interest. I can see how it could be emotionally devastating, especially in such a time when the author was probably encouraged to never discuss the subject or her feelings.
What an interesting memoir! Thank you!

[C-obi]

It's really sad to hear about unpleasant experiences often encountered by women. Thank you for the review, and my heart goes out to the author.

[T_stone]

A memoir showing the fascinating life of a woman sounds intriguing. Her story is quite touching; I'd like to check it out. Thanks for the introduction.

[Cecilia_L]

I appreciate stories with resilient responses to difficult circumstances. Thanks for the interesting review and recommendation.

[Bles]

The Land of Sunshine and Hell by Maxene Raices seems like an amazing book. I do feel for Maxene. The hardest thing a mother can do is giving away her child knowing that they won't see for long time but then Maxene had no choice but to give her child for adoption. I can't wait to read the whole book and get the full story. Congratulations on the BOTD. Great review.

[deborahveader]

This story really resonates with me. I went through very similar circumstances. I am very interested in reading this. Great review!

[SurroundedByBooks]

I liked the sample pages for this book. As you said at the start, the book is engaging to read. I was curious whether you gave the whole book a 4/4. I’m glad it did.

[Dylan921]

I want to thank the author Maxene Raices for writing a beautiful book on her giving her child up for adoption. And Theresam for writing a great review. I am an adopted child and am so grateful to my biological mother for “giving me away.” For whatever reason I accept that. Great review

[Nizar Ali Shah]

It is a memoir of a woman who has led a nice life.The author wrote a heart wrenching story about her life and the obstacles she faced.

[MsTri]

Thanks for the review, but I'm just not interested in this story of Maxene and her unwanted pregnancy.

[Drakka Reader]

Reading the sample and seeing the review, this book feels like the type to have many moments of sadness and moments that are only clear when you consider the time period. All in all, it is an interesting read on the lengths people go to "keep the family's good name" and avoid acknowledging pregnancy.

[Michael40]

I believe the writer made the target audience realize that sex education is important. The need to also safeguard the future was emphasized. The writer makes the reader reason. Thanks for the review.

[Oyedeji Okikioluwa]

The story is touching and emotional. This will be a motivation for people going through this. Nice review.

[Clemens Nickleby]

Greater love hath no man than that he lay down his life for his friend. The sacrifice and loss of a mother who gives a child up for adoption is truly a great love. Sunshine and Hell is an apt title for both the hope and grief of such a loss. May her story inspire others to show such love. Thanks for a great review!

[Clorinda Donovan]

I try to stay clear from sad stories even though I usually like reading memoirs. This was a great review. Also giving up your very own child is and seems unthinkable. Poor girl.