Official Review: Reaching the Shore

[María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda]

This book deserves to be read widely, however the violent and brutal reality of prison may overwhelm some sensitive readers. At a mundane level, the book would suit a mature reader interested in the concept of justice, with particular reference to American criminal justice and incarceration. I see the story in a more spiritual light: an advanced soul handling a particularly difficult life with dignity and grace. It showed me that how you handle adversity and endure suffering is indicative of the true nature of your character.

The real trick in life is not coming up with the answer that no one else sees. It isn’t finding a solution to a problem that only appears insurmountable. It is not about keeping a smile on your face no matter the personal destruction. Most meaningful problems in life have no solution. The question is not what you should do, but how much you can take.
I call it endurance. What you can endure is a true measure of your character. How much hell can you put up with? How much pain can you suffer?
–Davin J. Douma

Your insight is beautiful and meaningful. I think both approaches are valid. We should definitely appreciate the spiritual lesson but we should also be concerned about all the problems that the justice and penitentiary system have and strive to solve them.

If the revelation on page 312 of my copy is indeed true, then my opinion is that Davin should never have been sent to prison in the first place.

I absolutely agree. That statement changes everything.

An amazingly insightful and wonderfully written review. Thanks.

[playwithme]

A tale on #survival and #Endurance . It's very #Inspirational as it gives us #Courage to keep us going in this #Journey of life which has lots of turbulences.
Can't explain this book in this short review.
Congratulations to today's BOTD and to the author!!

[MsTri]

Thanks for the review, but I don't care for survival stories, however "profound" they may be, so I'll pass on reading this.

[Fozia-Bajwa]

This is the story of crime action. David is accused of a murder and his mother is trying to hide the details of his son. it seems like his mother wants to save her son from publicity. thanks for the review.

[Sahani Nimandra]

This story is about the mother's pleas for her son's disastrous life. To see the mother's pleas in such away is new for me especially in form of a text. I can see that there are ups and downs to this read, and I wish to sample this read further myself. Thank you for your review! Very much appreciated.

[Sushan Ekanayake]

Seemingly this is not a book for me. I would have tried it if it was a fiction. Anyway congratulations on being BOTD and thanks for the free giveaway

[NuelUkah]

Being accused of murder at age 16 and sentenced to life imprisonment is unimaginable both as a mother and a teen. Can't imagine the trauma. I'd like to find out what really happened and how they dealt with the painful experience.

[cindyr2416]

Such a profound story. To know that this boy went through so much pain and agony while in prison breaks my heart. It’s hard knowing that this is not the only story about the neglect and abuse in the prison system. I definitely will be reading this book.

[Amanda Deck]

I agree with SABRADLEY, the thought that your character is measured by enduring hell is depressing. From one perspective I can understand it, that maintaining your values through crushing adversity shows how soul-deep those values are. But I'm not sure that someone collapsing means that they weren't real values.

The idea that prison is too harsh and dehumanizing for criminals is a problem too. I've known a couple of criminals and wish harshness on them as fitting. Of course, we know that, for the most part, criminality is a matter of genes, inability to mature, environment, and horrific events of life. At what point are they past redemption and ... never mind, soapbox, I'll stop.

I'll read it because being the mother of this boy sounds like one of those soul crushing events and I'm sure she's gained some wisdom. Plus, mostly, your thoughts on the spiritual perspective does interest me. I want to think about it more and this book apparently is just the vehicle to start with.

[Isaiah2018]

From the review, am sure he undergo a very hardship at only 16yr and that was too soon for successful future gal let me check the rest of the story thought it might confuse me abit

[desantismt_17]

Sounds interesting. I never want to understand the prison system firsthand, but this could be a close enough look for me. Thanks for your review!

[Kister Bless]

Reaching the Shore sounds like a great book, a story of survival, courage and endurance. I will definitely add it to my want to read list. Great review!

[Book Lover 35]

Sounds like a good book. Makes me curious to find out the details of the case, and what happens to Davin. Thank you!

[Sirajuddin A]

It seems to be an inspirational story of a courageous man and his struggle against the system of justice.

[Celticlady]

It sounds like this young man, experienced the horrors of prison life and decided to rise above it. Great review!