The Death and Life of Aida Hernandez: A Border Story

The life of an immigrant involves burdens and challenges that can seem insurmountable, such as rabid discrimination. An illegal immigrant faces even more challenges. The immigrants who come to the United States seek a piece of the American Dream for themselves and, in some cases, their family.

For Aida Hernandez, her dream dissolved into a nightmare. Her life had been lived on the border between two countries, Agua Prieta in Mexico and Douglas, Arizona. Her father was a Mexican revolutionary who split with her mother when Aida was only eight years old. Aida and her siblings crossed the US border with her mother. Two violent acts would alter her world. An act of self defense would find her deported to Mexico, while a ferocious attack at twenty years old left her clinging to life yet also gained her re-admittance to the US for optimal medical care. Aida’s life spans tragedy and triumph, her resolve and character providing a true beacon for others.

The Death and Life of Aida Hernandez is a harrowing tale of a young woman caught between two countries. The country of her birth has become perilous, while the United States promises opportunity yet doesn’t seem welcoming. The author does an admirable job of contrasting Aida’s tale with the schizophrenic immigration policies of the United States. This book will challenge your perceptions while reaching for your heart. Excellent storytelling.