As a parable about fair trade coffee, it reads a bit like environmental propaganda. However, this isn't necessarily a bad thing per se. It's a very nice little story indeed.

It connects with me on a personal level because I lived in the mountains of the Dominican Republic for years. The place where I lived was not far from where Julia Alvarez has her farm. This personal connection truly makes the story come alive for me.

I have met my own Miguel and Carmen, and I have sipped many a fantastic cafecito. These experiences have given me a deeper understanding and appreciation for the story and the world it represents.

The tale of fair trade coffee and the people involved in its production is one that is both important and engaging. It shows the power of personal connection and the impact that small actions can have on the lives of others.

Overall, this story serves as a reminder of the importance of ethical and sustainable practices in the coffee industry and beyond. It encourages us to think about the choices we make and the impact they have on the world around us.

This is an absolutely fabulous short story/picture book/social conscious fiction book.

It vividly tells the story of Fair Trade Coffee in a truly engaging way.

It manages to draw the reader in, showing them how they, the birds, the land, and the coffee farmers are all intimately connected.

Alvarez and her husband own a Fair Trade Farm in the Dominican Republic, which is her native country.

The book not only provides an interesting narrative but also raises awareness about the importance of fair trade and the interrelationships within the coffee production process.

Readers will be captivated by the story and gain a deeper understanding of the significance of supporting fair trade coffee.

It is a wonderful book that combines entertainment with education, making it a must-read for anyone interested in learning more about fair trade and its impact on people and the environment.

The story is truly charming,

yet it is also incisive in its examination of the degradation of the coffee trade, the US farmstead, and small town living.

The implications are deeply ingrained within this otherwise feel-good narrative of a man who journeys to the Dominican Republic to uncover a new purpose in life - and love.

It's a tale that manages to blend elements of romance and self-discovery with a critical look at important social and economic issues.

However, I must admit that I would have liked this story even more had it not been for the rather neat little bow tied on the end.

Perhaps it's just a personal preference, but I felt that the ending was a bit too tidy and resolved, lacking the complexity and ambiguity that often makes a story truly memorable.

Nonetheless, the overall charm and thought-provoking nature of the story make it well worth reading.

Summer 2019 Reading

Summer 2019 was a wonderful time for reading.

It was a season when I could relax and lose myself in the pages of various books.

I explored different genres, from thrilling mysteries that kept me on the edge of my seat to heartwarming novels that made me smile and sometimes even shed a tear.

The warm weather and long days provided the perfect backdrop for my reading adventures.

I could sit in the garden, under the shade of a tree, or by the pool, with a good book in my hand and enjoy the peaceful moments.

Some of the books I read during that summer have become my all-time favorites, and they will always hold a special place in my heart.

Looking back, I am grateful for the opportunity to have spent those lazy summer days reading and expanding my literary horizons.

It was truly a memorable and enriching experience.

Gosh,

this truly made me have an intense longing to return to the Dominican Republic (D.R.) and simply lose myself in the vast fields.

It has been more than 8 years since I last set foot there.

Perhaps it is high time to start planning a trip.

I can vividly remember the beautiful landscapes, the warm sun shining down, and the gentle breeze caressing my face as I walked through those fields.

The memories are still so fresh in my mind, and I feel a strong pull to go back and relive those wonderful moments.

Planning a trip now would give me the opportunity to explore more of what the D.R. has to offer, meet new people, and create new memories.

I'm really looking forward to it. :)

After reading some reviews mentioning a certain 'political' atmosphere promoting traditional agriculture without pesticides and so on, I was surprised that I didn't feel that way.

Certainly, who can fall in love with something made industrially compared to processes that require tact, observation... Time. The story is an honor to that process and doesn't continuously have negative comments about the industrial side. So I was left with a tender and brief story for a winter afternoon. (Yes, there are books for summer and there are those for winter ;))

It seems that the perception of the story can vary from person to person. While some may focus on the so-called 'political' undertones, others, like myself, can appreciate the beauty and value of the traditional agricultural process that the story presents. The contrast between the industrial and traditional methods is an interesting aspect that adds depth to the narrative. It makes one think about the importance of both approaches and how they can coexist. Overall, this story offers a unique perspective and a charming read for those who are interested in exploring different aspects of agriculture and its relationship with our modern world.

A tiny little book written in both English and Spanish

has caught my attention. The story it tells is about the fair-trade growing of coffee in South America.

It is quite an interesting read, offering food for thought and being highly educational.

This book was recommended by Sally at the library.

Her recommendation has truly peaked my interest, and I have discovered that there are more books on this subject.

I am excited to explore these additional books and learn more about the fair-trade coffee industry in South America.

The concept of fair trade is not only important for the economic well-being of the coffee growers but also for ensuring ethical and sustainable practices.

By reading these books, I hope to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by the fair-trade coffee sector.

I believe that this knowledge will not only expand my awareness but also inspire me to make more informed choices as a consumer.

The most beautiful story I have ever read, the reality of the coffee plantations mixed with philosophy and hope, beautiful and complete.

It simply made me cry with emotion at the end. It is my favorite. I completely loved it!

This story takes you on a journey through the coffee plantations, showing you the hard work and dedication of the people who work there.

But it also shows you the beauty and hope that can be found in even the simplest of things.

The author's use of language is masterful, painting a vivid picture in your mind and making you feel as if you are right there in the coffee plantations.

I would highly recommend this story to anyone who loves a good read and wants to be inspired by the power of hope and beauty.