Fear is Just A Word
By Azam Ahmed
Library Copy
Fear is Just A Word is amazing, and thrilling, at the same time a horrific non-fiction narrative. The book is difficult to stop reading. Edge of your seat heart-thumping narrative that doesn't slow down. As a reader, it was an uncomfortable read. It's a must-read for anyone who lives in the United States and is concerned with the border in Mexico.
The book takes place in Mexico and dives into a bit of the history of Mexico and the government, corruption in the 1930's, and the Cartel leading up to 2014, In San Fernando, Valley.
This is where the narrative starts with Miriam Rodriquez. In her hometown people are being kidnapped, and most of the time murder is a daily occurrence. Many of them were never found. and never recovered.
The citizens of Fernando Valley fear for their lives. Are they going to be snatched? It has been reported a mass murder of 72 people were murdered. All of them were kidnapped and ransomed, and unable to pay the kidnappers, and eventually murdered.
Karen Rodriquez is snatched from her home. Her Mother, Mariam Rodriquez is fearless and doesn't quit, The police are slow in responding, and finally investigating what happened to her daughter. Marian finally decides to dig herself into the kidnapping. Since the authorities are slow.
Instead, she goes to the police and finds sources and clues. She continues to advocate for her daughter to find the truth. Until the truth is uncovered. We find her continues to advocate even after she finds out what happened to Karen. Instead, she finds purpose in helping others. She advocates for them for those who don't have a voice because of fear of authorities, and the cartel.
The writing of the book, Fear is Just A Word is an emotional read. The writing feels like you are observing with the author what is happening and the experiences firsthand raw emotion. Myself not know the culture, politics, and people of Mexico unfortunately. Because of politics on the "border wall". I didn't know what was truth and lies in Mexico. I am ashamed to say, it is in our own backyard.
The book is about Maria, and the people in Mexico living in fear and corruption. What happens to the people after Maria is gone. But, changes have happened because of Maria. People organized chapters around the city to make their voices heard. There have been changes in policing, slowly.
A few years ago, a novel, American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins was published. I was not in the camp of liking it. After reading, Fear is Just a Word, The book was so much better. The understanding of what's happening on the border. Why do thousands of people try to cross the border illegally? Fear is Just Another Word is a better narrative to explain perhaps the corruption in Mexico, the crime, Cartel, and poverty.
I think this is going to be one of the better non-fiction I have read all year. I have a few more weeks and I'll let you know.
