This engaging family drama focuses on a Hispanic family living in New Mexico and is centered around Amadeo Padilla, a 33 year layabout and his 15 year old pregnant daughter. They are all living with Amadeo’s mother, who is the only one working. Plenty of humor to be found here but just edgy enough to keep my interest throughout. Fans of Luis Albert Urrea should enjoy this novel. ( )

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Kirstin Valdez Quade - The Five Wounds: This is one of the roughest and yet most satisfying books I’ve ever read. #cursorybookreviews #cursoryreviews ( )

This should have stayed a short story.

It starts with a real-life modern day crucifixion and yet fails to say anything substantial about faith.

It has all the right pieces but but doesn’t have the spark, the magic, the soul.

And there is nothing in this book that compels me to keep reading. No tension, no unanswered questions, no plot.

And even the characters are definitely not admirable, and yet they’re not quite pitiable.

I just felt disappointed the whole time I was reading. ( )

I love Kirstin Valdez Quade's writing. Love it. I had read [b:Night at the Fiestas|25622829|Night at the Fiestas|Kirstin Valdez Quade|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1453021037l/25622829._SX50_.jpg|41629766] several years ago, and the short story that became the novel was one that I recall as distinctly striking. So it was no surprise to me that I loved [b:The Five Wounds|53597769|The Five Wounds|Kirstin Valdez Quade|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1612030905l/53597769._SY75_.jpg|83925120], but what was surprising was my response.

So uually when I love a book, that feeling presents itself as a flood of affection, admiration, and enthusiasm for the words crafted together.

In this case, upon finishing the closing paragraph, I cried.

Cried because the story was beautiful with exquisite descriptions of northern New Mexico and detailed, complicated characters dealing with that thing called life. Cried because I needed the catharsis after reading a heart-wrenching story. Cried because there was still hope for Amadeo, Angel, and Connor, despite flaws, life circumstances, and questionable choices. Cried because the crucifixion of Jesus Christ was the perfect metaphor for the pain and sacrifice that comes with loving someone.

And that, dear Goodreads users, is why I rated this book five stars. ( )

Amazing book. Very sad. Wonderful characters. Many things don’t work out but some things do. ( )