Beverly Gandara-Concrete Wings: One Man's Fifty Year Journey to Personal Freedom

A 5/5 read!

“Success isn’t always based on what you become. Sometimes it’s measured by what you overcome.”

Following the story of Julian Vida, a young boy brought into the world of lies and unjust war. A childhood of both physical and mental abuse followed by unloving parents mentally prepared Julian for what was to come-corruption.

At the age of sixteen, as Julian's father claims to be saving his son from joining Castro's army, he sends his son to do his dirty work in Spain by carrying cash and jewels to buyers. After he left, invasions came and communications were cut. Nobody was safe.

Julian was now living in what he believed to be a new adventure everyday as he smuggled jewels across the borders with hopes of seeing his parents again. With hope, of being a family again.

Concrete Wings is a story of compelling self-worth and dignity. Through love and hardships, Julian becomes the man he's always wanted to be even if it meant falling down time after time.

This fast-paced story kept me engaged and wanting to know more about Julian's story. The fact that this story is based on a real event, gives it all the more power to captivate the reader.

Loved reading this great book by Beverly Gandara, Concrete Wings is one to read! An emotional read with lots of twists.