If You Are Born To Be A Tamale

Step into a tale of intertwined destinies over the millennia that crosses continents, captures the essence of hope, love, and resilience. In this evocative novel, If You Are Born to be a Tamale, author J. T. Dodds, paints a vivid portrait of two individuals whose paths converge across two borders, against the backdrop of a changing world. It begins in January 1992, when two adventurous snowbirds from Winnipeg find themselves drawn to a picturesque village in Mexico.
For Harriet, a retired librarian in search of her own destiny, the journey becomes a trans-formative experience, reigniting her sense of self and purpose. Her love for her garden, her casa, and the vibrant Mexican village she adopts envelops her in a newfound joy. Upon the Gregson's arrival in Mexico a young hombre named Jesus Ramos Rios embarks on a quest following his elusive American Dream. Leaving his pueblito of Ajijic, and as an illegal immigrant, he navigates the challenges of his new life in El Norte with the help of familia in San Diego, from the vineyards of Sonoma, to ultimately reaching his destination of Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Jesus melds into the Hispanic community, and creates his own nuclear family. As the new millennium dawns, the political landscape shifts, and the plight of undocumented immigrants moves to center stage. Jesus's dream morphs into a haunting nightmare as political animosity and hostility intensifies. With limited options, after the death of his wife Judith, he must make the wrenching decision to return to his former home in Mexico, with his ten-year-old daughter Zoey.
In this poignant and timely story, John delves deep into the human spirit, exploring themes of resilience, identity, and the enduring power of family. As the threads of Harriet and Jesus's lives intertwine, readers are moved along a parallel narrative that tugs at the heartstrings. Prepare to be captivated by this compelling tale that examines the complexities of migration, the bonds that transcend borders, and the strength of character that is accessed in the face of adversity.
A masterful blend of literary craftsmanship and emotional depth, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking a profound and resonant exploration of the human experience.