Taste of Salt: A Story of Modern Haiti

Unfortunately, Aristide was not the savior of Haiti that his followers thought he might be. But this book is honest and charming though not always happy. It tells a hard story of love and youthful hope and energy. The story is easily enjoyed by all ages, and serves as an important look into Haitian culture and recent history. I highly recommend it to Haitian children who have been adopted or are in the US as immigrants. It is also fantastic for social studies or as a literature selection.

I loaned this to a middle school student who was struggling to find a book that mirrored her own experience. There is simply not a lot of YA fiction that features a Caribbean protagonist. The dual narrative is unusual and allows for a more honest view of the historical events covered. Additionally, the use of the original Creole is great for challenging young readers. The author is careful to explain it in context or through the glossary in the back.For those considering giving it to a student, I wouldn't recommend it for any student under 6th grade. While there is no sexual content, there is some discussion of violence and adult situations.

Fantastic book. Highly recommended for 7-9th graders.

This is the first book I read that explains Aristide's start. Easy to read you will never look at the sugar in your coffee the same way again.

The book was not exactly what I expected. It was an okay read and certainly eye-opening regarding the problems that Haiti has had for some time.

I'm reading this book because it is on The Battle of the Books list in Scottsdale AZ. Students read books and answer questions in a "Jeopardy" type contest, and I always read along with my grandchildren. I am very happy that this book is on the list for 7-8 graders. A Taste of Salt refers to the key to releasing zombies, and in this book reading is the taste of salt for the lost boys of Port-au-Prince, as they are rescued by Father Aristede. Djo, a leader of the boys, lays dying in the hospital as his story is recorded by Jeremie, a convent-raised young woman sent by Aristede. Djo was kidnapped by government troops to work in the sugar cane fields of the Dominican Republic (I'll always think of Djo and the cane cutters when I buy sugar) and his years there are terrible. I looked on Human Rights Watch website and found that there are 500,000 Haitians still working in the cane fields in deplorable conditions. "Father" Titid is now married, president of Haiti, and perpetuating the same dreadful oppression upon the people which he formerly preached against. A revolution gone wrong, as they often do, but an important and touching story of the strength of young people.

While on a business trip I read this book aloud to my husband as he drove. We took the book into the hotel with us and I read aloud until we finished the book. It is the telling of a very cruel and long chapter in the history of Haiti through the strong voices of Djo and Jeremie. It is a story of an overwhelming struggle against unbelieveably evil odds; of youth and raw courage; of love for family and friends, and of the force these weld that eventually wrenches the government from it's vicious grip on its citizens. It definitely earned a five star rating from us.

Although this book was written for young adult/teenagers it is really beautifully written and suitable for any age. The stories portray a very accurate view of the lives young people lead in Haiti. Very well done.