Book 168: "Trash" by Andy Mulligan

 I chose this book solely based on its cover (book club assignment) in the Denver International Airport Tattered Cover to read on the plane and the beach. Sometimes, picking a book based on it's cover works out. I really enjoyed this book and it was not at all what I expected.

This is the story of three boys who live the landfills of South America, picking through trash for recyclables  and anything they can sell to survive. This is a story of 3 boys who find an important bag of money and clues that lead them straight into the heart of the corruption of their city. Told in first person through each of the 3 boys along with their mission teacher and his assistant, this is mystery and adventure story that you simply can't put down.

The entire book is well written and exciting, but what really draws you in are the characters. They are all endearing and I honestly loved each of them for their depth and individuality.

The other great thing about this book? The ending. It was exactly as it should be and nothing like most would respect.

This book teaches humility and caring. It exposes a piece of the poverty that we in the Western world tend to ignore or easily forget exists while we deal with our "first world problems". The story and it's characters really manage to provide perspective about how lucky we actually are.

All-in-all, read it. It will take you a day, maybe two, if you just sit and read; time that is definitely worth the experience. 

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