I am a Taxi

Author- Deborah Ellis

Number of pages- 208

Publisher- Groundwood

Place published- Toronto Berkeley 2007

Where I found the book- Christian Heritage Library

The book I decided to read is called “I am a Taxi.” The title of the book tells the story of the main character in these few words. What he does for a living and what keeps him going. This book is about a 12 year old boy named Diego who lives in Cochabamba, Bolivia with his parents and younger sister. His mother and father were falsely accused of being in possession of drugs.

His mother, his younger sister Corina and he all live in the San Sebastián Woman’s Prison in a cell on the second floor. His father lives in the San Sebastián Men's Prison. His family was poor and struggled to pay the cell rent.

Diego worked as a taxi delivering messages and packages for other inmates in the prison. His friend Mando persuades Diego to leave his family for two weeks to work for the men. Mando and Diego leave with the men hoping for money, little did they know these men were criminals. Next thing they know, Diego is deep in a jungle in Bolivia stomping in cocaine pits.

Diego and Mando didn’t like the work and decided to run away. Unfortunately, while Mando and Diego try to escape, an incident happens with Mando.

It strikes Diego that he will never see his friend again. He runs away from camp. He runs far enough that he ends up in a cocoa leaf field and meets a girl named Bonita. Her family helps him with food and shelter and provides comfort for him to rest and carry on with life.

This book is full of action and is an exciting read.

Christian Perspective

I don't think this book was made to be Christian but Christianity could easily be added to the book. The 2 main characters in the book got into trouble and should have prayed for God to help them. Their problems could have been easily solved with the help of God. If this book was christian i think that when Diego finds rest in the end of the book, its like he has found rest in the arms of God.

Your Thoughts

I think this book was an awesome read. It kept me on the edge of my seat.

I liked how the entire book didn't have only one main topic, but changed throughout the book. That way it keeps the book exciting and different.

I would recommend this book to readers who like action stories. It will keep people wondering what will happen next. Also people who want to know more about this particular subject can read the sequel and expand on their knowledge