5 Star Review
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Editorial Book Review:
By Lauren Myers
PERSEVERANCE: The Bridge to a Latina Mother's Dream is a powerful and thought-provoking memoir. The author's journey from the South Bronx to becoming a nurse exemplifies the strength of cultural and familial relationships, as well as the power of resilience and persistence. The author gives us a front-row seat to the challenges and victories that formed her life, and I was instantly impressed by how honest and genuine the story felt.
What I appreciated most about this book was the author’s honest portrayal of the many obstacles she faced, not just as a single mother but also as a Latina woman in a system that often felt stacked against her. She faced enormous hurdles, including the assistance system, domestic violence, and cultural expectations. Throughout it all, her confidence in her power to change her condition remained unwavering. This persistent perseverance, inspired by her desire for a brighter future, is what makes this memoir so moving.
The narrative appealed to me because it was honest. The author does not disguise the vulnerability, worry, and frustration that she experienced on her trip. However, she also stresses moments of optimism, courage, and triumph, illustrating that perseverance can overcome even the most severe circumstances. It was tremendously encouraging to watch how she improved her own and her children's lives while being faithful to her cultural values and traditions.
The writing is straightforward yet poignant, and I found myself turning the pages faster than I expected. The author’s voice is candid, without embellishment, which made me feel as though I were listening to someone share their heart with me. There’s a beautiful sense of hope woven throughout the book, reminding me of the power of dreams, hard work, and perseverance in the face of adversity.
What stayed with me after finishing PERSEVERANCE was its emphasis on the value of family, culture, and community support. The author's ability to draw on those relationships enabled her to persevere even during the most difficult circumstances. This memoir is ideal for anyone looking for motivation, inspiration, or simply a reminder of the wonderful power of resilience. It's a story that will be with you long after you've finished the last page.
About the Author
Iris V Fernandez
Iris V. Fernández (Iris La Blanca) grew up in the South Bronx projects, the daughter of Puerto Rican parents. She navigated the challenges of the 1980s as a single mother, and balanced her roles, providing for her children while pursuing an education in nursing. Iris's journey spans from her tenure as a staff nurse in a New York City hospital to pivotal roles in third-party insurance, all the while prioritizing the healthcare needs of the Latino community.
Her 35-year nursing career included her contributions as a diabetes educator, paired with her innovation as a research nurse in a telemedicine initiative for the elderly, highlighting her unyielding commitment to positive change. An esteemed graduate of Columbia University, Iris boasts a master's in nursing informatics. For 15 years, she served as a clinical analyst, mentoring fellow nurses in nursing informatics at premier Magnet™ hospitals.
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