This is one of the most beautiful books I have ever read, period. Told after the events of the earthquake in Haiti in 2010, Wagner's prose is gorgeous and her descriptions are honest and brutal, yet somehow remain touching. Magdalie is one of the most remarkable heroines I've encountered in a novel--YA or otherwise. She is resilient and captivating and fiercely observational. You will fall in love with Magdalie and her culture, and everything about Haiti by the time you finish reading this book----this book being a love letter to Haitian culture and its people. Very rarely does a book stay with me with the power of Hold Tight, Don't Let Go. A stunning debut--you need this in your life.

This novel was a great window into a less fortunate country.