Highway To Hell – Book Review
When you hear the words “Highway To Hell”, what comes to mind? Do you think of a song popularized by a 70s rock band?
If so, you might be as shocked as I was to learn that an actual place dubbed the “Highway To Hell” exists – and its reality is more nightmarish than most of us could ever imagine.
In his book Highway To Hell – The Road Where Childhoods Are Stolen, freelance journalist Matt Roper paints a horrific look at life along BR-116 – a remote, 1500 mile highway that runs through some of the poorest parts of Brazil. Along this road, girls as young as nine are frequently exploited by their families and strangers as they are sold into childhood prostitution.
Communities profit from the industry. Law enforcement agencies look the other way.
The stories inside this book are heartbreaking – but the author provides glimmers of hope. Along with his grim portrayal of the seamier side of life along BR-116, Matt shares what he and others are doing to increase awareness and make a difference.
Highway To Hell isn’t an easy book to read – but sometimes, we need to move out of our comfort zone so that we can be agents of change.
To be a part of the solution, you first have to be aware that a problem exists. Highway To Hell by Matt Roper opens your eyes to the problem of child sexual exploitation in Brazil in a vivid, unforgettable way and invites you to be a part of the solution.
I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars.
About Matt Roper
Matt Roper is a freelance journalist who lives and works in Brazil. He spent eight years as a reporter for the UK’s Daily Mirror.
For More Information:
- Visit Matt’s Website.
- Connect with Matt on Twitter.
- Highway To Hell is available on Amazon.
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Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from Kregel Publications for review purposes. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
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I didn’t know Highway to Hell really existed. Only know the song.
I didn’t know either until I read the book.
The title caught my eye, though, because of the song.
I think a lot of people will do a double take when they see it.
I do like reading these type of books, although I agree they are hard to read, someone needs to tell these poor souls stories, and the least we can do is listen. I haven’t heard of this before now, thank you.
If you have a chance, Jodie, visit Matt’s site (in the links section).
You’ll find hope there! 🙂
TBR’d on GoodReads. There are a lot of sick people in this world. Thank God there are as many people who are (trying to) make things better. We just need to be more vocal. Thanks for reviewing this book Ramona.
Thanks so much for the GoodReads Like LuAnn – hope you are having a fabulous week!
As hard as it is to read stuff like this I like to read these type of books because I like to educate myself on the world around me. I plan to go check this out. Thanks for sharing. I found you through the Friday blog hop. Definitely going to follow now as I see you review a lot of books, and as an English teacher I love to learn about new great books to read.
Angela @ Time with A & N
Hi Angela,
I’m so delighted to meet you – English teachers rock!
I love to read and I hope you enjoy the books – past and present – that I review here at Create With Joy!
This sounds like a really powerful book! Thanks for being willing to share it at Booknificent Thursday!
Tina