“Cocaine River Kid” is a raw and gripping book based on true events about a character named Pucho. His story is one of pain and suffering. Born into poverty in Colombia, his father Jaime raises coca plants and manufactures cocaine, sells it, and also works for guerillas, who are often pursued by paramilitaries. Jaime is a drinking, violent man. He burns Pucho’s sister’s legs and uses a machete on Pucho more than once. He abuses Pucho’s mother, his wife, and eventually turns her over to be killed. This is after she accepts Christ. She is described as a patient, loving wife and mother, who is terribly mistreated but holds on to her hope in God.
The story is often violent, with characters punching and kicking others, shooting and killing them, and selling drugs. However, a ray of hope shines through the darkness as the gospel touches lives. Pucho eventually finds a home. Dr. Wesley L. King, the director of El Dulce Refugio, a home for homeless boys, tells the story. Due to the violence and drug sales, we are awarding this book our “Faith-Based” Seal, which is awarded to films that have a faith message with some objectionable content. It has also earned four Doves.
