Review of Burn Zones

[Alejandra Salazar 1]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Burn Zones" by Jorge P. Newbery.]

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4 out of 5 stars

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Jorge P. Newbery discusses his life journey as both a businessman and a humanitarian, a path that began in his youth. I enjoyed reading about how he overcame what he calls the "Burn Zone," a term he coined during his cycling days, which he later applied to his overall life, meaning that life is a struggle and the climb is challenging; at least, that is what I took from it. He also describes many incidents he witnessed or experienced as a victim of injustice at the hands of police and other entities or officials who seemed more concerned with serving their interests than the greater good.
Jorge began his journey at a very young age—I believe it was eight—as a paperboy, which led him to develop a love for earning his money through hard work, ethics, and values. His teenage years were unlike his age group; instead, he focused on his business as a concert promoter in the punk music industry. Afterward, in his early twenties, he discovered bicycle racing. Still, when that path didn't fully pan out, he pivoted into the home loan business, which proved successful at first. Still, like the other ventures, this too proved challenging.
He later began buying properties, many of which were considered hopeless investments. One that stood out to me the most was Woodland Meadows. Sadly, Woodland Meadows had issues with drugs, prostitution, and gang activity. Yet Jorge saw potential. Rather than give up or enforce top-down rules, he chose to work with the tenants. He encouraged them to come together as a community. Over time, Woodland Meadows evolved into something greater—it became not just affordable housing for low-income families, but a place where people took pride in living. From how Jorge described it, the residents became like family. The turnaround was so powerful that even people who had once avoided the area began to recognize its newfound spirit and dignity.
I would give this book a 4 out of 5 due to minor grammar issues. This book is a story of perseverance, social responsibility, and the power of empathy. Jorge Newbery's willingness to face adversity head-on and to use every setback as a setup for a greater comeback is what makes Burn Zones so impactful. I walked away from this book feeling inspired to not only push through my own "burn zones" but to do so with purpose and heart.

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Burn Zones
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