Book Description
By age twelve, Luis Rodriguez was a veteran of East L.A. gang warfare. Lured by a seemingly invincible gang culture, he witnessed countless shootings, beatings, and arrests, then watched with increasing fear as drugs, murder, suicide, and senseless acts of street crime claimed friends and family members.
Before long, Rodriguez saw a way out of the barrio through education and the power of words and successfully broke free from years of violence and desperation. Achieving success as an award-winning Chicano poet, he was sure the streets would haunt him no more -- until his son joined a gang. Rodriguez fought for his child by telling his own story in Always Running, a vivid memoir that explores the motivations of gang life and cautions against the death and destruction that inevitably claim its participants. At times heartbreakingly sad and brutal, Always Running is ultimately an uplifting true story, filled with hope, insight, and a hard-learned lesson for the next generation.
Customer Reviews:
Almost too realistic, yet a must read. .......2007-03-20
I heard this book was good, but didn't know how good it actually was until I read it. There isn't a dull page.
What's most alarming about the book is not necessarily the events that take place, as many movies about this lifestyle have been made since the book's first publishing, sort of numbing the harsh realities of gang life to even outsiders who grew up in secluded suburbs, but the age that Luis Rodriguez actually is when the events are taking place. Some of the day to day drama described in the book is so adult like that you can only picture the subjects of these tales being 18 to 25 years old, yet the reader is often reminded that the author was as young as 14 when some of them took place.
What may also separate the stories told in this book from the stories told in typical 1990s west coast gang folklore, from hip hop to film to books like 'Monster', is the sexual situations Mr. Rodriguez describes that he took part in and witnesses, again, in some cases as young as 14. Some are romantic, and almost remind the reader of a time when romance was first discovered in their lives, yet there are some that are so disturbing that the reader is quickly brought down to earth, reminded that love and romance in a violent, drug infested environment is far different from the kind most Americans have grown to know, that is dictated by Hollywood fairy tales.
Luis Rodriguez finding his outlet from the gang life through art and writing could give hope to any current gang member who happens upon this book. It's one thing for a suburban high school teacher to tell a 'homeboy' that he can express his views through art, it's another for an older 'homeboy' himself to tell him.
A must read for everyone, from suburbanites with little knowledge of the gang life who would like another version than that given by media outlets and law enforcement agencies, where the knowledge tends to be limited to crime reporting and identification of territories and monikers, to kids and adults wrapped up in the gang life, and just looking for any story that can inspire them or give them some kind of direction to a better life.
The Definitive Account of Barrio Life........2007-02-19
What more is needed to say about this memoir? This is singlehandedly one of the most powerful memoirs I have ever read and that goes without saying. I was born and raised in the San Gabriel Valley, the same one that Rodriguez builds and describes and I can honestly say he is completely spot on. About? Everything. The racial, identity, and sexual struggle that Rodriguez weaves in this story is compelling and really grabbed me and immersed me into his life. This memoir says what there is to be said, and it says a lot.
best book ever.......2007-02-09
this os the best book i have ever read next to tommyland very different but bolth very good books
Poorly written.......2006-12-13
I suppose one of the editorial reviews summed it up nicely.
"...Mexican funerals, rapes and arrests, but his writing style renders much of that rich material forgettable."
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
I was very much interested in the topic, yet the rambling, writing style of Luis Rodriguez
made for a disappointing experience.
Always Running.......2006-12-07
We believe that every teen should be given the opportunity to read Always Running. Luis J. Rodriguez grew up in East L.A in the 60's and 70's. This book is his life story describing all the situations he went thru as a cholo; the sex, drugs, violence, and parties. His style of writing is hypnotizing due to the vivid descriptions that create an amazing picture in your mind. As a result, you won't want to put the book down. However, readers beware; Always Running contains graphic descriptions that some readers may find as inappropriate.
Average customer rating:
- Oh please...
- Truly an Amazing Memoir
- i guess my teacher liked it
- A passionating story
- Loved this book!
|
When I Was Puerto Rican
Esmeralda Santiago
Manufacturer: Vintage
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 General
| Ethnic & National
| Biographies & Memoirs
| Subjects
| Books
Hispanic & Latino
| Ethnic & National
| Biographies & Memoirs
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Biographies & Memoirs
| Subjects
| Books
Women
| Specific Groups
| Biographies & Memoirs
| Subjects
| Books
Memoirs
| Biographies & Memoirs
| Subjects
| Books
Ethnic Studies
| Special Groups
| Social Sciences
| Nonfiction
| Subjects
| Books
Hispanic American Studies
| Special Groups
| Social Sciences
| Nonfiction
| Subjects
| Books
Northeast
| State & Local
| United States
| Americas
| History
| Subjects
| Books
Biographies & Memoirs
| Book Clubs
| Specialty Stores
| Books
Similar Items:
-
Almost a Woman
-
How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents (Essential Edition): (Plume Essential Edition)
-
Dreaming in Cuban
-
Down These Mean Streets
-
The Turkish Lover
ASIN: 0679756760
Release Date: 1994-10-11 |
Book Description
Selling over 16,000 copies in hardcover, this triumphant coming-of-age memoir is now available in paperback editions in both English and Spanish. In the tradition of Black Ice, Santiago writes lyrically of her childhood on her native island and of her bewildering years of transition in New York City.
Customer Reviews:
Oh please..........2007-05-30
I had to read this book for a class in college back when it was still fairly "new". I say "new" because it is the same tired formula of most contemporary Latin American authors.
I currently, previously and, as far as I can tell, will continue to BE Puerto Rican and the "charms" of this story fail to grab me.
Reading some of the glowing reviews for this book, I suspect I was never meant to be it's target audience.
Truly an Amazing Memoir.......2007-04-28
When I first saw the title I was a little anxious to see why she wasn't Peurto Rican anymore. I really enjoyed this book from start to finish. It was hard for me to put it down and I usually don't say that about many books I have read. Esmeralda Santiago is a brilliant writer and has beat the odds after all she's been through. I mean I'm not going to lie about anything in this review. The book did have it's boring moments, but the action pick back up again after you thought everything was back to normal. I truly enjoyed this book.
i guess my teacher liked it.......2007-03-09
i had to read this for a college class (urban development). this book really gives you the opportunity to reflect on how hard it is to get by in other cultures. the author of this book overcomes a lot of hardship and eventually obtains her phd in the u.s. it is powerful. i wouldnt have read it unless it was for class though. thats minus 1 star
A passionating story.......2006-08-03
The life of the young Esmeralda Santiago is interesting, well-written and full of colored details.
Loved this book!.......2006-07-12
My husband is Puerto Rican (I am not) and read this book years ago. He said that it reminded him of a combination of his mom and grandmother's childhoods. He lent it to his sister, mom and grandmother to read (they all loved it) and eventually to me. I just couldn't get enough of it. Then my mother-in-law lent us "Almost A Woman", which I just finished. Esmeralda Santiago is an amazing writer with a great story.
Amazon.com
Bakari Kitwana, a former editor at The Source, identifies blacks born between 1965 and 1984 as belonging to the "hip-hop generation" a term he uses interchangeably with black youth culture ("Generation X" applies mainly to whites, he says). He calls hip-hop "arguably the single most significant achievement of our generation," yet blames it for causing much damage to black youth by perpetuating negative stereotypes and providing poor role models. But this book is about much more than just rap music; it takes a broad look at the state of post-civil-rights black America and the crises that have come about in the past three decades, including high rates of homicide, suicide, and imprisonment and a rise in single-parent homes, police brutality, unemployment, and blacks' use of popular culture (through pop music and movies) to celebrate "anti-intellectualism, ignorance, irresponsible parenthood, and criminal lifestyles." Serious problems indeed, but Kitwana acknowledges that members of this generation have more opportunities than their parents had, and he believes there is still time to make positive and lasting changes.
He looks closely at this generation's worldview, politics, activism, and its high profile in the entertainment world, which has made it "central in American culture, transcending geographic, social, and economic boundaries." Emphasizing that "rap music's ability to influence social change should not be taken lightly," he calls for a more responsible and constructive use of this unprecedented power. Kitwana is concerned about the legacy of his generation, and he wants his book to "jump-start the dialogue necessary to change our current course." The Hip Hop Generation deserves to be read both for its aim and its execution. --Shawn Carkonen
Book Description
The Hip Hop Generation is an eloquent testament for black youth culture at the turn of the century. The only in-depth study of the first generation to grow up in post-segregation America, it combines culture and politics into a pivotal work in American studies. Bakari Kitwana, one of black America's sharpest young critics, offers a sobering look at this generation's disproportionate social and political troubles, and celebrates the activism and politics that may herald the beginning of a new phase of African-American empowerment.
Customer Reviews:
I highly recommend this book.......2007-02-24
I highly recommend this book in order to understand the post civil-rights black african american situation. Because of the interesting topic and writing style this book was a pretty quick read. Kitwana clarified so many issues: the unemployment crisis, the prison industry, mandatory minimum jail sentences, the drug war as a means to target black men, the gender war between black men and black women, making hip hop into a political agenda, the power of rap music, etc. It is a MUST READ for those who were born into this generation (born between 1965 and 1984) or who do not understand what is going on right now especially in regards to black men (it's written from a black male perspective).
I believe that society is in an awkward transitioning phase between the old pre-civil rights U.S.A. and the new post-civil rights U.S.A. I think once the baby boomers have passed away things will catch up. The hip hop generation (the black counterpart to the mainstream's Generation X) will eventually lead the black community so that issues relevant to the younger generation will finally be addressed... But will it be too little, too late?
The existing one that implements his opinion.......2006-02-21
I like the crisis in african american culture and the hip hop generation because it allows me to know what is going on in the world. Reading that book taught me how to give back to my community if I ever had fortune and fame. It talks about how people should stick together like flies to feces rather than be against each other. It talks about how the military should give money to the community rather than spend money to send people to Iraq and have their lives taken. It talks about how the military should fight for democracy. Those are some of the things that I've benefited from the book. I think the book is interesting. I would recommend the book to anyone who is into stuff like the crisis that african american have.
Add to "What You Should Read" List.......2005-09-28
This is one of the best books for the Hip Hop generation out in circulation. His nononsense views are understandable and shed light on many current issues in society. I think everyone, parent, teacher, community leader, and political assosciate should read this book.
Everything you need to know about US.......2005-08-23
This one is good for the parents of teens and especially for the white parents to know whats up with there children and why they want to be like us. This is the only hip hop book you will ever need. This book was on hit!
A strong foundation for continued change.......2005-02-06
I appreciated Kitwana's presentation of the current issues facing today's hip hop generation. Interesting and insightfuul was the comparisions of the generation and that of the Civil Rights/Black Power generation. This book stands strong is providing a foundation on which to further examine these issues and to use the strong influential power within this generation to finally begin to resolve them.
Book Description
For eight wonderful years The Waltons, the story of a family living in the foothills of Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains during the Depression, entertained America and the world. Yet this television show was more than entertaining. Each episode combined wonderful stories and "teachable moments" in which adults and children alike learned the importance of honesty, hard work, respect, responsibility, self-sacrifice, and kindness. As is true in most families, the Waltons faced many challenges, occasionally stumbled along the way, but they struggled to live their lives within the framework of the values they believed and taught. Goodnight, John Boy is a memory book of The Waltons, the number-one television show of its time. Filled with behind-the-scenes anecdotes and profiles of people who appeared on the show, it introduces readers to the Hamner family members who later became characters on The Waltons, suggests events and locales that inspired many of the episodes, and traces Earl Hamner's life as a writer from Virginia to New York to Hollywood. Included is a description of each episode plus reminiscences, comments, and personal feelings from numerous people connected with the series—writers, actors, directors, producers, family, and fans. Heavily illustrated with publicity shots and personal photographs taken by cast, crew, and others, Goodnight, John Boy will be a welcomed book by millions of loyal fans. When The Waltons first aired in 1972, it was at the bottom of the Neilson ratings—by December it led the list. That dramatic leap came about because fans told their friends about it and wrote the CBS network to praise the show and to plead that the show not be cancelled. Thirty years later, Goodnight, John Boy is sure to touch the hearts of the show's fans again.
Customer Reviews:
Good story, John Boy.......2007-07-03
This is a genuinely lovely book that explores the life and work of Earl Hamner but, more importantly, this book has a synopsis of each episode and comments from the actors. I would highly recommend "Good Night, John Boy". It was a terrific summer read!
A great companion to the television series........2007-06-15
This is an excellent companion guide to the television program (now up to its fifth season in DVD). It offers some good general info on how the series came about, as well as a description and some personal commentary on every episode. For anyone who may be interested, I am putting together a Bible study using The Waltons. It can be found online at AC21DOJ.org/AFruitfulBibleStudyWithTheWaltons.html
Oh, well..........2007-03-09
The photos are great, and there was just a little information about the "real-life Waltons", but unfortunately the vast majority of the book is taken up with episode summaries. Not really what I was looking for, but it is valuable for a Waltons fan.
Goodnight, John Boy: A Celebration of an American.......2007-01-19
Great book, Tells of Actors and history
had to read it before giving it as a gift.......2006-09-23
I was a baby when this was on the air.. but recently i have been buying the walton dvd's for my parents as gifts, and got hooked on the Waltons as a result (wathing with mom is great bonding). so for my mom's birthday i decided to buy her this book (since season 4 isnt available yet). I was sure to order it in time to read it before i had to give it to her and I Love it, i will order the two movies Earl talks about that lead up to the series.. and i had NO idea he was the producer of the version of Charlottes web i adore. This is a wonderful gift for anyone who loves the waltons.
Average customer rating:
- ray gun - out of control
- Collection on the shelf
- out of gas
- Out of Control pushes the envelope
- A magazine picture book?
|
Ray Gun: Out of Control
Marvin Scott Jarrett , and
Dean Kuipers
Manufacturer: Simon & Schuster
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
History
| Subjects
| Books
| Africa
| Americas
| Ancient
| Arctic & Antarctica
| Asia
| Australia & Oceania
| Books on CD
| Books on Cassette
| Europe
| Gay & Lesbian
| Historical Study
| Large Print
| Middle East
| Military
| Military Science
| Russia
| United States
| World
United States
| Regional
| History & Criticism
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Commercial
| Graphic Design
| Design & Decorative Arts
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
Pop Culture
| Graphic Design
| Design & Decorative Arts
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Photography
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
Photo Essays
| Photography
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
Photojournalism
| Photography
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
Rock
| Musical Genres
| Music
| Entertainment
| Subjects
| Books
Theory, Composition & Performance
| Music
| Entertainment
| Subjects
| Books
| Appreciation
| Composition
| Conducting
| Exercises
| Instruction & Study
| MIDI, Mixers, etc.
| Sheet Music & Scores
| Songbooks
| Songwriting
| Techniques
| Theory
| Vocal
General
| Foreign Languages
| Reference
| Subjects
| Books
Look Inside Entertainment Books
| Trip
| Specialty Stores
| Books
Look Inside History Books
| Trip
| Specialty Stores
| Books
Look Inside Nonfiction Books
| Trip
| Specialty Stores
| Books
Look Inside Reference Books
| Trip
| Specialty Stores
| Books
Similar Items:
-
Fotografiks - David Carson
-
The End of Print
-
Trek: David Carson, Recent Werk
-
David Carson: 2nd Sight: Grafik Design After the End of Print
-
The Book of Probes
ASIN: 0684839806 |
Amazon.com
Since the publication of its first issue in 1992, Ray Gun has set the perimeters of the cutting edge in publishing. Abandoning such conventions as headlines, columns, and even page numbers, the alternative rock-and-roll magazine created a chaotic, abstract style that broke all the rules, clearing the way for a slew of fringe magazines devoted as much to style as to substance. This self-consciously hip, unconventional approach soon emerged on album covers, concert posters, and MTV, signaling the birth of a bona fide movement. The same irreverent approach to production is applied to Ray Gun: Out of Control, forcing you to wade through a maze of random graphics and typefaces to unearth the articles and essays. The search is half the fun, though, as the pieces are enough to capture your interest, even against the backdrop of so much graphic noise.
Customer Reviews:
ray gun - out of control.......2000-11-05
this book is a collection of spreads from the early years of raygun and other magazines whose art direction was lead by david carson. there is a lot of controversy surrounding carson's work, and carson as a graphic designer. i find the work visually stimulating and closer to art than most design i've encountered. i personally admire the intuitive beauty of this book and have spent countless hours looking at it. while i do not recomend carson's other books i do recomend this one.
Collection on the shelf.......1999-07-30
This book is for the Raygun collectors who admires clever typographic layout. A collector's item.
out of gas.......1999-07-15
As the elite of contemporary typograhpy will tell you, Art Director David Carsons was neither type designer nor graphic designer, but instead adept collector of typefaces and free favors from young talent. This book is an attempt, on the eve of the sellout of the Ray Gun Empire, to solidify the merit of a magazine built on 2 things: hype, and the desire of the design community and its afficionados to find a voice for the explosion of creativity ignited by the early macintosh design pioneers and their disciple, Ed Fella,while, initially at least, disregarding the need for relevant indie music reporting. Don't buy it.
Out of Control pushes the envelope.......1997-07-31
Use this book for ideas that will stun and amaze your staid audience whether it be in print or on the Web. I look at it as one giant idea book - it pushes the limit of type and design and gives us a new art form
A magazine picture book?.......1997-07-28
"Out of Control?"
I don't get it. Is this a picture book, or a book that is supposed to honor the magazine? Magazines are about content and design, but here all we get is design. Now, I like design, I like it a lot, and hope to one day get into magazine desiggn, but this book seems to undermine what the magazine should be about. Design vs. Content. How well does the design and presentation relate to the article? I have no idea from looking at this. This is a picture book. From looking at this from a distance (which you are apparently supposed to do) Ray Gun is a nicely laid out and designed magazine. But what's it about? I love design, but I don't give a damn about a publication about information (no matter hhow good the design) if I can't have access to that information. As far as I'm concerned, this collection should showcase and celebrate the representation of information. IAs I've said, I enjoy the design and designers, but Ray Gun was started as a great means of maing the aarticles fun to read...lure the reader in with the design and hook 'em with the words. This may or may not have worked, but the intention was there. No matter how much of a design magazine this is, Ray Gun is the bible of mushc ansstyle, not a graphic design monthly. I think that this collection is a slap in the face to the people who wrote the articles in the mag. Buy "Out of Control" if you want a picture book, but if you want to get any idea at all about what the actual magazine is about, bo to the periodicals section and pick it up.
Book Description
Asian American Youth is the first collection to address a wide number of important topics about Asian American youth as a distinctive group. The Asian-origin population constitutes the fastest growing racial/ethnic group in the US today. As a consequence, Asian American youth are quickly growing into their own subculture and carving out their own identities in American culture. Asian American Youth covers topics such as Asian immigration, acculturation, assimilation, intermarriage, socialization, sexuality, and ethnic identification. The distinguished contributors show how Asian American youth have created an identity and space for themselves historically and in contemporary multicultural America.
Customer Reviews:
good enough but not breaking the mold.......2006-04-17
A.A.Y.C.I.E. is a compilation of reports from various Asian American Studies writers. If you are not familiar with AAS literature it is a good intro with a wide breadth of community samplings and general facts in part 1. The book itself is rather restrictive with the definition of "Youth". The "youth" it focus' on is high school students and college students, the book does not make room for studies of Jr. high students who participate in these activities. The book does its job, reporting on findings of youths within communities, but that's where it ends. There is a small chapter (The conclusion) where it looks at where AA youth are headed but that's it. This book is not groundbreaking and it suffers from the same shortcomings of most AAS literature as of late. No direction of where the community is headed, how to solve reoccurring problems of gambling and alcohol within our families and completely ignores the mixed or "Happa" community. A good read but don't expect too much.
Book Description
Loner. Free spirit. Rebel. Not words normally associated with an agent of the ultra-conservative FBI Counterterrorism Division. When the mutilated body of a black U.S. Congressman and Christian minister was found in the steamy bayous of southwestern Louisiana, Special Agent Adam Stephen had the perfect qualities needed to be the lead investigator. Adam discovers that the Congressman may have appeared respectable, but finds muddy surprises and vicious enemies instead. From a New Orleans Garden District widow to a bizarre Neo-Nazi group, the suspect list reads like a recipe for a spicy bowl of swamp snake gumbo, and Adam appears to be the next ingredient.
Customer Reviews:
A great little tale full of intrigue and local color.......2007-01-06
It took W. Randy Haynes five years to write his first mystery, but the effort was worth it. The first time "out of the gate," as he says, he garnered a selection as a finalist for the prestigious 2006 Lambda Literary Award. Haynes is a disabled Vietnam vet who found time on his hands during the long Lake Tahoe winters. But Haynes is originally a Texan, and graduated from the University of Texas at Austin. He is also a member of the Cherokees of California and started up
a Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Lake Tahoe. He is presently working
on a sequel to CAJUN SNUFF.
Special Agent Adam Stephen is inexplicably tapped by his somewhat boorish boss to investigate the mutilation murder of a U.S. Congressman who happens to be Black. On his way to New Orleans, Adam meets up with a woman named Adaline Fontenot, a widow from New Orleans, who not only opens doors for him during his investigation, but who will change his life forever:
"'Mr. Herndon? I'm Adam Stephen. I really appreciate your talking to me."
Adam handed over the letter of introduction.
'Come in.' The man unlocked the office door and turned on the lights. The office was unsophisticated but functional. Herndon took a seat behind the desk and motioned for Adam to sit in a chair. 'So, you're a friend of Ms. Fontenot, huh? How did you get so highly connected?'
'It was an accident. We met on a flight to New Orleans, and I've visited her home since. She's well-known in the state?'
'You could say that. Ada is the power behind the progressive politics here in Louisiana. She prefers to work behind the scenes and avoids publicity.'"
CAJUN SNUFF is an understated, yet passionate whodunit that is character-driven and examines the politics of the South and the attempt by right-wing zealots to take over our country. Adam Stephen is a dreamboat of a character who is both as spicy as New Orleans and, at the same time, is vulnerable and strong. When Adam meets up with Homer, a neurotic bloodhound with separation anxiety, Haynes injects just the right amount of humor to enliven and lighten the tale. But Adam and Homer bond, Adam saves the day, and Haynes sees fit to give us a reverse ending. CAJUN SNUFF is extremely well done and is a great little tale full of intrigue and local color.
Shelley Glodowski
Senior Reviewer
great characters .......2006-06-24
This is a new and exciting book with colorful characters! I hope this is the beginning of an adventure with Adam. Randy Haynes has the ability to bring the characters to life. This reader wants to have more!
Intriguing, Involved Fast Paced Murder Mystery.......2006-05-27
Having been raised on a bayou in Louisiana, gone to school in Lafayette and lived in New Orleans for 22 years I found Mr. Haynes book fascinating, imaginative and insightful of the darker side of Louisiana Politics, criminal aspects plus the goodness of Southern hospitality. The characters are from every aspect of life in Louisiana, from down home country people through the flamboyant Gallery owner to the bigots, criminals and every other group that populates the landscape.
This is a great murder mystery with many twists and turns. The descriptions of the locations are wonderful with great details. I am looking forward to the next book with Adam Stephens.
Good Murder Mystery.......2006-03-27
I can only hope that this is the first of many mysteries to be produced by Mr. Haynes. The lead character Adam Tyler Stephen is a fascinating blend of sleuth, hard-nose FBI agent, and a sexy single gay guy. He solves the mystery of the murder of a Congressman, and in the process upsets most of officialdom in Washington, at FBI headquarters, New Orleans, and the Louisana bayous. In the process, he befriends the doyen of New Orlean's Garden District, a sassy FBI secretary, an aged butler, and a college age gay kid who is allegedly a Neo-Nazi. Needless to say, the convoluted plot keeps the reader guessing until the very last few pages.
The character development of Adam is such that he could theoretically become a new gay super slueth if his creator decides to make him such. I can only hope that there are more stories for Adam in Mr. Haynes imagination.
Cajun Snuff will keep you guessing........2006-03-04
This is an excellent mystery that introduces a new hero, who I hope will appear in a series of books. The atmosphere will draw you in. I am looking forward to the next book.
Book Description
"The American story of immigration, this time with a unique Latin flavor." (Los Angeles Times Book Review)
Esmeralda Santiago's story begins in rural Puerto Rico, where her childhood was full of both tenderness and domestic strife, tropical sounds and sights as well as poverty. Growing up, she learned the proper way to eat a guava, the sound of tree frogs in the mango groves at night, the taste of the delectable sausage called morcilla, and the formula for ushering a dead baby's soul to heaven. As she enters school we see the clash, both hilarious and fierce, of Puerto Rican and Yankee culture. When her mother, Mami, a force of nature, takes off to New York with her seven, soon to be eleven children, Esmeralda, the oldest, must learn new rules, a new language, and eventually take on a new identity.
In this first volume of her much-praised, bestselling trilogy, Santiago brilliantly recreates the idyllic landscape and tumultuous family life of her earliest years and her tremendous journey from the barrio to Brooklyn, from translating for her mother at the welfare office to high honors at Harvard.
Customer Reviews:
A must read for all of Puerto Rican descent.......2006-07-05
This book was absolutely wonderful! My mother never wanted to talk about her youth because of all the bad memories associated but the little bits and pieces that filtered through over the years were captured in these too few pages. Ms. Santiago has given those of us of Puerto Rican descent an opportunity to better understand the hardships endured by our mothers both in their patrias and here in the States. Thank you Esmeralda for filling in the gaps. You go Boriqua!!
Average customer rating:
- Disappointing
- Wonderfully bad
- Clay's Way: A Novel
- Tropical island storm
- Didn't enjoy, but can appreciate
|
Clay's Way
Blair Mastbaum
Manufacturer: Alyson Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Punk
| Musical Genres
| Music
| Entertainment
| Subjects
| Books
Contemporary
| General
| Literature & Fiction
| Subjects
| Books
General
| United States
| World Literature
| Literature & Fiction
| Subjects
| Books
Gay
| Fiction
| Literature & Fiction
| Gay & Lesbian
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Fiction
| Literature & Fiction
| Gay & Lesbian
| Subjects
| Books
Look Inside Entertainment Books
| Trip
| Specialty Stores
| Books
Look Inside Fiction Books
| Trip
| Specialty Stores
| Books
Similar Items:
-
The Brothers Bishop
-
Leave Myself Behind
-
A Son Called Gabriel
-
The World of Normal Boys
-
Dream Boy: A Novel
ASIN: 1555838197 |
Book Description
Set against the dazzling backdrop of Hawaii's Oahu and Kauai islands, Clay's Way seethes with energy and hormonally charged nihilism. For 15-year-old Sam, a wanna-be punk rocker who writes bad haiku poetry, his middle-class suburban life feels like a prison. Mistaking lust for fate, Sam becomes obsessed with Clay, a 17-year-old surfer, outwardly cool but equally adrift. The violence and tumult of Clay's search for identity propels him, with desperately confused Sam in his wake, through the hardest decisions and obstacles of their young lives.
24-year-old Blair Mastbaum graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, with a degree in fine arts. He was a fashion model for six years, and now lives in Beverly Hills, where he is hard at work on his second novel.
Customer Reviews:
Disappointing.......2007-05-04
I have to say I don't understand everyone's fascination with this one. I read it sometime last year and up until today I couldn't even remember the main character's name. Which is sad since Sam happens to be one of my favorite names.
First the good points. I do think Blair Mastbaum has the potential to produce soem really good books. I will read his next one if only to see if it will draw me in. The prenise of Clay's way intrigued me. I thought I was going into the book perhaps to explore through Sam, what makes Clay tick. I was prepared to gain some insight into the minds of both Sam and Clay but that never seemed to happen.
Instead we are led through many disjointed events as we follow Sam through his confusion. There was never a point for me when I actually could sympathize with the character and for me that is an importatn aspect of enjoying a book.
Clay's Way did have it's funny moments but ultimately it failed to keep me engaged. I ended up finishing it because I don't like leaving things unfinished. Which brings me to the last point. The book just stops, it's definitely not the best book to read if you like resolutions and endings that make you think.
Wonderfully bad.......2007-02-06
I have looked past the other reviews of this book and I don't mean to stomp any toes, but this book is bad. It's very poorly written. That is not to say that it can't be enjoyed. The story is engaging if a bit simple, and the characters are likable. There are grammatical errors and typos on nearly every page. There are a number of instances where the plot seems to suffer from holes due to excessive rewrites without significant editing. There are choice lines such as "This boner's for you." I'm not kidding. That's supposed to be a romantic line in the book.
Bottom line: if you like MST3k and gay stories, you'll love this book. My boyfriend and I traded off reading chapters to each other every night and found it hilariously bad. I would suggest this to anyone with a sense of humor.
Clay's Way: A Novel.......2007-01-12
It has been almost a year sence I read this amazing book and its still very fresh in my mind, it was the first book of its kind I had read and I found it be pure accident " I miss spelled the book title I was looking for and got this one instead" One of the best mistakes I have ever made. Set in the awsome back drop of Hawaii you have Sam, the young star of the book, who knows what he wants and who he wants it from, then there is Clay who doesnt know what he wants at all, or is blind to what he has and could have. I wouldnt say this is a love story, more a story very close to life. Blair Mastbaum has such a talented way of making the people in his book seem so real. True to life it has its ups and downs, and sometimes the downs can go pretty far. Clay's Way is one of the best books in my collection, I suggest it for any fan of this style of book.
Tropical island storm.......2006-12-26
Set on the Hawaiian island of Oahu, fifteen coming on sixteen year old skate boarding punk Sam, (punk to the extent that he likes dyeing his hair exotic colours), a compulsive haiku writer, becomes infatuated with the handsome eighteen year old surf boy Clay Anderson, whom he meets in the local skate board shop. Much to his surprise his feelings are reciprocated, and he and Clay begin enjoying each others company. However the relationship that ensues, while having its tender and fulfilling moments, rather than following the smooth course of love becomes a tempestuous and uncertain affair.
The story follows the path of their relationship and time together, which includes an eventful and traumatic camping trip to the island of Kauai, and reveals how they each cope with the difficulties that result from of their association.
This is a very moving and insightful story which while following the two lovers also conveys something of the feel of the tropical isle on which they live with its sudden and tempestuous storms. I did at times want to shout at Sam to refrain from being so possessive and stop acting like a drama queen, but that is only a minor criticism, overall I found it a very rewarding book.
Didn't enjoy, but can appreciate.......2006-11-21
This novel was very frustrating for me because I just could not connect with the main character, Sam. I found him attention starved and annoying. Although the author did an excellent job at portraying the character of Sam, I have a hard time getting engaged in a novel if I can't connect to the characters.
Also, if you are looking for a happy, complete novel I would not recommend this one. It will leave you lost and dissatisfied.
Book Description
"This diverse collection, like Asian America itself, adds up to something far more vibrant than the sum of its voices."
-Eric Liu, author of The Accidental Asian
"There's fury, dignity, and self-awareness in these essays. I found the voices to be energetic and the ideas exciting."
-Diana Son, playwright (Stop Kiss) and co-producer (Law & Order: Criminal Intent)
This refreshing and timely collection of coming-of-age essays, edited and written by young Asian Americans, powerfully captures the joys and struggles of their evolving identities as one of the fastest-growing groups in the nation and poignantly depicts the many oft-conflicting ties they feel to both American and Asian cultures. The essays also highlight the vast cultural diversity within the category of Asian American, yet ultimately reveal how these young people are truly American in their ideals and dreams.
Asian American X is more than a book on identity; it is required reading both for young Asian Americans who seek to understand themselves and their social group, and for all who are interested in keeping abreast of the changing American social terrain.
Customer Reviews:
misrepresentation .......2006-03-03
The quality and thought put into each essay was excellent, though it could've been more diverse class and wealth wise.
While there is an obvious effort by the editors to include South/Southeast/East Asians and Pacific Islanders in order to represent diversely, there seems to have been a lackluster effort to include young APIA voices who are of college-age, but not in college. This would've broaden perspectives, assuming that most of them come from less educated and poorer backgrounds, exposing ideas, thoughts, and desires less uniform.
This a collection of APIA voices in college - hopefully, the editors will make better efforts to broaden the collection if they decide to create a second book.
and I thought I was alone..........2005-12-14
I found this book immensly moving. It's not really because the quality of the writing is all that good. There aren't any deep or poignant metaphors, just real life. I think that's more important than anything. What I liked most about this collection of voices is that I found I related to exactly what people said. I wanted to read more about their lives just to learn more about mine. I recommend it to anyone, Asian or not.
Great read.......2005-02-16
This book provides insightful commentary on what life is like for young Asian Americans growing up in the United States. The collaborative treatment of the subject, driven by a group of talented writers, showcases a large spectrum of inspired voices. An enjoyable read.
A great collection of essays.......2005-01-02
Asian American X sets out to give its reader a broad understanding of today's Asian Americans, but I think it goes further. The collection of essays is really about what it means to be young and grappling with life's most important questions.
Thanks for the reviews.......2004-12-16
I am one of the contributors of AAX and it's really great to read the reviews. Thanks alot for reading and the kind words. Pass on the word! ;-) Oh, and don't stop dreaming.
Books:
- America Needs a Buddhist President
- American Cinema/American Culture
- Amusing Ourselves to Death: Public Discourse in the Age of Show Business
- Armageddon Averted: The Soviet Collapse, 1970-2000
- Barbaro: The Horse Who Captured America's Heart
- Beany Malone Series - 14 Book Set (Beany Malone)
- Black Womanist Ethics (American Academy of Religion Academy Series ; No. 60)
- Black Working Wives: Pioneers of the American Family Revolution
- Bobbi Brown Living Beauty
- Bordering on Madness: An American Land Use Tale
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- Marketing: An Introduction
- Burpee : The Complete Vegetable & Herb Gardener : A Guide to Growing Your Garden Organically
- VideoHound's Dragon: Asian Action & Cult Flicks
- Wild & Scenic California
- A Game of Thrones
- Complete Do-It-Yourself Manual: Completely Revised and Updated
- Beach Stones
- Computer Assisted Auditing with Great Plains Dynamics Revised
- Wkg Papers-Corp Financial Acct
- A Sundog Moment
The Republic of East LA : Stories
My Bloody Life: The Making of a Latin King (Illinois)
Monster: The Autobiography of an L.A. Gang Member
Life in Prison
When Heaven and Earth Changed Places: Tie-In Edition
