David Hernandez (1) (1971–)

After I finished reading this angsty book, I drove to Target and bought a huge bag of Red Vines, and then drove to my boyfriend's UTD dorm room, because I have this memory of going to CiCi's Pizza and while Lauren G., Laura and I were chowing down on spinach Alfredo pizza, Stephen was sitting there eating Red Vines. ANYWAY. So, I sat cross-legged on his bed, ripped open the bag, and ate a Red Vine. Frowning, I ate a few more, and then just gave up and handed the bag to Stephen. What the heck? Why would you ever have a crazy Red Vine fettish when Twizzlers are so much better? Why do Red Vines even exist when there are Twizzlers out there? Red Vines are waxy and pure ick while Twizzlers are nothing but strawberry goodness!
That pretty much sums up how I feel about ths book, it that makes any sense at all.… (mais)

Marcus is happy. His father who hits his (not-so) little brother Enrique has finally left home. Marcus has to help out more and money is tight but he is happier without him. Evenso, Marcus' life is not all good: he keeps wondering if he should have done more to protect his brother -- the same brother who is now dating the girl Marcus likes. Enrique and Marcus decide to confront their violent father and give him a taste of his own medicine with a (fake) gun. But the trip and confrontation play out in ways they never expected.

Excellent YA fodder; strong male Latino voice, great dialogue, good pacing. Adult language (lots of f bombs), sexual situations, drug use.. good for mature readers, esp. boys.… (mais)