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There is absolutely no disputing the fact that Junot Diaz is an insanely talented writer. Yet at the same time they are vulnerable and humane.- Diaz represents loss in each story, although each situation and experience is unique.- The Boy Without a Face adds an interesting perspective to the collection, serving as a foil to other narrators.- A certain level of ambiguity in the narration makes the reader realize that the characters' voices represent the many boys in the barrios.Nit Picky- I wanted to know more about the characters and their stories. Writing short stories is not an easy task, yet Diaz does it effortlessly. 5 Star Worthy- The characters are tough- they've seen everything and are fazed by little. Diaz obviously did his job, handing the reader tasty morsels, making them crave more. I can't waste to see what else Junot Diaz brings us in the years to come.
There is magic in the way this man can pull his readers into different lives and exotic places and make us feel completely at home. He flavors the universally human with sharp new flavors. Both are wonderful.
Drown preceded Junot Diaz's best seller The Brief Wondrous Times of Oscar Wao. It is a collection of short stories that, like Oscar, take place in both in the States (new jersey, primarily) and The Dominican Republic. Taken together the stories form a novel about coming of age and coming to terms with family and cultural identity.Diaz's writing and story telling skills make him one of the most accomplished writers of his generation. You will laugh and you will cry and you will find yourself seduced by this writer's imaginative, powerful language.If you loved Oscar, read Drown: it's a gem.
.quite the opposite of uplifting (downlifting). Yet, it would be difficult for me to fully recommend this book, as in, "I loved it and you must read it." I had chosen it for our book club to read, and we all came away feeling similarly--well-written and transformative, but don't read it when you're depressed. Junot Diaz is a masterful writer. This set of stories etches spare but potent images into the mind, and I will remember several passages for years to come. One fellow book club member did remark that you could read it when you're feeling down about yourself and realize that you actually have it okay compared to the protagonist. I'm glad I read it, and now want to read more by Diaz, such as the Brief and Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao.
Being 1st generation dominican-american, i could relate to alot of the stories here ( HELLO kneeling in pebbles facing the wall, yeah that was my grandmothers punishment as well, hahahah).It was so well written. I really loved this book. i could not put my kindle down because i was that into it.Junot Diaz's writing skills make me want to revisit those often odd and out of place events in my time line where my dominican side and my new americanized side overlapped. Some moments were pure comedy. And the fact that it was based in jersey and he mentioned my hometown ( union city) made it perfect.I can not wait for a new book. He makes me proud to be a Dominican.
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