We’re giving away a copy of Dark Dude written by Oscar Hijuelos–our featured novel for our February book group meeting!! Check out the following from Kirkus Reviews:
Fifteen-year-old Rico Fuentes, who refers to himself as the “palest Cubano who ever existed on the planet,” feels impelled by circumstances involving drugs, truancy and family to flee Harlem for Wisconsin; it’s the 1960s and his good friend Roberto, a lottery winner, is attending college and has rented a farm nearby. Hijuelos, who won the Pulitzer Prize for The Mambo Kings Play Songs of Love (1989), explores issues of race, identity, prejudice and outsiderness in his affectionately written, sometimes raw teen debut. Smart, confused, a good-hearted bookworm from the ghetto who feels an affinity with Huck Finn and writes imaginative comic-book superhero stories, Rico ultimately comes to see that “where you are doesn’t change who you are.” In spite of several graphic scenes dealing with drugs and violence, this novel is very much geared to young adults; indeed, it sometimes seems as if the author is trying to pack in too much advice, making for a somewhat loose narrative. Even so, young readers will genuinely care about Rico and be carried along on his journey of discovery.
It looks like another interesting read–a great addition to any personal or classroom library! To be entered in the giveaway, just comment on any post on the blog by January 30. Everyone who comments between December 6 and January 30 will be entered in the drawing. If your name is chosen, we’ll email you ASAP about mailing the book to you.
Don’t forget, we also raffle off a copy of the following month’s featured novel at each book group meeting. So if you’re an Albuquerque local, join us for a chance to win!
Good luck!
Vamos a Leer 
This sounds like a book many friends were hungry for when I was a kid. Thanks for highlighting this.
It is our pleasure, Lisa. Thank you for stopping by the blog– you’ve been entered in the giveaway!
This looks great! I’d love to win! I loved his book The Mambo Kings Play Songs of Love.
The Mambo Kings Play Songs of Love is another one of his most popular books. If you enjoyed that, I’m sure you’d enjoy Dark Dude, too! You’ve been entered in the giveaway– good luck!
Sounds like something I would love to share with my students and their families.
Thank you for your comment, Natalia! You will be entered in the giveaway! =)
This sounds like a book that will explore racism within the Hispanic culture, that being the preference of light skin over dark skin, which is an important area to discuss. I’ll tweet the giveaway, as I’m sure many readers would enjoy this latest Oscar Hijuelos novel.
Thank you for your help spreading the word, Alvarado! You’ll also be entered in the giveaway– good luck!
Sounds like a great book. I’ll definitely check it out even if I don’t win!
Thank you for your comment, Jodi! You’ve been entered in the giveaway!
This book looks great! I’d love to win it for my tri-lingual son. I’ve been trying to find new books to keep him interested
🙂
Thanks for your comment, Gabriela! You’ve been entered in the giveaway!