This book was interesting – I learned a lot about the dictatorial history of the Dominican Republic – but it wasn’t really all that compelling. It was exciting enough that I was pulled through it in less than a week, but I had no real relish in picking it up or even finishing it. I spent most of the time trying to figure out who the narrator was, and why the style kept jumping all over the place. The high energy is the common thread, not the actual subject matter, which keeps this book from being truly great. Is it really a curse if you’re dumb enough to pursue a woman who’s engaged to a crooked cop?

Recently saw Junot Diaz @ NYPL he is so AWESOME!!

Fantastic!!

An amazing lesson in Dominican History during the Trujillo dictatorship.... I found it very insightful. I would like to know what does the author have against quotation marks? At times it is difficult to know who is narating. This book was an amazing experience for me!

Pat's BC

I loved this book! Through it you discover the true colors of Oscar, an overweight nerd who adores science fiction, but who has really bad luck in love, besides his family issues. You fall in love with him, feel sorry for him, you want to help him... A really nice story to read, even though it's sad.

A very honest and critical look at ethnic identity and race relations, and definitely one of my favourites. Better than most of the wishy washy 'multicultural' drivel they make us read at university.

Montlk Library August book.

Interesting book, although I probably would not have chosen to read it on my own. It was chosen as my book club's July book. We met to discuss it over dinner at one of our member's houses. She prepared a Dominican Republic signature dish called Sancocho, which is mentioned in this book!

Amazing book, full of humor and pain. I felt myself inside the characters.