The Republic of East La - by Luis J Rodriguez (Paperback)

About the Book

Vivid cameos, pungent slices of street life, and cutting insights into the barrio and the underbelly of Los Angeles's Eastside are just a few of the treasures in this remarkable collection: tender stories ringing with a truth fresh enough to challenge the imagination and satisfy the soul.

Book Synopsis

From the award-winning author of Always Running comes a brilliant collection of short stories about life in East Los Angeles. Whether hilariously capturing the voice of a philosophizing limo driver whose dream is to make the most of his rap-metal garage band in "My Ride, My Revolution," or the monologue-styled rant of a tes-ti-fy-ing! tent revivalist named Ysela in "Oiga," Rodriguez squeezes humor from the lives of people who are not ready to sacrifice their dreams due to circumstance.

In these stories, Luis J. Rodriguez gives eloquent voice to the neighborhood where he spent many years as a resident, a father, an organizer, and, finally, a writer: a neighborhood that offers more to the world than its appearance allows.

Review Quotes

"Rodriguez is skillful at rendering the aura of East L.A." -- Kirkus Reviews

"a flashy take on the vital Spanglish-Speaking culture of East Los Angeles." -- Body & Soul