looking at reviews of this book now, i'm surprised by how many people are saying that it's "too slow for today's teens" or "not developed enough for today's teens" or "not exciting enough for today's teens." but are these people teens? no. they are not.

let the teens decide.

of course, i had my own problems with this book, namely that it was supposed to be set in the 60's or 70's and it really really didn't feel like it. the language and some of the plot screamed "present day." add that to the fact that characters seem to go against what you think they would do if they were real people, with startling regularity, and it just wasn't doing it for me. ( )

This is a young adult novel by a beloved, gifted author. He will be missed! It is an enjoyable read for adult readers. ( )

RGG: The back cover summary may be a bit misleading. This is a coming-of-age story, an identity story. While Rico's specific issues may be different than Huck Finn's (Rico's favorite story) or Holden Caulfield, this is an hispanic urban retelling of these stories. The time period is the 60's, but not so overtly, and Rico is Cuban-American, but not exclusively. Reading Interest: YA for drug use, smoking, drinking.

RGG: The back cover summary may be a bit misleading. This is a coming-of-age story, an identity story. While Rico's specific issues may be different than Huck Finn's (Rico's favorite story) or Holden Caulfield, this is an hispanic urban retelling of these stories. The time period is the 60's, but not so overtly, and Rico is Cuban-American, but not exclusively. Reading Interest: YA for drug use, smoking, drinking.

Narrated by Armando Duran. Rico is of Cuban descent but appears white which leads to a lot of problems in his New York City neighborhood. Tired of the negativity of his home, school and city life, he and buddy Jimmy hitchhike to Wisconsin to live with Gilberto. Wisconsin is a world away from New York City, but Rico enjoys the mellow and friendly Midwestern culture. The change of atmosphere also gives him time to figure out who he is and the life direction he should take. Rico is an earnest geek, almost too straight arrow to be believed given that he grew up in New York. Narrator Duran interprets in a gee-whiz tone that underlines Rico's earnestness. Lib notes: plenty of recreational alcohol and drug use, some raw language, racist dialog and feelings, and a couple of scenes of physical violence. ( )