Bodega Dreams

As an avid reader I'm always on the quest for new books. After reading an excerpt of Bodega Dreams I was hooked. The language was great, it is a language I often speak myself, Spanglish. Growing up in a not so nice neighborhood in Long Island, NY I found the book comforting becuase it hit close to home. I loved the characters, especially Sapo. The story is one that goes on in all walks of life, deceit. I hope that Ernesto... Read Full Review

I just finished one of the best and most important books I have read in years, Ernesto Quinones' Bodega Dreams. Bodega Dreams is an entire universe, vividly written. Quinones has a great ear for voices. The characters are more real, with their dialogues, than some of the people you spoke to today. This is one of those rare books that is funny, sad, inspiring, and alive, a book which rings in places like a bell, rings... Read Full Review

Bodega Dreams is a shiny penny in the middle of nothingness. Vivid characters and fresh dialogue. Ernesto Quinonez has succeeded in accomplishing a novel that spills out sad and beautiful truths without worrying about who its spilled on. This book is reminiscent of authors such as Piri Thomas, Junot Diaz and Abraham Rodriguez Jr. but Mr. Quinonez is still able to carve his own niche into the land of Latino Literature... Read Full Review

Bodega Dreams brought back alot of memories of growing up in Spanish Harlem (Carver Projects) during the 70's and 80's. Each time I read something that would trigger a memory, I would read the section to my husband (a wonderful "redneck") and tell him that's how it was while I was growing up. The men playing dominoes outside, the congos being played on the streets, the pumps opened on a hot summer night, the salsa coming... Read Full Review

Here is the novel Junot Diaz would have loved to have written. But I don't think Quinonez should be compared to anyone. He is a very authentic voice. This is a beautiful and heartbreaking book. The language is so fast you'd think you're on a subway going uptown, and so humorous, you're entertained throughout the voyage. I highly recommend this novel! (And cheap paperback too--so give them to your friends!)