In Search of Snow
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Book Overview
In the hot Arizona desert of the late 1950s, Mike McGurk comes of age in one big, riotous gush. Trapped pumping gas at a desolate roadstop, he yearns for things he has never known: love, hope, and the soft, white calmness of snow. Mike's world is filled with a menagerie of quirky characters, who cope with the weight of their unfulfilled dreams with bravado, humor, and violence. Mike trades snappy insults with his macho father, Texaco Turk McGurk, a moustachioed amateur boxer and self-proclaimed war hero who is unable to talk about love. Mike lusts after Lily, his seductive, poem-writing cousin. He cowers before and then confronts the vicious Ramses, grandson of Mr. Sneezy, the wisecracking Apache. And he is rescued by his best friend, Bobo, who delivers him into the care of the loving and generous Mama and Papa Garcia. In Search of Snow is an explosive coming-of-age adventure, full of hilarious episodes and still, poignant moments. Like a blue-collar Don Quixote, Mike must blow up his windmills before he can set off to find the things he lacks, especially the snow that will temper the passion he has just set aflame.
Format:Paperback
Language:English
ISBN:0816520151
ISBN13:9780816520152
Release Date:November 1999
Publisher:University of Arizona Press
Length:272 Pages
Weight:0.96 lbs.
Dimensions:0.7" x 6.0" x 9.0"
Customer Reviews
5 ratings
True to Arizona
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 16 years ago
This is a great story that is told by the auther while he paints the most acurate picture of Arizona that I have ever read. The book should come covered in dust because it literally sits you down in the middle of the desert. Great storytelling with even greater imagery. Great job Tio.
Cool slice of life
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 16 years ago
I've read a few books by this author, and came across this one by surprise in my local library. Not knowing anything about what it was about, I read it and thoroughly enjoyed it. It takes place in a part of Southeastern Arizona I am from and brought back memories of locations he describes in great wonderous detail. Incredibly entertaining!
Should be considered an American classic
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 18 years ago
Urrea's story is reminiscent to me of East of Eden by John Steinbeck in that it is a raw depiction of life as it could truly be for a man and how he adapts and grows as a person. This authors doesn't use fancy writing or unrealistic plot lines to draw the reader in, he simply writes from the heart and it is very evident. This is one of my favorite books that I plan on reading again soon.
INCREDIBLE!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 25 years ago
A fast-moving plot line that draws you into its lush desert landscapes, quirky characters, greasy roadside diners, drive-ins, and general Americana. A great novel on many levels.
Buy this book!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 27 years ago
This is simply one of the finest American novels I have ever read: fascinating, funny, wise, and beautifully crafted. Urrea's work ought to be as well-know as Kingsolver's, McCarthy's and other contemporary western writers. He's building a following over here in England simply by word of mouth, one imported copy at a time. If you're an American reader, don't miss one of the best writers you've got over there.
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