Read Recently: “The Republic of East LA” by Luis J. Rodriguez
Title: “The Republic of East L.A.”
Author: Luis J. Rodriguez.
Synopsis: Collection of short stories all set in the historically latino neighborhoods of East Los Angeles. Rodriguez is a longtime journalist, writer and community activist.
Backstory: Book was send my way by its publisher, Rayo Books, some time ago. Picked it up in anticipation of my February drive down to Los Angeles.
Notes: As vivid as a midday sun. The stories read a little preachy at times, heavy on the telling, less so in the showing. But most redeem themselves in character and sense of place.
Verdict: I knew of Rodriguez from his autobiography “Always Running” which I picked up during on of my repeated binges on reading about LA gang life. For some reason, I was only able to read this book while in LA, so specific and clear were its characterizations. I’d say if this part of the world doesn’t interest you, this book might have less pull. But if you read short stories just to get a taste a world you may not be familiar with and characters that seem equally served by truth and fiction, pick this one up. I’m glad I did.