Rating: 
Summary: It is True
Review: The book was good and it was TRUE. The main character Chino was sort of confused in the middle of alot of stuff that he had no idea that he was in. Sapo was his friend from way back when they were kids. Blanca is Chino's wife he had been knowing her since they were kids. And Bodega is like the guy who has loved Blanca aunt for a while. He involves Chino in a way that he doesn't know he is in it. Chino is sort of a key for Bodega to get Blanca's aunt Vera a.k.a Veronica. He helps Bodega too. Bodega is sort of the one who will use people. But when Chino does a favor for him he gets somethin irn return.
Rating:
Summary: Loved, loved, loved it
Review: I loved this novel. It was great. I liked Sapo the best and I also thought Chino was great. Negra was one of the nastiest characters in literature. I think this Ernesto Quinonez is going places. Really, do yourself a favor and get this book. I can't wait for his next book.
Rating:
Summary: Just like it was and still is,
Review: Like the author I'm also from Spanish Harlem and any one who says, this book's dialouge is not credible is crazy. This is exactly how we talk. I know, I lived there for 30 years. When we Puerto Rican's say, "Esta bien" we say, "'Ta Bien." See, that's something the author does many times, he know the ticks and that white people don't get. Anyway I was laughing all the way to sleep for three nights that I read the book. I think though that the girls could have been a worked more, I mean the girls in El Barrio are characters. My mom's was like that. People were scared of her. Back to the book, it was so good I plan on giving it to my kids,when they're old enough-a lot of curses aren't good. But that's how we talked in Spanish Harlem
Rating: 
Summary: Flawed but extremely interesting 1st novel.
Review: Ernesto Quinonez's first novel, Bodega Dreams, is a modern update on the Great Gatsby formula, set in Spanish Harlem. Quinonez has an original and authentic writing voice-particularly when it comes to establishing setting, character and mood- but the dialog is often a step behind-a few too many clichés, language a little to refined for a ghetto setting. Nonetheless, his sense of timing is good, his characters are memorable and the story is deftly executed. This is an author who shows great promise. I'm looking forward to his sophomore effort.
Rating:
Summary: Great plot twists and gritty humor make this a great read
Review: So I just finished this book last night. Now that I have had an evening to digest this story I can comment that this an effin' great book! It achieves the inner city feel the author was striving for with little dificulty. Between the character dialogue and the author's prose, you feel as if you're right there with Chino in Spanish Harlem. Full of riotous plot twists and dark humor this book kept a evil little grin on my face the entire time. But don't let that fool you. This is also a very touching story at times when you take into account things like Willie Bodega's heartwarming desires for improving his neighborhood and empowering his people. So all in all, this book is a proper balance of those elusive ingredients which make an average story into an exceptional one. Highly recommended!
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Summary: "The Great Gatsby" with a ghetto twist.
Review: A good read, the author has much potential.
Rating:
Summary: Simply a good story
Review: This was an old fashion, Great Gatsby tale. A story where you lay back and see how it all develops. This is old fashion story telling. Nothing fancy in the language, no tricks just a good story. I wonder if this is a patern that the author will use from now on. Good work. We need the old ways, too.
Rating:
Summary: True lit
Review: This book was real. It showed how far Latino Literature has come. The plot, the characters, the narrative, all of it was tight and true. I would have loved to have writen something like this. I hope this writer can do it again.
Rating:
Summary: A great story
Review: The people in this book are real. I know all of them because I lived in the same latino barrios the author talks about. I loved, Chino, Sapo, Blanca and of course Bodega. The ending will leave you wanting more. Buy this book.
Rating:
Summary: Fine work, fine boy, from a NYC Hotty
Review: I loved this book so I went to see the writer read. I saw a fine good looking man who expressed himself well. I hate readings they bore me but this one had flavor because it was a brother. Ernesto spoke about a lot of things and he made a lot of people laugh. I hope there is a second book coming.
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