Customer Reviews

Beantown Cubans

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is pretty good read once you get into it. I liked the two main characters and their journeys are interesting. However, I was very disappointed with the resolution of one of the relationships and how it was depicted. Instead of being portrayed as a positive thing for the main character's sense of well being (as it was), I felt it showed a great lack of fortitude, kindness and supportiveness. The partner in need went through a very bad time and in the end did what the other guy wanted. But instead of being supported in his recovery, once it got a little difficult, he was dumped and left on his own. Not what you would expect from someone who supposedly loves you. That it was done is not usual, but the annoying thing is saying it's alright after their relationship/love is written as being as strong as it was.

I've read Johnny Diaz' first two books and enjoyed them. This book adds a new personality, Carlos, who is indeed a sympathetic character. Sadly, Carlos' mother has recently died but Johnny softens the loss by letting Carlos and his dead mother communicate. Carlos' father is a universal type for gay boys---the macho, baseball loving, straight man, who just doesn't 'get' his son. It seems that there is no middle road for reconciliation, but Mama's intercessions and Carlos' good will, and even some effort by Papa help out.
Johnny handles this situation deftly. He also gives us both a gay and a Cuban tour around Boston and Miami. Johnny Diaz has done a very good job with these unique characters.

Carlos Martin is a 27 year old gay Cuban-American, a teacher who recently relocated from his family's home in Miami to Boston, following the death of his mother, to whom he was very close, leaving behind his sister and father. He never was very close to his father, and felt almost like an intruder when his mother was no longer there, so he thought it best to make a "fresh start" in a new city, even though it is very different in many ways. Thankfully, he quickly met Tommy Perez, a 29 year old Cuban who is also from Miami, and Tommy was able to show him around his new city, including the gay nightlife. Tommy is very sensitive to Carlos' family situation, and doesn't try to joke Carlos out of his belief that his mother still visits him regularly in his dreams. But it is clear that there are some unresolved issues with his family, which will need to be addressed before Carlos can really build a new life in Boston. Meanwhile, Tommy is dealing with the reemergence of his ex, Mikey, whom he broke up with because of his alcohol abuse. The question is whether Tommy can deal with being the supportive friend Mikey needs as he rehabs, without falling back into a lover relationship that may not be good for either one of them.

The character of Tommy was introduced in Diaz' first book, "Boston Boys Club," and it is nice to get acquainted with him again. The author has a definite talent in featuring realistic, emotionally fully-developed characters in his stories, with whom most readers can easily identify and want to know better. I also like that his stories tend to include examples of reconciling with family members. In my opinion, this is the best of his three novels thus far, and I give it five spicy stars out of five.

Johnny Diaz has done it again!!!!!!!!!!!
This book touches the heart of the reader for many reasons, specially the relationship between Carlos and his mom, it is really heart warming.
In one way or another any gay man can relate to this book and its sensitivity.
Also the relationship between Mikey and Tommy is handled in a way that it touches anyone who has been in troubled relationship.
Thanks Johnny for writing all your books with respect,dignity, and in a way that is so enjoyable to read.
You writing makes one proud of beign gay.
Rafael
( MIAMI )

If nothing else, this was an interesting book...you could imagine it as a too-long documentary on the life of a young Cuban-American man transplanting himself from the latino-saturated environment of southern Florida to the comparatively latino-free environment of Boston, Massachusetts. The author's observations are interesting, but not edifying. The writing is matter-of-fact, not absorbing. The point of the story is obscure and certainly not inspiring. It's an OK book, but just that.