Customer Reviews

The Boy Without a Flag: Tales of the South Bronx

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The sordid lives of children growing up too fast in a wasteland
There is no regeneration or hope of escape available to these kids, hardened by the necessity of learning to defend themselves in the ghetto. No parents guide and comfort these children as they introduce each other to sex without love, violence and drugs. In these short stories of growing up in the South Bronx, Rodriguez elucidates the young casualties of most neglected communities. And he does it with a style and voice that transport the reader into these children's lives. After this sojourn, the reader will emerge shocked, angry and with a new sympathy for the so-called "at-risk" youth of urban life.

I read this book when I was in highschool and I can still remember the descriptive, insane, sad and interesting stories. I really loved his writing because I was able to visualize everything he was saying. I even read his other book called "Spider Town" which was just one story and it was awesome, I definitley reccommend it to other readers.

I was kind of disappointed after reading this book...First of all I dont know why this book was connected with the South Bronx...the stuff in the book could've happened an any urban community/ghetto...and his writing style made it hard for me to get into a reading groove. it was a pretty quick read, 1 or 2 sittings, but I found myself getting bored so many times. Sometimes Rodriguez spent so much time describing the area that you never really get a chance to connect with the character. The best stories, I think, were Shortstop and the Lotto...Overall its a good read if you aren't easily distracted

I was introduced to the author by a short story of his that was included in Bronx Noir. This publication puts together a collection of short fast moving stories he has written. Most have to do with kids growing up under difficult conditions in the South Bronx. The exception is the story of a subway motorman who also had to deal with hard choices. The title story is about a bright young boy who was radicalized politically by leftist rhetoric from his father. When he reacted by refusing to stand and pledge allegiance to the flag at school his father was called in for a conference. Instead of standing up for his son the father said he couldn't understand the boys refusal to obey the rules. He went on to say
"My wife and I try to bring him up right....this is a shock." Of course the boy was disillusioned. I am not sympathetic to the story theme. In my view, if people emigrate here they are usually doing so in hope of finding a better life. Thus, they owe at least some loyalty to their new homeland. Otherwise they could return to where they came from. This book is 115 pages. It's definitely a worthwhile quick read.