East Side Dreams [Paperback]

Art Rodriquez (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 15, 1999

As you read East Side Dreams you will experience with Art Rodriguez the difficult time he had growing up, and part of this was dealing with his father. This book will make your emotions run high. You will laugh, cry, and laugh again.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Another way of life

East Side Dreams caught my attention because it described the kind of life you hear about but never live yourself and its a true story. I found myself wondering what would become of the young man in the story. I feel kids that are headed in the wrong direction could benefit from this book and would see that there is hope for them and they too can turn their lives around. Good Story! -- Bill, successful business manager in Ky.

Great Book!!

This book is really good I enjoyed it a lot. It is for any age. It made me laugh and cry. It is a really great book to do a report on, like I did. I hope you enjoy it too. -- A reviewer, a 11 year old girl from San Jose, March 11, 1999

How one man turned his misfortunes into a success story! Art's libro (book) East Side Dreams will take you on a memorable journey through those grueling years, while at the same time, Rodriguez vividly recalls the painful memories of his unpleasant childhood experience, especially those of an abusive father. But from all of his life's tragedies, Rodriguez emerged a changed man and as a result, you will find an inspiring, heartfelt story that has touched the lives of thousands of people. -- "LOWRIDER MAGAZINE JANUARY 2000"

LOCAL WRITER, ENTREPRENEUR PUBLISHES FIRST BOOK! Rodriguez's tale takes readers through his trouble with the law, stay within the confines of California Youth Authority facilities, life revelations and successful foray in the waste disposal industry. "East Side Dreams" is Rodriguez's way of giving back to the community in which he was raised. Rodriguez took special steps to ensure "East Side Dreams" would be published without any profanity. He wanted to keep the book clean so that children could read it and enjoy it. -- MILPITAS POST. 9/16/99. MILPITAS CALIFORNIA.

Many People dream about having their own business or about publishing their own book. Art Rodriguez has done both. In this first book, "East Side Dreams," he tells tales of his childhood and growing up on the East Side. The prose is natural, plainspoken and genuine without being simplistic. It tells an honest story and doesn't pull any punches, even when the author is talking about himself. Not everyone can relate to all the trying times Art went through, but many can relate to feelings or episodes of growing up, although each of us experienced them in our own way. -- East the Neighborhood Voice, San Jose, CA 9/9/99

Oprah, heres one for your list!!!

I can not relate to being Hispanic or male but Arts story is one that is a page-turner. From the very first paragraph, I was intrigued and found it hard to put the book down. I just wanted to keep turning the pages to find out what happened next. What I can relate to is being young and wanting to fit in and be accepted. Some of us make choices that take us down the wrong path but with the help of God, we find our way back to the main road. That is Arts story. I was very disappointed when I reached the end of the book because it left me wanting to hear more. I hope to be first in line when his next work is published. -- Lynn

TWO THUMBS UP!!!

I really enjoyed reading this book. Knowing what a youth in trouble feels like and thinks about, while going through tough times, is important in understanding and helping kids today. Im glad to know something reached his heart to stay out of trouble, and be the man that he is today. -- A reviewer, a 29-year old female from Calif.

From the Publisher

This story is one you definitely will enjoy reading. We have received all good feed back on "The Monkey Box". Art Rodriguez is also the author of East Side Dreams. "The Monkey Box" was written so that the young reader as well as older reader will enjoy it.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 13 and up
  
• Paperback: 266 pages
• Publisher: Dream House Press (July 15, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0967155509
• ISBN-13: 978-0967155500
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #143,068 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #40 in Books > Politics & Social Sciences > Crime & Criminals  > Gangs
  • #48 in Books > Biographies & Memoirs > Ethnic & National > Hispanic & Latino

More About the Author

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Experience, June 15, 2000

By 

James R. Kohl (San Jose, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: East Side Dreams (Paperback)

Art Rodriguez takes us to jail with him so that we never need to go. He sits us next to him in his cell with nothing left to do but sit and remember. We try with him to connect the memories to being imprisoned, but there is no connection at all.

Although Art had an abusive father, he never once cites this as a reason for his violent behavior. He was a kid that made poor choices and got what he deserved. He blames no one but himself, and it is with this realization of responsibility that Art turns his life around. He went from street punk to a successful business man, a supportive father and an award winning author. He shows us that people can change and that bad mistakes are not the end of your life unless you allow them to be. Art Rodriguez is the silent roll model all troubled children are looking for.

This book is a great experience for audiences young and old. Buy it and read it.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The story of a life, May 16, 2000

By 

lucyann - See all my reviews

This review is from: East Side Dreams (Paperback)

I couldnt put it down! The language is simple ... and while reading it I kept thinking ... wow the editor didnt do a good job cleaning it up ... but after a few chapters I realized ... it was PERFECT the way it is. Art's life story could only be written in his words. It needs to be written in his style; it is the only way we can truly appreciate what he has done with his life. He has taken an empty vessel and made it into a fullness the rest of us can only dream of achieving! His story is truly an inspiration for ALL young people everywhere regardless of nationality.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Highly recommended reading for young adults, July 6, 2002

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: East Side Dreams (Paperback)

East Side Dreams is the debut book and memoir Art Rodriguez, of a Latino American who survived growing up on the rough side, at odds with a dictatorial father, and once an inmate of the California Youth Authority -- a prison system for young lawbreakers. Reflections on both happy and miserable times of his childhood, growing up, learning maturity and finally making a comfortable life for himself fill this heartfelt and revealing personal testimony. Highly recommended reading for young adults, East Side Dreams has justly earned the distinctions of being named the "Best First Book of the Latino Literary Hall of Fame", and has been honored as one of 200 Best Teenage Books in the United States by the New York Public Library System.