There was so much about the book that I found immensely intriguing. For one, this is probably the first fiction book I’ve come across that came with such extensive footnotes. With parts of the story set during the Trujillo era (military dictatorship), and parts of it post-Trujillo, the footnotes, I have to say, came very much in handy, elaborating on some of the finer points of that period in history for the Dominican Republic.

But that doesn’t in the slightest way imply that this is a dry dull book. If anything, it is the direct opposite. The writing was very conversational, with generous splashes of Spanglish sprinkled everywhere.

It was so easy to just love the characters, be it the fat nerdy Oscar, or his sister Lola who loved Oscar fiercely, their scary-as mother Beli, their abuela (grandmother) La Inca who sort of seemed to have some sort of weird power or whatnot.. I just loved every single one of them. I particularly liked Yunior, who was Oscar’s roomie for a while.

Even with my zero knowledge of the Spanish language AND science fiction (there were a lot, and I mean a lot, of references to science fiction and fantasy stories, such as J K K Tolkein’s LOTR, Marvel comics and the like), and despite the fact that I had to read the book with my computer right next to me, I did very much enjoy it. ( )

Fun, sinewy, showy, super-charged read told in a rapid patois of Spanglish nerd. Not entirely life-changing nor mind-blowing, but still absorbing, brisk, and frenetic. Could be leaner and meaner, but all-in-all lit by a real, pulsating warmth and affection for each character. ( )

I really enjoyed this book.

It tells the story of Oscar de Leon (nicknamed Oscar Wao in reference to Oscar Wilde). He sees himself as the antithesis of what a Dominican male should be. Overweight, bookish, SF movie watching, journal writing , and worst of all NO luck with the ladies. His story is told from several points of view (his own, his sister Lola, his friend Yunior, and other family members).

They take us on a journey through Oscar's life, and also through the birth and reasons behind the family fuku (bad karma) that flows through every action and possible outcome, predetermining the worst outcome. You get a up close look at the Dominican Republic's history especially the era of the dictator Trujillo, a regime as oppressive as any dictator in history, that operated for over 40 years in obscurity to the outside world, but with devastating consequence to the people, including Oscar and his family.

The characters are believable, neither glorified nor reviled, just trying to survive. They leave the Dominican and immigrate to Nuevo Yol in search of freedom and a better life. But what can be done with the ever present fuku? It seems you cannot escape!

I found Oscar and his family's story fascinating. Each generations struggle to escape the repressive situation in which they live and struggle toward a better life. Oscar struggles to become a man and find love and happiness in his life. Will he succeed? Read and find out! ( )

Holy crow, y'all. Junot Diaz is the real deal. ( )

Quirky and honest, the story of an unexpected hero. ( )