Victor Martinez (1954–2011)

Authentic first-hand account of growing up Mexican American in California. His father drinks too much, his mother works too hard, and his brother is handsome in a way that Manual ("Manny") never will be. Still, there are glimpses of salvation... a teacher gives Manny money to buy shoes (which his father immediately confiscates and puts toward liquor), his mother tries (and fails) to get him into the better "white" school across town and the drug store owner who sees Manny's potential --even show more when he can't. In the course of the novel, Manny flirts with joining a gang, attends a socially-disastrous house party, picks crops under the sun, and helps his mother around the house. The writing is uneven and the pacing is slow; poor readers may find it hard to stay engaged... still, a refreshing sensation-free look at coming of age. Nothing objectionable. show less

There was some remarkable writing in this small novel. Some of the descriptions stopped me and had me rereading to fully appreciate. A bit dark and sad for my taste, but I'm glad I read it.

Forgive me for playing the race card, but I can't help but wonder whether Victor Martinez's race, and the race of his characters, helped this book win the National Book Award. Surely there were more worthy candidates than this. I admit it had some interesting bits and some beautifully rendered phrases, but Parrot in the Oven lacks what is essential to novel: a plot. There was no driving force in the story, no climax. Just a series of loosely connected short scenes that never went anywhere. show more Some people like that. I'm not one of them. show less

It is difficult to believe that this is a winner of the National Book Award and the Horn Book Fanfare Honor list.

Dealing with the very difficult subject of abuse, alcoholism, neglect, poverty and the hardship of the Mexican American culture is a lot of material to cover.

While the writing is good, the plot is missing. The storyline skips around like a rabbit jumping on hot pavement.

Fourteen year old Manuel has a story to tell. He is very weary of a mother who is passive, a father who is show more physically and emotionally abusive and also refuses to find employment, a brother who is a smooth talker who is shiftless, a sister who becomes pregnant by a man who won't take responsibility, and a community that exhibits bullying, violence and fighting as an everyday occurrence.

It is sad that the author cannot seem to tell a cohesive tale.

Not recommended. show less