Crazy Weekend

Library Thing Part D Multicultural
Soto, Gary. Crazy Weekend. New York: Persea, 2003. Print.

I’m not sure why I haven’t read any of Gary Soto’s novels; I know he is a much revered Latino writer and his titles are frequently listed in multicultural bibliographies. As a Latina growing up in a border town in South Texas, I couldn’t identify with the Spanish slang, the inner city East Los experience, nor any Bertha Sanchez’ who could beat you up in a heartbeat (12) in Crazy Weekend. Despite all that, I did enjoy every chapter of this quick read novel, first published in 1994. Even though the title is 16 years old, it still speaks to a Latino’s experience in Southern California. But I only came to this conclusion, only after show more living in Orange County for three years and working in Compton for two years. Hector’s memory of Tio Julio was tangible: “Hector hadn’t seen him in two years, since the time Uncle Julio visited and treated him to Disneyland. Later they rented two surfboards to crack the waves at Malibu Beach. Neither of them was any good at surfing, but the crashing waves worked up an appetite that was solved by a huge dinner on Olvera Street” (2).
Crazy Weekend has Uncle Julio Silva, his nephew, Hector, and Mando, Hector’s best friend, as main characters flying in a Cessna 143, riding in a red Ford Escort, developing film in darkrooms, walking around an orange grove and eating oranges, signing their autograph for Dr. Femur, and engaging the two armor car robbers: Huey and Freddie in their Uncle’s apartment. After witnessing and photographing Huey and Freddie robbing an armor car, the boys become the robbers’ obsession. The criminals won’t rest until they teach the boys a lesson about snitching. I don’t believe this part of the plot; the criminals are way too ridiculous and it’s the “let’s get ‘um” scene in the apt. that seems more cartoon like than real time. But the Spanish slang and terms intermittently dispersed the California settings, the boys and Uncle Julio’s perspectives and comments all create an enjoyable plot that a 2nd and 3rd generation Latino could identify and be proud to read. The novel presents the Southern California Latino experience in a comical but positive manner. Julio Silva has served in the Air Force, attended college and is a professional photographer showing familial obligation, concern and love for his sister’s son and Hector’s best friend. A definite must buy for the library collection. Curriculum connection is language arts with elementary and middle school for an audience. show less