Parrot in the Oven: Mi vida

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 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 show more 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. Some people like that. I'm not one of them.

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 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 show more as an everyday occurrence.

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

Not recommended. show less

Set in a dusty California town, Martinez employs a series of compelling, frequently troubling vignettes to illuminate a Mexican American boy's coming of age.

Parrot in the oven: mi Vida by victor Martinez is one of the best books i have ever read. Martinez's novel focuses on the familial and social hardships of barrios for Mexican-Americans in California. He talks about the problems of alcoholism, spousal abuse, teenage pregnancy, racial discrimination, and gang violence through young Manuel Hernandez as he survives the difficulties and tries to make a better life of himself than everybody else in the barrio. Martinez narrates his story through a series of events in Manny's life and the people involved with him at home, the projects, school, work, and his Caucasian boss's home. The novel's conflict is Manny's decision to join a gang. As a teenager is really hard for him to survive.

This is a show more story about fourteen year old Manny Hernandez living in Fresno California with his poor family. Manny has to deal with many a father, without a job a mother who does nothing, a brother who can't keep a job very long and a sister who lost a baby, also his grandmother had recently passed away. Manny gets into big problems such as becoming involved in a gang. Also he does not have a lot of friends at school.

His family is Mexican-American his father is a drunk and his mom pretends that they live a perfect life. Manny looks up to his brother Bernard however he doesn’t think he will go far in life. Manny goes to school and has few friends. He usually only hangs around with Albert who is his close friend. He gets small jobs to earn a few dollars. At one point he becomes initiated into a gang. From his experiences with the gang he learns a lesson that he will not forget.

I think this is a very good book and i recommended to everybody, not only Mexicans. Many other minorities face the same struggles and this book is very book. It shows that even if you have a very difficult life you shouldn't give up. Also that by the mistakes you make in life you will learn and become a better person. show less

OK novel about Mexican American teen.