The Republic Of East L. A. Stories by Luis J. Rodriguez

A brilliant collection of short stories about life in East Los Angeles. Whether hilariously capturing the voice of a philosophizing limo driver whose dream is to make the most of his rap-metal garage band in "My Ride, My Revolution," or the monologue-styled rant of a tes-ti-fy-ing! tent revivalist named Ysela in "Oiga," Rodriguez squeezes humour from the lives of people who are not ready to sacrifice their dreams due to circumstance. Rodriguez gives eloquent voice to the neighboruhood where he spent many years as a resident, a father, an organizer, and, finally, a writer: a neighbourhood that offers more to the world than its appearance allows.