Deceptively Brilliant

This book was one of the best books I have read in a while.

I read the entire book in one day. Sandra Cisneros crafted this collection of mostly unrelated events beautifully. Every chapter (usually 2-4 pages long) contains either the thoughts or happenings of the main character, Esperanza. Esperanza, probably around 12 years old, is a future poet trying to make sense of who she is and deals with issues such as racism, sexuality, and poverty vs. wealth.

Through eloquent, and sometimes profoundly simple thoughts, Esperanza tries to figure out the world around her.

Her family often moves, hoping that one day they will find the dream house they have always wanted. The house on Mango Street is not their dream house, but it is a step up from the other houses they have lived at.

Esperanza can't wait to leave the house, but after spending a year their, she realizes that Mango street is a part of her she can not escape, and should not be ashamed of.

These 110 pages go by very quick. Just after reading it, I decided the book was good, but now that I keep thinking about it, and remembering passages from it, I grow more fond of it all the time. This book will make you laugh, and it may make some cry.

Cisneros is an excellent writer. She does not waste a word in this book
setting very powerful moods for the reader.

Without a doubt, I will get some of her other books out of the library next time I am there.