Daniel A. Olivas

This book was an interesting combination of the Frankenstein, modern politics, latinx culture, and marginalized populations. The story follows an unnamed reanimated man and Faustina, who have a budding relationship. Intertwined through their story are various interviews and presidential conversations discussing the reanimated and what rights they should have in our society. It has a similar feel to recent political controversy, so this book probably won't be for everyone.

"The man" seemed to have a very logical, almost a robotic, feel to him, and he actually reminded me a lot of Star Trek: TNG's character, Data. It's understandable though, given that he has no history or family, and basically became a clean slate only 3 years ago. Through his interactions with Faustina, I think his character grows, and he starts to feel more human.

The book has a very abrupt ending, leaving me feeling like there were things I still didn't understand or feel were resolved. It felt like things were starting to get really interesting, to suddenly come to a screeching halt. Maybe that's the point, since it keeps you thinking, but it just didn't work for me. In the end, the book fell a bit short for me, but it definitely had some interesting concepts in it.

Thank you to Forest Avenue Press and Edelweiss for the free review copy of Chicano Frankenstein. All opinions expressed in my review are completely my own.… (plus d'informations)

How to Date a Flying Mexican is a delight from beginning to end, a collection of short stories that surprises and rewards with a blend of whimsy, Chicanx sensibility, identity exploration, and a touch of magical realism. I'm not usually a big fan of short stories, but once I began reading How to Date a Flying Mexican, I couldn't stop until I'd read the whole book (hello, early morning reading hangover!). Whether you read it in one sitting as I did or parcel the stories out to yourself one or two at a time, this is a collection that's worth tracking down.

I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley; the opinions are my own.… (plus d'informations)

How to Date a Flying Mexican by Daniel A Olivas is a fascinating collection of short stories that spans his writing career. There are no weak stories here, even the ones I liked less were still very good.

The nature of a collection, whether stories or essays, even by a single author, is a certain amount of unevenness. That might not be the ideal word, it really is about which entries speak to a reader. In selecting the stories for this collection Olivas definitely chose well. Enough variety to appeal to most readers with at least some of the stories but also consistent throughout in bringing readers into the lives of his characters.

His characters, and the situations they find themselves in, are entertaining while also offering ways of gaining perspective on how others experience life. I am talking less about a non-Latinx reader, though that certainly holds true. I am talking more about the basic human variations on how we engage and make sense of our world. Regardless of nationality or ethnicity, readers will find characters here that will remind them of people they have known.

I would recommend this to any lover of the short story, there are stories that weave a spell from beginning to end, then there are ones that deliver a startling surprise with the last line.

Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.… (plus d'informations)