Afterlife

Peach’s Picks Rating


Title:
The Afterlife

Author:
Gary Soto

Illustrator:
None

ISBN:
0152047743

Publisher:
Orlando, Florida: Harcourt

Copyright:
2003

Length:
161 pages

Plot Summary:
The reader meets Chuy, a seventeen-year-old, from the Latino section of Fresno, California. He is introduced as he is dressing and primping for an eagerly anticipated dance where he hopes to make a lasting impression on Rachel, whom he hopes to make his girlfriend. Soon he is at the club where the dance is held, using the restroom, when he notices that the man next to him is wearing striking yellow shoes. Chuy compliments the man on his shoes. The yellow-shoed man responds by stabbing Chuy to death and leaving him on the restroom floor. Chuy cannot believe what happened, much like Patrick Swayze’s character in the movie Ghost. Chuy begins to realize that he is dead, has become a ghost, missed his chance with Rachel, and worst of all died a virgin. He begins floating around town searching for his killer and visiting his family and friends. He finds his killer and manages to frighten him, but revenge is not sweet. He is surprised at his mother’s reaction to his death, trying to convince his cousin to avenge Chuy’s death by finding his murderer and killing him. He visits his high school memorial services and attends an Oakland Raiders football game for the first time, getting a great seat. In his travels, he meets a homeless man who he saves from death and falls in love with a girl who has just committed suicide. He watches as his ghost-self begins to disappear. The reader feels sorrow for Chuy and his short life, but the author leaves a feeling of hope behind.

Critical Evaluation:
Comparisons of the novel can be drawn to The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold and the 1990 movie Ghost starring Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore; although the book is not as graphic or violent as either Lovely Bones or Ghost. Readers are immediately drawn to Chuy, the protagonist, and Gary Soto has done a fine job of developing Chuy’s naiveté and eagerness as he prepares for the dance and what he hopes will be a romantic liaison with Rachel. The author also shows Chuy’s budding bravado as he compliments the man with the yellow shoes. The story does not lose itself in the maudlin or morose; instead it is hopeful and introspective. Gary Soto develops Chuy into a complex character who continues discovering and understanding himself after death. Spanish words are sprinkled throughout the text and a glossary is provided. The other characters are not drawn as deeply, but it does not distract from the story.

Reader’s Annotation:
Chuy, a 17-year-old boy, from Fresno, California is all about getting ready for the dance at the club and romancing the lovely Rachel. Before he can even get started, big trouble meets him in the club’s restroom and he’s wearing yellow shoes.

Author Information:
Born 1952
Raised in Fresno, California
Married with one adult daughter who is a veterinarian
Author of 11 poetry collections for adults
Receive many honors including finalist for the Los Angles Times Book Award (1995), National Book Award (1995), Bess Hokin Prize, Levinson Award, Literature Award from the Hispanic Heritage Foundation (1999)
Received fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Guggenheim Foundation
Produced the film “the Pool Party” which received an Andrew Carnegie Medal for Film Excellence (1993)
He admires the following people for their service to others: Jose Padilla of California Rural Legal Assistance, Arturo Rodriquez of the United Farm Workers of America, Dr. Marc Lasher of the Fresno Free Clinic, and Nancy Mellor of the Coalinga Huron Avenal House
He enjoys playing tennis, gardening, attending music concerts, traveling, and baking cookies
He began writing when he was 20-years-old and attending Fresno City College
He graduated with a B.A. in English
Some poets who inspired his writing career, include: Edward Field, W.S. Merwin, Charles Simic, James Wright, Pablo Neruda, and Gabriel Garcia Marquez
His favorite writers include: Thomas Berger, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Pablo Neruda, Carson McCullers, Richard Russo, John Galsworthy, Walter Mosley, James Crumley, Richard Ford, Christopher Durang, David Mamet, H.E. Bates, A.R. Gurney, Nicky Silvers, Martín Espada, Robertson Davies, among others
He advises beginning poets to read contemporary poems and later study masters such as Flaubert
The library at Wincell Elementary School in Fresno, California is named in his honor
He lives in both Berkeley and Fresno, California

Genre:
Contemporary, realistic fiction - multicultural

Curriculum Ties:
Use in literature classes

Booktalking Ideas:
This story begins where other stories end, at death.

Have you ever experienced an icy chill pass over you for no apparent reason? Do you know anyone you recently died? Perhaps they are trying to contact you.

If you liked The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold, you will enjoy this book.

Reading Level/Interest Age:
Ages 14-16

Additional Books by Author:
New and Selected Poems
Accidental Love
Crazy Weekend
Jesse
A Simple Plan
Buried Onions

Challenge Issues:
None apparent, but if challenged deal with challenge by having a challenge policy in place, selection policy in place (ALA policies). Meet with library administration if necessary. Provide positive review(s) from professional publications.

Why this work is included in Peach’s Picks:
The book is included because it received a starred review in Booklist and Gary Soto is a respected writer who often addresses issues and lives of Mexican Americans. Five peaches are awarded for being a good read. Its short length and intriguing story make the book especially appealing to reluctant readers.

Amazon link:
http://www.amazon.com/Afterlife-Gary-Soto/dp/0152052208/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1272943163&sr=1-1

References:
Soto, G. (2010). “Biography.” Gary Soto. Retrieved April 28, 2010, from http://www.garysoto.com/bio.html

Soto, G. (2010). “FAQ.” Gary Soto. Retrieved April 28, 2010, from http://www.garysoto.com/faq.html