Bodega DreamsIn this "thriller with literary merit" (Time Out New York), a stunning narrative combines the gritty rhythms of Junot Diaz with the noir genius of Walter Mosley. Bodega Dreams pulls us into Spanish Harlem, where the word is out: Willie Bodega is king. Need college tuition for your daughter? Start-up funds for your fruit stand? Bodega can help. He gives everyone a leg up, in exchange only for loyalty—and a steady income from the drugs he pushes. Lyrical, inspired, and darkly funny, this powerful debut novel brilliantly evokes the trial of Chino, a smart, promising young man to whom Bodega turns for a favor. Chino is drawn to Bodega's street-smart idealism, but soon finds himself over his head, navigating an underworld of switchblade tempers, turncoat morality, and murder. "Bodega is a fascinating character. . . . The story [Quiñonez] tells has energy and verve." —The New York Times Book Review |
From inside the book
Results 1-3 of 55
Page 188
... Vera had dressed him for the occasion . When Vidal saw Vera , he shot up from his seat and headed over to her , but Bodega stopped him . I could see he didn't want the old man to touch her . Vera was silent . Her head hung low . She ...
... Vera had dressed him for the occasion . When Vidal saw Vera , he shot up from his seat and headed over to her , but Bodega stopped him . I could see he didn't want the old man to touch her . Vera was silent . Her head hung low . She ...
Page 193
... Vera was all his . Her vows had been severed for sure . Now , as in the past , he and Nazario would clean up the mess and he could continue dreaming . Only this time , Vera would be by his side . " Do you understand ? " " I hear you ...
... Vera was all his . Her vows had been severed for sure . Now , as in the past , he and Nazario would clean up the mess and he could continue dreaming . Only this time , Vera would be by his side . " Do you understand ? " " I hear you ...
Page 197
... Vera's heels clacking in the early morning . Outside a car was waiting for Nazario . He opened the door for Vera . She hadn't spoken a word to me and I didn't really care . I had nothing to say to her . Nothing . Vera got in the car ...
... Vera's heels clacking in the early morning . Outside a car was waiting for Nazario . He opened the door for Vera . She hadn't spoken a word to me and I didn't really care . I had nothing to say to her . Nothing . Vera got in the car ...
Other editions - View all
Common terms and phrases
ain't Alberto Salazar Alleluia asked aunt b'cause Barrio Blanca Blessington building called Chino church Claudia Coño cops crazy DeJesus door dreams East Harlem Enrique everything eyes face fire Fischman floor fuck fucken girl gonna hand happy hated head hear heard hope inside Iris Chacón Julia de Burgos Julio killed knew Latin laughed living Loisaida looked married Mercado mother Nazario Negra neighborhood Nene never nigga night nodded okay Ortiz pana PEDRO PIETRI Pentecostal Piri Thomas Puerto Rican Robert Frost Roberto Vega Salazar salsa Sapo Sapo's shit sister smiled someone Spanish Harlem stared street Taino talk Tapia tell Thass Thass right things thought told took Vera's Veronica Victor Vidal waited walked Whass whispered wife William Irizarry Willie Bodega Yeah yelled yo'r