Culture 3

Bibliography
Soto, Gary. 2003. THE AFTERLIFE. Orlando, FL: Harcourt. ISBN 0152052208.

Plot Summary
In this story a young teenage boy is murdered at the beginning of the story. His real name is Jesus, but he goes by Chuy. Chuy goes to a nightclub with a friend and while he is in the restroom he tells another young man that he likes his yellow shoes. Then before Chuy even knows what is happening the man with the yellow shoes stabs him. Chuy dies in the restroom. The story is then told by Chuy’s ghost and the experiences that he has after he dies.

Critical Analysis
Chuy is a Mexican-American. Even though the story is about what happens to him after he dies, there are many cultural markers that link to the Mexican-American culture. In the story we see glimpses of his life and how it was for him and his family living in the U.S. and being Mexican-American. The author writes the story in English, but frequently uses many Spanish words and phrases. There is a glossary at the end of the book, but it not really a necessity since most of the words or phrases are explained within the text. Family is a major theme throughout the story and Chuy often speaks about his family members using Spanish words. His cousin is referred to as his primo, and his family is mi familia. The use of Spanish words throughout the text adds to its cultural authenticity.

The language and style the author writes in gives it an authentic feel. In the beginning of the book we are introduced to the main character Chuy and we get a feel for him and the culture right from the start. On the opening page it begins with Chuy’s insights: “When you’re an ordinary-looking guy, even feo, you got to suck it up and do your best. You got to shower, smell clean, and brush your teeth until the gums hurt. You got to dress nice and be Señor GQ. You got to think, I’ll wow the chicas with talk so funny that they’ll remember me.” The author quickly established the setting and style. The main character uses some Spanish in his thoughts and throughout the book the language is that of a typical teenage boy.

The setting is basically set in Chuy’s neighborhood in Fresno. Since he is a ghost he has the power to get to different places, but except for going to a football game, he stays within areas that he knows. He goes to his parent’s house, his high school, and around the city he grew up in. He describes many of the things he sees while he flying around as a ghost and he often uses Spanish terms in his descriptions. Most of the people that he encounters are Mexican-American and the words that Chuy uses to describe the people give it an authentic and real feel. He often describes the foods that he sees people eating. He tells of Churros, pan dulce, menudo, and chicarrones. The author accurately shows a Hispanic teenager and the struggles he faces both in life and as a ghost. In both places he just wants to find a place where he fits in.


Review Excerpts
From School Library JournalGrade 7 Up–Gary Soto's novel (Harcourt, 2003) about how a 17-year-old murder victim experiences and analyzes his world across the first week or so of his death is capably read by Robert Ramirez who skillfully weaves together the interspersed Spanish phrases with the largely English text. Chuy goes to a local dance hoping to hitch up with a favorite girl, but when he's in the men's room to give his hair a final appraisal, he unexpectedly dies at the hands of a stranger, a young man wearing yellow shoes. Chuy narrates as his own bleeding body is discovered, police are summoned, and his family is informed of his demise. He sets off to solve the mystery of his own death and, along the way, befriends a homeless man and a fellow spirit, a girl who committed suicide. Soto injects just the right amount of lightness into this tale to keep it from becoming morbid or depressing. Chuy, a complex character, continues to develop—and even decompose in terms of his physical identity—as the plot moves along.–Francisca Goldsmith, Berkeley Public Library, CA


Publishers Weekly(April 18, 2005; 0-15-205220-8; 978-0-15-205220-1)"Soto pens a sort of Lovely Bones for the young adult set, filled with hope and elegance," said PW. "The author counterbalances difficult ideas with moments of genuine tenderness as well as a provocative lesson about the importance of savoring every moment." Ages 12-up. (Apr.) Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.

Connections
Read and discuss other books by Gary Soto: PETTY CRIMES
BURIED ONIONS
BASEBALL IN APRIL
Research and discuss themes relating to the afterlife