A review by nessyreadsalot
Bodega Dreams by Ernesto Quiñonez

hopeful reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

5 ⭐️ Bodega Dreams by Ernesto Quiñonez 

This is why representation matters!!!! This is set in Spanish Harlem about the “American Dream” of immigrants/underrepresented communities of color who are hoping to build something better for themselves, their family, and community. 

Bodega is leading a movement of change for his community, and while his methods may be unconventional (selling drugs) he is gaining political power and using his influence to sell his dream of building a better community for his Latin neighborhood by gaining recruits, respect, and loyalty by his partnerships and tenants. Chino and Blanca are about to start a family and they desperately want to do better for themselves so they both work and attend college in hopes to make an honest living; however, Chino faces many pressures that make it hard to stay out of the webs of Bodega’s plans. We follow Chino and his community members (some friends, some family, some neighbors) in this coming of age story where Chino falls into and rises out of trouble. 

The way Quiñonez writes is beautiful and he represents Latin culture during this time so well. Chino, Sapo, and Bodega are characters with complexity and depth and their relationships towards each other really add to the story in a very empathetic way. I’ve seen many reviews compare this to the Great Gatsby; however, I could never get through that book because of lack of interest and connection. If the comparisons are true, Ernesto Quiñonez has made a classic written by a white man (possibly stolen from his wife?) and made the story accessible, engaging, and relatable to Latin and underrepresented readers. I absolutely loved and am grateful I came across this book!