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Parrot in the Oven: Mi Vida
Dad believed people were like money. You could be a thousand-dollar person or a hundred-dollar person – even a ten-, five-, or one-dollar person. Below that, everybody was just nickels and dimes. To my dad, we were pennies.
Fourteen-year old Manny Hernandez wants to be more than just a penny. He wants to be a vato firme, the kind of guy people respect. But that's not easy when your father is abusive, your brother can't hold a job, and your mother scrubs the house as if she can wash her troubles away.
In Manny's neighborhood, the way to get respect is to be in a gang. But Manny's not sure that joining a gang is the solution. Because, after all, it's his life – and he wants to be the one to decide what happens to it.
Fourteen-year old Manny Hernandez wants to be more than just a penny. He wants to be a vato firme, the kind of guy people respect. But that's not easy when your father is abusive, your brother can't hold a job, and your mother scrubs the house as if she can wash her troubles away.
In Manny's neighborhood, the way to get respect is to be in a gang. But Manny's not sure that joining a gang is the solution. Because, after all, it's his life – and he wants to be the one to decide what happens to it.
224 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1996
203 people are currently reading
1433 people want to read
About the author
Victor Martinez
94 books15 followersVictor Martinez was born and raised in Fresno, California, the fourth in a family of twelve children. He attended California State University at Fresno and Stanford University, and has worked as a field laborer, welder, truck driver, firefighter, teacher, and office clerk.
His poems, short stories, and essays have appeared in journals and anthologies. Mr. Martinez was awarded the 1996 National Book Award for Young People's Literature for Parrot in the Oven, his first novel. He now makes his home in San Francisco, California.
His poems, short stories, and essays have appeared in journals and anthologies. Mr. Martinez was awarded the 1996 National Book Award for Young People's Literature for Parrot in the Oven, his first novel. He now makes his home in San Francisco, California.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 341 reviews
February 7, 2020
Run-of-the-mill novel that sounds at first like an autobiography but is actually not. (Mega-bummer!) It would be forgivable if the TRUE life story was not all that enticing-- writing it down is the main thing, after all. But for a work of FICTION to be pedestrian, average (alcoholic father, hard working mother, lazy brother, work in fields, times at school)?
Well if it's labeled as Young Adult, then perhaps, like this novel, it might just win a National Book Award. It truly just might.
Well if it's labeled as Young Adult, then perhaps, like this novel, it might just win a National Book Award. It truly just might.
October 27, 2014
I will be teaching this novel to 8th grade struggling readers this year, on the recommendation of a teacher friend of mine.
At first, I was less than impressed. Now that I think about it though, that might be because I have been living in dystopian YA fiction for awhile and am used to starting a book with a dramatic event (like a choosing). But as the story progressed, I found I liked the main character more and more, and I found that the rhythm of his life is much like the students I teach. When he is focused on his family, everything is about his family. When he is focused on his friends, it's all about the friends. I think this is exactly what it's like to be teen.
I'm very curious how my students will react to this novel...
At first, I was less than impressed. Now that I think about it though, that might be because I have been living in dystopian YA fiction for awhile and am used to starting a book with a dramatic event (like a choosing). But as the story progressed, I found I liked the main character more and more, and I found that the rhythm of his life is much like the students I teach. When he is focused on his family, everything is about his family. When he is focused on his friends, it's all about the friends. I think this is exactly what it's like to be teen.
I'm very curious how my students will react to this novel...
January 25, 2011
Winner of the 1996 National Book Award for Young People's Fiction, "Parrot in the Oven: Mi Vida" is less a sweeping traditional novel and more a series of short character sketches. The poetic style, though beautiful and intriguing, leaves the reader feeling confused and disjointed, though this may be the point. Living in a poor Mexican-American project in California, Manny Hernandez attempts to navigate the minefield that is his life -- just as the reader attempts to navigate the short vignettes. Son to a violent, unemployed alcoholic father, Manny watches helplessly as he begins to view his family through a new, more honest lens. His family's struggle to become more than just the typical, poor Mexican-American teen and become reflections of the difficulties facing families everywhere. The events of the book are heavy material, including the death of a grandmother, abuse by parents, a sister's miscarriage, and Manuel's flirtation with gang life. In the end, the reader is left unsettled: Does Manny become worth more than pennies and the "vato firme" (respected guy) he longs to become? Then again, perhaps this feeling of unsettling confusion is exactly what the reader needs to finally fully relate to Manny's difficult existence. Furthermore, readers should be prepared for a decidedly negative depiction of "gavachos" -- a derogatory term for white people; numerous instances of extreme violence; and frequent swearing, both in English and Spanish. These inclusions, however, give the book a realness and rawness that engage the reader and help establish the vast frustration facing the entire family as they attempt to figuratively rise to something just beyond their reach.
April 19, 2017
Hm, feels a bit unfinished. Had a lot of creative descriptions. But also had an abrupt and choppy flow, which was annoying. I felt the story could have been organized better.
October 9, 2011
In the book Parrot in the Oven by Victor Martinez, Manny the main character, lives a hard life. All Manny wants is some respect, and where he lives it is not all that easy. Manny considers joining the Vato Firme a local gang that he's introduced to. But he's not sure if thats the best idea. Manny knows joining the gang could bring trouble.
There are many important characters in this book starting with Mann's mom. Who does not have a job and is constantly working around her house. Next, there is Manny's dad who does not have a job because he was recently fired from his job as a translator because he drank beer during his lunch breaks and would slur his words. Than there was Manny's brother Bernardo or as they call him Nardo. Nardo had many jobs but never seemed to show up or really do his job. Next there are some boys there is Frankie, the Garcia brothers, Mondo and his half brother Eddit, and Gody.
The setting of this book is in Mexico a hot area where Manny grows up. Manny lives in a town where he can walk most places. Another place Manny goes is the Chili field, where they pick peppers. Manny goes with Nardo so he can earn money for a baseball glove that he really wants.
The genre of this book is Fiction, this is also my favorite genre so I enjoyed this book a lot.
I liked this book because the genre it has is my favorite. Also I liked the story line of this book how all Manny wanted respect just like most kids growing up so it is easy to relate to and how Manny would do anything for some respect. I would give this book a three out of five as a rating.
There are many important characters in this book starting with Mann's mom. Who does not have a job and is constantly working around her house. Next, there is Manny's dad who does not have a job because he was recently fired from his job as a translator because he drank beer during his lunch breaks and would slur his words. Than there was Manny's brother Bernardo or as they call him Nardo. Nardo had many jobs but never seemed to show up or really do his job. Next there are some boys there is Frankie, the Garcia brothers, Mondo and his half brother Eddit, and Gody.
The setting of this book is in Mexico a hot area where Manny grows up. Manny lives in a town where he can walk most places. Another place Manny goes is the Chili field, where they pick peppers. Manny goes with Nardo so he can earn money for a baseball glove that he really wants.
The genre of this book is Fiction, this is also my favorite genre so I enjoyed this book a lot.
I liked this book because the genre it has is my favorite. Also I liked the story line of this book how all Manny wanted respect just like most kids growing up so it is easy to relate to and how Manny would do anything for some respect. I would give this book a three out of five as a rating.
October 10, 2011
Parrot in the Oven a novel written by Victor Martinez, talks about the life of Manny Hernandez who lives a tough life. Manny has a jobless and drunk father. An older brother named Nardo who who never could find the right job for himself. A mother who cared about him and wanted father to find a job. An older sister named Magda and a younger one named Pedi. Then there are some other characters such as the Garcia brothers, grandma and Frankie. This story's main setting took place in the projects where Manny and his family live. Other settings include the school, the hospital, and grandma's house.
Manny's goal in this story is to gain respect however he falls in the company of the wrong people and joins a gang. Manny realizes that this gang leads him through nothing but trouble. Other than respect Manny's desire was to have a baseball glove of his own so he works at the Chilli field to help himself save up money.
Now throghout this story there were many major events such as how father wanted to kill mother, how Magda was miscarriaged, and how the gang almost got Manny in trouble towards the end of this story. This story was a fiction book which I gave a four out of five. The reason for this was that it was very interesting with a great storyline however whenever an interesting part came up such as how father chased mom with a gun they didn't really explain the part good and ended moving right away to another topic which made the book kind of boring to some extent. Overall I thought this book was a really good book and I would recommend it to anyone.
Manny's goal in this story is to gain respect however he falls in the company of the wrong people and joins a gang. Manny realizes that this gang leads him through nothing but trouble. Other than respect Manny's desire was to have a baseball glove of his own so he works at the Chilli field to help himself save up money.
Now throghout this story there were many major events such as how father wanted to kill mother, how Magda was miscarriaged, and how the gang almost got Manny in trouble towards the end of this story. This story was a fiction book which I gave a four out of five. The reason for this was that it was very interesting with a great storyline however whenever an interesting part came up such as how father chased mom with a gun they didn't really explain the part good and ended moving right away to another topic which made the book kind of boring to some extent. Overall I thought this book was a really good book and I would recommend it to anyone.
March 5, 2013
It is difficult to believe that this is a winner of the National Book Award and the Horn Book Fanfare Honor list.
Dealing with the very difficult subject of abuse, alcoholism, neglect, poverty and the hardship of the Mexican American culture is a lot of material to cover.
While the writing is good, the plot is missing. The storyline skips around like a rabbit jumping on hot pavement.
Fourteen year old Manuel has a story to tell. He is very weary of a mother who is passive, a father who is physically and emotionally abusive and also refuses to find employment, a brother who is a smooth talker who is shiftless, a sister who becomes pregnant by a man who won't take responsibility, and a community that exhibits bullying, violence and fighting as an everyday occurrence.
It is sad that the author cannot seem to tell a cohesive tale.
Not recommended.
Dealing with the very difficult subject of abuse, alcoholism, neglect, poverty and the hardship of the Mexican American culture is a lot of material to cover.
While the writing is good, the plot is missing. The storyline skips around like a rabbit jumping on hot pavement.
Fourteen year old Manuel has a story to tell. He is very weary of a mother who is passive, a father who is physically and emotionally abusive and also refuses to find employment, a brother who is a smooth talker who is shiftless, a sister who becomes pregnant by a man who won't take responsibility, and a community that exhibits bullying, violence and fighting as an everyday occurrence.
It is sad that the author cannot seem to tell a cohesive tale.
Not recommended.
March 7, 2015
Kind of bland, and it doesn't really go anywhere as there's no real narrative. But it's interesting enough and it kept my attention, so that's saying something.
Read
March 6, 2020Parrot in the oven is mainly about Manny Hernandez. The Hernandez are what you would consider poor. Not only that but very problematic. Manny’s parents are always arguing and fighting which would lead to bigger problems in the book. Manny is a wise individual and is hoping to be the savior of the family. Since the Hernandez family isn’t wealthy, they must go through a lot of hardships. Manny is forced to be more responsible since his dad is an abusive drunk. After a gun incident Manny tries to be more social friendly and ends up being a part of something he never wanted to be.
This book does a good job to see the inside of poor neighborhoods and families. The author shows us the desire and flame inside people like Manny. Manny’s life is a very difficult and can be very relatable to many people’s lives. An important aspect in this book is being true to yourself. If Manny hadn’t stayed true to himself and believed in himself he would’ve ended up like his father. I really enjoyed this aspect because it motivates me to do better. Manny being himself got him through so many situations and opens the eyes of readers to convince them that they can do the same.
“Suppose years of not know what, besides work, was expected from a Mexican convinced me that I wouldn't pass from this earth without putting in a lot of days.”(Chapter 1, The Baseball Glove paragraph 16). That quote shows that Manny knows what Mexicans are “expected” to do. Instead of being unmotivated he is convinced that work is a necessity. He knows he will have to work and work hard in order to be something in life. He is very mature and prepared.
The events of this book shows the character development of Manny. You see how a kid in poverty thrives in being wealthy. Not money wise but personality wise. You really build a bond with Manny. You can feel the desire to be something better. You learn to value things differently. For example when Manny picked chilies just to save up from a baseball mitt. People aren’t as fortunate as other but sometimes those people are the most fortunate.
If you enjoyed this book like myself then you might like books like, The Circuit: Stories from the Life of a Migrant Child. Another recommendation is
The Tequila Worm! All these books have a Hispanic author. That will provide first hand experiences shared within the books or stories. Victor the author of Parrot in the Oven is Hispanic and there was things in the book that I felt that he experienced himself. That just gives the book authenticity.
Personally I believe this book is a 5/5 stars. When I first opened this book and started reading I instantly felt a connection with the narrator. This allowed me to become eager and want to read more and more. Poverty is a big road block in this story and Manny shows us how to go around it. The vocabulary was also not too difficult so it was more of a normal set of words that you hear on the daily. Parrot in the oven is definitely one of my all time favorites, I would read this book over and over again.
This book does a good job to see the inside of poor neighborhoods and families. The author shows us the desire and flame inside people like Manny. Manny’s life is a very difficult and can be very relatable to many people’s lives. An important aspect in this book is being true to yourself. If Manny hadn’t stayed true to himself and believed in himself he would’ve ended up like his father. I really enjoyed this aspect because it motivates me to do better. Manny being himself got him through so many situations and opens the eyes of readers to convince them that they can do the same.
“Suppose years of not know what, besides work, was expected from a Mexican convinced me that I wouldn't pass from this earth without putting in a lot of days.”(Chapter 1, The Baseball Glove paragraph 16). That quote shows that Manny knows what Mexicans are “expected” to do. Instead of being unmotivated he is convinced that work is a necessity. He knows he will have to work and work hard in order to be something in life. He is very mature and prepared.
The events of this book shows the character development of Manny. You see how a kid in poverty thrives in being wealthy. Not money wise but personality wise. You really build a bond with Manny. You can feel the desire to be something better. You learn to value things differently. For example when Manny picked chilies just to save up from a baseball mitt. People aren’t as fortunate as other but sometimes those people are the most fortunate.
If you enjoyed this book like myself then you might like books like, The Circuit: Stories from the Life of a Migrant Child. Another recommendation is
The Tequila Worm! All these books have a Hispanic author. That will provide first hand experiences shared within the books or stories. Victor the author of Parrot in the Oven is Hispanic and there was things in the book that I felt that he experienced himself. That just gives the book authenticity.
Personally I believe this book is a 5/5 stars. When I first opened this book and started reading I instantly felt a connection with the narrator. This allowed me to become eager and want to read more and more. Poverty is a big road block in this story and Manny shows us how to go around it. The vocabulary was also not too difficult so it was more of a normal set of words that you hear on the daily. Parrot in the oven is definitely one of my all time favorites, I would read this book over and over again.
January 11, 2025
Echoing a lot of the other Goodreads reviews, the narrative of this book is very disjointed. The language, however, is beautiful but can often border on being overly flowery. Sometimes the metaphors become too overwhelming, as though the poetic language of how the author is saying something takes priority over what they are actually saying. Still, I can’t stress enough how beautiful the language is. The imagery being depicted is rooted in as deep of an understanding as one can have of the environment that it is speaking from. This parrot knows the inside of their oven well.
I would also like to acknowledge the importance of this book in the moment that it was written. A time when it was more rare to see a Mexican American published than it is today. It’s just such a let-down that the story was sort of underwhelming.
Overall, though, I connected to alot of the situations Manuel found himself in. He’s sort of at that age where he’s beginning to understand and become familiar with his own agency and this coincides with a coming-to-terms with the way he perceived himself as well as how he is perceived by others. It’s really quite interesting to see Manuel mature emotionally, psychologically, and physically (although it’s very hard to distinguish his exact age) alongside his friends and family. You get the sense that the only things changing around Manuel is the significance behind the way he sees them.
I can see this being a big hit in a remedial middle school English class, especially in a school like the one I went to in junior high where the student body is made up of 90% Latino students. I can imagine how much more important this book would have meant to me if I read it then. Still, it feels great to engage with writing that centers the experience of Mexican Americans. I don’t regret reading this book.
I would also like to acknowledge the importance of this book in the moment that it was written. A time when it was more rare to see a Mexican American published than it is today. It’s just such a let-down that the story was sort of underwhelming.
Overall, though, I connected to alot of the situations Manuel found himself in. He’s sort of at that age where he’s beginning to understand and become familiar with his own agency and this coincides with a coming-to-terms with the way he perceived himself as well as how he is perceived by others. It’s really quite interesting to see Manuel mature emotionally, psychologically, and physically (although it’s very hard to distinguish his exact age) alongside his friends and family. You get the sense that the only things changing around Manuel is the significance behind the way he sees them.
I can see this being a big hit in a remedial middle school English class, especially in a school like the one I went to in junior high where the student body is made up of 90% Latino students. I can imagine how much more important this book would have meant to me if I read it then. Still, it feels great to engage with writing that centers the experience of Mexican Americans. I don’t regret reading this book.
December 18, 2017
It is safe enough to say that Parrot in the Oven: Mi Vida is now one of my favorite books. This book is something different than what I usually enjoy reading but a little change does not hurt. I enjoyed reading the whole book and watching the main character, Manny, develop into the strong independent person he turns out to be in the end. I liked how the author wrote out the plot because this book was relatabe. The issues Manny faced which were poverty, abuse, and cultural discrimination are relatable because many people face those issues everyday. These issues helped shape Manny into the character he ends up being in the end. I liked how each character was placed in the book and what they did is what many people do today for example: having an abusive father, feisty siblings, and etc. There were many themes in the book, but I think the one that stood out to me was the one about family. Many people gave family issues but no matter what, they are still family and they will never leave. I would honestly read this book again because I really did enjoy reading this.
June 5, 2017
Stylistically similar to Gary Soto, but without Soto's flair. The pervasive use of figurative language throughout the book is very heavy-handed, and at times feels more like a student exercise than a literary work. The main character has no real arc; there's no noticeable development to track. This would make sense in a true autobiography or memoir, which the book seems to want to be. But in a work of fiction it's unsatisfying.
September 9, 2024
Young Mexican boy grows up in the projects. Dirt poor; dad drinks his paycheck away; mom is constantly cleaning house to appease dad; sister secretly meeting a white boy and ends up pregnant; and Manny….trying to make his way through life but still wanting to make the family happy. Good but some of the writing is lost in translation; I.e. way too much assimilation.
February 3, 2018
2nd time reading; great book; tons of figurative language
December 29, 2012
So after I sort of metaphorically kicked Stiefvater's butt again with a negative review, I have to share another negative review with you. I've read some reviews where the question is asked, "Why did this stupid book get the National Book Award?" and to me the answer was easy.
If you look at the year it was published, the fact the setting is in California, and you take into account the racial tensions that occurred at many high schools there during that time period, the love people felt for this book makes absolute sense. What this book did at that time was unveil the mystery behind the contemporary impoverished Mexican family, and unlike that idiotic book House on Mango Street, Martinez does not mind showing you the ugly side of things at all.
Sandra Cisneros (who will never be praised for her amazing book Caramelo and only remembered for that terrible book House on Mango Street) liked to dress up the ugly side of being impoverished by using pretty sentences and never really being direct. It's all seen through a kid's eyes so Esperanza's perception of life can be questioned.
It's pretty hard questioning Manny's view on things. He's an older teen boy in high school. Manny may be very ignorant about some things, but for the most part he is an honest narrator. We as a country are more aware of the injustices that certain minority groups had to endure, then we were back in 1998. We didn't really talk about how dysfunctional families were, the resentment that impoverished Latinos had towards the white community, the discrimination Latinos experienced in all areas of their lives, the intolerance between the black and brown community, health care, educational inequality, joblessness, and the cycle of poverty.
Martinez was basically saying, "Oh, I'm gonna tell it like it is," and to those unaware of the world around them this book had to have been powerful back in 1998. He dared to touch on all those issues without necessarily preaching, but spotlighting on what a certain segment of society went through.
Each chapter is a vignette, much like Cisneros, hence the comparisons, but that's where it ends. Where the House on Mango Street is this 8 year old kids acid trip, Parrot in the Oven is about a boy trying to make sense of his life. Or so I thought until I reached the very end and was quite disappointed by the choices that Manny made. I blame Victor Martinez for Manny's stupid choice. When you find out why he gets clicked in to a gang, you're just disappointed in the entire story and what could have been a good story or even a good story to reference the cultural temperature back in the mid to late 90s becomes a weak story with a silly plot and it's a shame.
I'm positive those who read this for the first time between 1998-2001 got more out of the novel then someone today could. Some of the issues are still present today within the Latino community, but the difference now is that I think America is more aware of what is happening to his or her neighbor today than they were 20+ years ago. Which is why I think people praised this book so much. It was an eye opening experience. (Not to mention a Latino writer receiving such a huge award for a book is a big deal, especially considering the racial tension back then. Hello, L.A. riots.)
I have my qualms about this book, especially the ending, which I just inherently disliked, but as a book framing a certain segment of history it did well. It's not necessarily a fictional book I'd recommend, but one I'd want people to read if they're only experience with Latino Fiction is House on Mango Street.
If you look at the year it was published, the fact the setting is in California, and you take into account the racial tensions that occurred at many high schools there during that time period, the love people felt for this book makes absolute sense. What this book did at that time was unveil the mystery behind the contemporary impoverished Mexican family, and unlike that idiotic book House on Mango Street, Martinez does not mind showing you the ugly side of things at all.
Sandra Cisneros (who will never be praised for her amazing book Caramelo and only remembered for that terrible book House on Mango Street) liked to dress up the ugly side of being impoverished by using pretty sentences and never really being direct. It's all seen through a kid's eyes so Esperanza's perception of life can be questioned.
It's pretty hard questioning Manny's view on things. He's an older teen boy in high school. Manny may be very ignorant about some things, but for the most part he is an honest narrator. We as a country are more aware of the injustices that certain minority groups had to endure, then we were back in 1998. We didn't really talk about how dysfunctional families were, the resentment that impoverished Latinos had towards the white community, the discrimination Latinos experienced in all areas of their lives, the intolerance between the black and brown community, health care, educational inequality, joblessness, and the cycle of poverty.
Martinez was basically saying, "Oh, I'm gonna tell it like it is," and to those unaware of the world around them this book had to have been powerful back in 1998. He dared to touch on all those issues without necessarily preaching, but spotlighting on what a certain segment of society went through.
Each chapter is a vignette, much like Cisneros, hence the comparisons, but that's where it ends. Where the House on Mango Street is this 8 year old kids acid trip, Parrot in the Oven is about a boy trying to make sense of his life. Or so I thought until I reached the very end and was quite disappointed by the choices that Manny made. I blame Victor Martinez for Manny's stupid choice. When you find out why he gets clicked in to a gang, you're just disappointed in the entire story and what could have been a good story or even a good story to reference the cultural temperature back in the mid to late 90s becomes a weak story with a silly plot and it's a shame.
I'm positive those who read this for the first time between 1998-2001 got more out of the novel then someone today could. Some of the issues are still present today within the Latino community, but the difference now is that I think America is more aware of what is happening to his or her neighbor today than they were 20+ years ago. Which is why I think people praised this book so much. It was an eye opening experience. (Not to mention a Latino writer receiving such a huge award for a book is a big deal, especially considering the racial tension back then. Hello, L.A. riots.)
I have my qualms about this book, especially the ending, which I just inherently disliked, but as a book framing a certain segment of history it did well. It's not necessarily a fictional book I'd recommend, but one I'd want people to read if they're only experience with Latino Fiction is House on Mango Street.
December 18, 2017
At first the book was misleading and boring because in the first chapter the author only talked about Nardo who is the main characters brother. I wanted to stop reading because the book didn't catch my attention but as I kept reading I noticed how I relate to Manny a lot. I saw how Manny dealt with his family problems, bullying, and being happy with himself and as a teenager myself I know this will help me. This book helped me realize that just because life is hard you shouldn't turn to anything bad but instead you should use that as motivation to do better. Overall I ended up liking this book much more then I thought I originally would and I look forward to reading more books from Victor Martinez.
July 3, 2011
Martinez' story read to me like a series of vignettes. Each chapter added to the collective of a narrative. Yet, the chapters were used more to build a context of Manny's life, rather than develop concrete moments that follow a traditional trajectory of story telling. There did not seem to be those crucial decision making moments that would inevitably change the course of Manny's life. Instead, Manny seemed more like a lost kid stumbling into problems that he just as clumsy stumbles away from. All in the context of living in a world of discrimination, poverty and inequity.
Further, Manny's observations read like prose. Martinez gives his character a voice rich with figurative language and poetic devices. On the one hand, it makes for a very beautiful telling of the story. On the other hand, it seemed a bit out of place in the context of this novel.
Perhaps the unsettled feelings the prose created in me reveal a hidden prejudice I hold. After all, my contention with the use of such language was born out of the thinking that Manny is a minority from the projects. I expected Manny's voice to reflect a world of forced practicality. That any poetry from him would have more street in it. I wanted more Tupac Shakur and less Sandra Cisneros.
Interesting, how our own psychology as readers seeps into our experience with a novel. I found that the practical cynic in me, that has developed after crushing blows to my own romantic ventures, longed for something more angry from the novel. I preferred the moments of straight forward plot and dry language. It was during these moments in the story I felt like Martinez touched upon the reality of disappointment, even if from a ever hopeful and trusting youth. During these moments of story telling I felt the story took on a new life. I connected with the moments of stark wording and demonstrations of thinking that develop when a person lives with limited options.
Yet, there were moments where I took great pleasure in the cascading metaphors and similes that were given birth in such an unwelcoming environment as the projects. Although, there were moments where I kept thinking that it would be so unsafe to hold on to that type of thinking in such a volatile and punishing space.
I leave the book with truly mixed feelings. Do I celebrate the beauty of the language or feel cheated by it? I am not quite sure how to reconcile these feelings. Regardless, it is a worthwhile read.
Further, Manny's observations read like prose. Martinez gives his character a voice rich with figurative language and poetic devices. On the one hand, it makes for a very beautiful telling of the story. On the other hand, it seemed a bit out of place in the context of this novel.
Perhaps the unsettled feelings the prose created in me reveal a hidden prejudice I hold. After all, my contention with the use of such language was born out of the thinking that Manny is a minority from the projects. I expected Manny's voice to reflect a world of forced practicality. That any poetry from him would have more street in it. I wanted more Tupac Shakur and less Sandra Cisneros.
Interesting, how our own psychology as readers seeps into our experience with a novel. I found that the practical cynic in me, that has developed after crushing blows to my own romantic ventures, longed for something more angry from the novel. I preferred the moments of straight forward plot and dry language. It was during these moments in the story I felt like Martinez touched upon the reality of disappointment, even if from a ever hopeful and trusting youth. During these moments of story telling I felt the story took on a new life. I connected with the moments of stark wording and demonstrations of thinking that develop when a person lives with limited options.
Yet, there were moments where I took great pleasure in the cascading metaphors and similes that were given birth in such an unwelcoming environment as the projects. Although, there were moments where I kept thinking that it would be so unsafe to hold on to that type of thinking in such a volatile and punishing space.
I leave the book with truly mixed feelings. Do I celebrate the beauty of the language or feel cheated by it? I am not quite sure how to reconcile these feelings. Regardless, it is a worthwhile read.
August 28, 2011
Manny Hernandez walks among everyone’s shadow. His father is a gambling alcoholic who has trouble holding down a job and relies on his children to make ends meet. Manny’s mother works vigorously to keep the house clean and the family together. His older brother, Nardo, is lazy and selfish. His older sister, Magda, is vain and selfish and almost ends up like her mother, a pregnant teenager forced to marry the father of the baby with no other options. His little sis, Pedi, is a brat and the favorite of the family. Among the shadows, Manuel witnesses his fathers attempt to kill his mother (“I don’t care about trouble… It’s that bruja, that witch, I’ve had it up to here with p.57.”). He also witnesses his sister’s miscarriage and his mom’s attempt to keep it from his father (“She forced her voice through gritted teeth and warned me not to tell him p. 143”). In addition to being neglected by his family, Manny also under goes severe emotional and physical punishment that he does not deserve (except for the time he almost shot Pedi).
Manuel Hernandez decides that he is tired of trying to please everyone and puts all his attention on females and wanting his first kiss. He thought he had a chance with his Boss’s, Mr. Giddens daughter Dorothy, until he found out she had a boyfriend. It wasn’t until his friend, Frankie, told him he knew a girl he could kiss. “I wanted to join the gang because Frankie promised I could kiss and make out with one of the girls when I passed the initiation (p.186).” Just, when Manny thinks he is out of the shadows he is put in another predicament that almost sends him to juvenile detention. Thanks to a stranger, Manny finally discovers who he truly is and leaves his gang life behind for home.
Victor Martinez is a National Book Award Winner for Parrot in the Oven Mi Vida. Martinez does a wonderful job, in describing what many Mexican American families goes through when a father turns to alcohol to self medicate. You can’t help feel sorry for Manuel Hernandez as he is constantly being challenged by the one’s who are suppose to love him the most. Manny’s character, is strong, supportive, and understanding. He is also the one who holds the Hernandez family together. Martinez also shows a glimpse into the gang life, and how easily one is tempted to find a family that will accept them for who they are.
Manuel Hernandez decides that he is tired of trying to please everyone and puts all his attention on females and wanting his first kiss. He thought he had a chance with his Boss’s, Mr. Giddens daughter Dorothy, until he found out she had a boyfriend. It wasn’t until his friend, Frankie, told him he knew a girl he could kiss. “I wanted to join the gang because Frankie promised I could kiss and make out with one of the girls when I passed the initiation (p.186).” Just, when Manny thinks he is out of the shadows he is put in another predicament that almost sends him to juvenile detention. Thanks to a stranger, Manny finally discovers who he truly is and leaves his gang life behind for home.
Victor Martinez is a National Book Award Winner for Parrot in the Oven Mi Vida. Martinez does a wonderful job, in describing what many Mexican American families goes through when a father turns to alcohol to self medicate. You can’t help feel sorry for Manuel Hernandez as he is constantly being challenged by the one’s who are suppose to love him the most. Manny’s character, is strong, supportive, and understanding. He is also the one who holds the Hernandez family together. Martinez also shows a glimpse into the gang life, and how easily one is tempted to find a family that will accept them for who they are.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 9, 2012
"Parrot in the Oven" by Victor Martinez is an emotional story that sets out to portray life in the Barrio. In the story, fourteen-year-old Manny Hernandez is struggling in life to become someone. As hard as he tries it's hard for him because he has to live with an alcoholic father, worried mother, annoying sister and his older brother who can't seem to get a job. In Manny's neighborhood you can't be a good kid like Manny. You have to be in a gang to be known.
Manny has to experience many stressful events in his young life. He is beated up by kids at school, his sister is having problems with her pregnancy which no one even knows about. And his mother worries about his dad and the family all the time, and both his brother and father are out drinking day and night. As the novel progresses Manny tries to deal with his hardships in many different ways. He tries joining the boxing team, hanging out with older kids to try to make new friends, all of which never worked out for him. But when he decides to join a gang, things really take a turn for the worse.
The author uses excellent characterization by explaining the way the narrator and many other characters live their lives and their different personalities. Victor Martinez also makes the story clear and easy to understand for the reader, which makes the book more enjoyable. I would definitely teach this book in the classroom. Its a well told coming-of-age story that many young abults, especially those in high school, will relate to.
Manny has to experience many stressful events in his young life. He is beated up by kids at school, his sister is having problems with her pregnancy which no one even knows about. And his mother worries about his dad and the family all the time, and both his brother and father are out drinking day and night. As the novel progresses Manny tries to deal with his hardships in many different ways. He tries joining the boxing team, hanging out with older kids to try to make new friends, all of which never worked out for him. But when he decides to join a gang, things really take a turn for the worse.
The author uses excellent characterization by explaining the way the narrator and many other characters live their lives and their different personalities. Victor Martinez also makes the story clear and easy to understand for the reader, which makes the book more enjoyable. I would definitely teach this book in the classroom. Its a well told coming-of-age story that many young abults, especially those in high school, will relate to.
May 3, 2007
As posted in [http://www.amazon.com]:
I'm sorry but I really do not see what was special in Martinez' *Parrot in the Oven* that reaped him some awards. I did not see anything special about the story. However, I do agree that Martinez does have a way with words. They were eye-catching and made you wonder.
*Parrot in the Oven* is divided into chapters that each one focuses on one particular topic. While there is a subtle storyline throughout, the overall picture is blurred. There's that "missing link" that prevents you from knowing each characters in the book. Simply, there's no depth other than with Manny.
The book is told from Manny's perspectives. His dad has lost his job. He simply goes to the local pool hall and spends whatever money he can find and gets drunk. The mother is constantly cleaning the house. His older brother is never home and constantly has a new job. His older sister is secretive. His baby sister is simply a brat.
Manny tells his experiences with school, White people, boxing, and the gang. Most of all, he tells how these experiences impact his family and their world-view.
*Parrot in the Oven* is an alright book. It's nothing that you'd go around and recommend this book to friends. Just simply ok. The only best thing is Martinez' ways with words.
I'm sorry but I really do not see what was special in Martinez' *Parrot in the Oven* that reaped him some awards. I did not see anything special about the story. However, I do agree that Martinez does have a way with words. They were eye-catching and made you wonder.
*Parrot in the Oven* is divided into chapters that each one focuses on one particular topic. While there is a subtle storyline throughout, the overall picture is blurred. There's that "missing link" that prevents you from knowing each characters in the book. Simply, there's no depth other than with Manny.
The book is told from Manny's perspectives. His dad has lost his job. He simply goes to the local pool hall and spends whatever money he can find and gets drunk. The mother is constantly cleaning the house. His older brother is never home and constantly has a new job. His older sister is secretive. His baby sister is simply a brat.
Manny tells his experiences with school, White people, boxing, and the gang. Most of all, he tells how these experiences impact his family and their world-view.
*Parrot in the Oven* is an alright book. It's nothing that you'd go around and recommend this book to friends. Just simply ok. The only best thing is Martinez' ways with words.
May 6, 2013
To be honest, I didn't care for this book. I read it because the high school class I observed this semester was studying it, but I struggled to enjoy it at all.
Parrot in the Oven covers about a year in the lift of Manny, a member of an immigrant family who lives in the projects. The story is told in a series of vignettes, like a bad version of House on Mango Street. Manny is not a particularly interesting character, and he lacks originality or a will to do anything. Usually, the story seems to happen to him.
The ending of the book is fairly interesting, with Manny joining a gang, but that does not make up for the rest of the book. The title is based off of a folk tale, where a parrot would fly into the oven and the heat would turn up, and basically the bird willingly goes to its death. I see that Martinez used this as a metaphor for Manny's journey in the book (his "death" being when he joins the gang?), but I think it also works for a metaphor for the quality of the book. Martinez started writing, and the writing kept cooking, then it was overcooked, then it burnt. There are remnants of a good story, but overall, a very forgettable read. Take it or leave it, but mostly leave it.
Parrot in the Oven covers about a year in the lift of Manny, a member of an immigrant family who lives in the projects. The story is told in a series of vignettes, like a bad version of House on Mango Street. Manny is not a particularly interesting character, and he lacks originality or a will to do anything. Usually, the story seems to happen to him.
The ending of the book is fairly interesting, with Manny joining a gang, but that does not make up for the rest of the book. The title is based off of a folk tale, where a parrot would fly into the oven and the heat would turn up, and basically the bird willingly goes to its death. I see that Martinez used this as a metaphor for Manny's journey in the book (his "death" being when he joins the gang?), but I think it also works for a metaphor for the quality of the book. Martinez started writing, and the writing kept cooking, then it was overcooked, then it burnt. There are remnants of a good story, but overall, a very forgettable read. Take it or leave it, but mostly leave it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 2, 2016
Where do I start off about this book. It impacted me so much after reading it because of the message it gives at the end of the story. Throughout the story, it is the explaining the life of Manny and his connection with his family. The Hernandez family is the perfect description of a really messed up family. His dad is a drunk, his mom won't ever stop listening to him, his big sister has already been pregnant and she lost the baby, his big brother can't find a job, and they finally have a little baby girl. To top this all off, nobody in the family has a full time job that keeps a steady income. It seems like nothing could go right for this family has nothing right going of them. Manny throughout the book loses faith in his family and tries to find love somewhere else in the outside world but who would want to date someone with such a messed up life. In response to this he decides to join a gang because you are guaranteed to make out with a girl.
Overall, this books ending was amazing which gave it its rating of a 4. The only reason why it wasn't a 5 was because it was not interesting in the beginning which lost my interest.
Overall, this books ending was amazing which gave it its rating of a 4. The only reason why it wasn't a 5 was because it was not interesting in the beginning which lost my interest.
October 14, 2009
One of my graduate school professors thought that my students would really like this story, and that they would be able to connect to it as a result of the Latino main character. The teenage male protagonist is engaging, and this novel depicts his "coming of age" struggles (to which many of my students could connect).
Some of my Latino students did not like Parrot in the Oven, however, because they felt that it only told the "typical South of the Border story" in which immigrants cross the Mexican border into Southern California and work as agricultural laborers. I found this comment heartfelt and incisive. Most of my Latino/Latina students were born in El Salvador, and their families did not cross the Mexican border nor did they work as agricultural laborers. While this novel tells an important story of some Latinos' lives, it is equally important to remember that this is not the story of all Latinos in America.
Some of my Latino students did not like Parrot in the Oven, however, because they felt that it only told the "typical South of the Border story" in which immigrants cross the Mexican border into Southern California and work as agricultural laborers. I found this comment heartfelt and incisive. Most of my Latino/Latina students were born in El Salvador, and their families did not cross the Mexican border nor did they work as agricultural laborers. While this novel tells an important story of some Latinos' lives, it is equally important to remember that this is not the story of all Latinos in America.
December 15, 2017
Parrot in the Oven by Victor Martinez is a harshly realistic book about the struggles of growing up in poverty in California. It follows the life of a fourteen year old Mexican boy, Manny, who lives in a housing project with his alcoholic dad, his mom, his teenage brother and sister and little sister. He does well in school, but faces many obstacles. His dad is unemployed and his mom works hard to even put food on the table. His brother gets into some trouble and his sister has a miscarriage after becoming pregnant. Manny becomes a helper on the school boxing team and enjoys it, but he believes joining his friend's local gang, the Vato Firme, will get him girls and respect. After a close call with the police, he realizes being a gang member is not the way he wants go. This book focuses on the challenges of growing up in poverty and learning what is really important in life. This is an interesting and captivating book that discusses important issues and I definitely recommend it.
February 10, 2015
This book is a great book. It about the this boy who wants to be more then his father and brothers. His father is a drunk and gambles all there money away his brother can't keep a job. His mom is the strongest person in this book she keeps the family together and keep the house clean. The part I hated the most about this book was when he watch his father try to kill his mother. I strongly recommend this book to any one that like book about a kid and his dreams.
April 17, 2017
I had to read this for school, and I absolutely despise this book. It was a plotless mess that I don't quite understand why this book won an award. It doesn't have that quality that wowed me or made me think. It was quite cheesy and bland. The characters didn't have many layers, and the similes and writing were extremely juvenile and messy. Definitely wouldn't recommend this one, which is a shame. I am very sad that the highest I can this book is one star, and that's for it being diverse.
October 22, 2008
This book was kind of intersting.It as abaut Manny's (the main character) life. He wanted to be someone in life. His dad always told him that he was worth a penny. He wanted to prove his dad wrong. His dad had lost his job and he drank alot. Manny was from a mexican family and I am too.This book had things that I did not expected.The reading wasn't so hard you shoul check it out.
December 3, 2010
I liked this book because it was interesting. I like it because it talks about a boy who has choices to make in his life by being a follower in which is by getting jumped in, in a gang or by not being a follower just him.
August 14, 2015
I'd rather get hit by a car than read this book
The experience was painful and nothing really happened
The experience was painful and nothing really happened
January 2, 2018
I think that people who like to read about people with Hispanic heritage and like reading about people going through tough times.
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