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The Scoundrel and the Optimist
Fiction. Latino/Latina Studies. Nothing is easy when you are thirteen, and it's especially challenging when everyone thinks you're eight because you are tiny; your father is an abusive, tyrannical lout; your siblings are determined to strike out on their own to escape constant drunken rages; and your mother is deeply depressed. In THE SCOUNDREL AND THE OPTIMIST we meet Edmund, a hapless but irrepressible redheaded teen whose magnificent strength of spirit makes him a giant among men. Despite roadblocks and bad advice, Edmund is determined to win the heart of Ingrid Genera and to become a great guitar player. But his most notable accomplishment is teaching his father, Filastro, the value of integrity and optimism. After a prolonged episode of debauchery, Filastro discovers just how horrifying abuse is. Edmund nurses him back to health and in the process teaches him that love is mightier than fists and is worth great sacrifice. At once humorous and touching, THE SCOUNDREL AND THE OPTIMIST is a delightful read.
272 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
January 15, 2015
It started with the cover (art by the author) and the title both capturing my attention, then upon reading I couldn't put it down.
April 4, 2011
Started out great -- endearing, horrifying, comic, sweet, with great movement from chapter to chapter. Began to sag and felt rushed through many of the middle chapters. The end had a nice twist.
April 19, 2012
It is most definitely a book to read. From start to beginning i couldn't keep the book down. Strongly recommend this read.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews