Review By Bob Davis
David Olivas’ “Chuca,” a new offering from Special Delivery Books, is not your typical coming of age story. On one hand, it’s the story of Chuca’s approach to manhood, but on the other it’s a study of the importance of family and love. Mainly, however, “Chuca” is a story of contrasts.
Take for example Jesus “Chuca” Garcia, the main character of the book. We initially see Chuca as a typical Hispanic teenager growing up in Ysleta , Texas , a part of El Paso . As he prepares for junior high, he enjoys hanging out with his friends, sports, cars and girls; although not necessarily always in that order of priority. Like many teenage boys, he struggles in school since his interest in academics centers on doing well enough to continue playing in sports; the academics themselves don’t really interest him. He has your typical first crush on a girl, later meets another as his first love, and constantly confronts the challenges of growing up.
But below the surface we see a very different young man. Here we find the middle child of a dysfunctioning family. Chuca lives in a world of conflicting dualities: Spanish vs English, Mexican vs American, childhood vs adulthood, and obedience vs rebellion. Most importantly, Chuca is a young boy torn with conflicted feelings towards his father, Pancho. Part of him wants to escape his demanding father; to go off and live with his uncle in California . But another part, the stronger of the two, wants very much to stay and find a way to gain his father’s love and respect. He loves his Mom, his brother and sister, but grows increasingly tired of being compared by his dad to his older brother, Nacho. He’s tired of his father’s favoritism toward the other children and his near constant criticism of Chuca. All of this serves to drive the young man to strive harder and go farther in his various endeavors than might otherwise have happened.
Pancho is also a study of contrasts. On one hand he’s a hard-working man wanting only to earn a good life for his family. To that end he opens his own auto repair shop, knowing full well the challenges he faces. Yet, on the other hand, Pancho loves going out drinking with his friends and boasting of his earlier exploits. When he’s been drinking, he comes across as abusive, particularly toward his wife and youngest son. Conversely, sober he seems to go out of his way to be loving and considerate of his oldest son and young daughter and more tolerant of his wife and Chuca.
The coming of age aspect of the book is as much about Pancho as it is about Chuca. We see both father and son learning to face the challenges of life head-on and seeking out one’s own strengths. Because of this dual nature, “Chuca” is not just for young teens, but the older adult as well. The youngsters get a wonderful story of facing the challenges of growing up and finding your own strengths while adults get a good view of the need to recognize the truly important thing in life; the love and respect of one’s family. “Chuca” is an interesting story told well.
What readers say about Chuca!
Chuca was used as the central focus for Ysleta I.S.D. summer camp where the district’s recent immigrant high school students learn the English language through the Fine Arts. The novel was also used to create a play which the students produced and acted out as one of the final products of the camp. I loved it. Chuca is a great book!
Ellen Pinto-Chavez,
Dual Language Coordinator,
Ysleta I. S.D.
***
I truly enjoyed this book and its ability to transport me to historic locations within Ysleta and central El Paso. Chuca’s personality successfully models the struggles, hopes, and achievements of many young people yesterday and today. The illustrations by Nacho Garcia, Jr. bring a reality to the figure of the young Chuca.
Sue Thompson,
Library Services Coordinator,
Socorro ISD
***
It’s great, and I wanted to congratulate you on an excellent, inspiring piece of work! I can see this book reaching out and being an inspiration for some of our struggling kids.
El Paso author,
Donna Munch
***
This book is very entertaining. I am a teacher and a boxing fan. Chuca is excellent reading that youngsters can relate to and learn from. I like the way David Olivas accurately describes the Hispanic culture. It brings back fond memories. There is good advice for both youth and adult in this story. His description of the main character finding his talent in the ring is first rate. I recommend this to anyone of any age who likes a good story. I hope to see more from this author.
Arturo De La Rosa,
6 th Grade Teacher
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