Gary Soto
The author is the central character, protagonist, and narrator of the essays making up this autobiographical collection. Soto is a multiple award-winning author of poetry and YA books. He is also one of the leading iconic figures representing Mexican-American literature and it is that aspect of his career which serves as the focus of this book. The essays reveal the making of a Mexican-American writer through detailed descriptions of growing up Chicano in Fresno in the early years of the second half of the 20th century.
The Grandfather
Soto introduces the reader to his grandfather in the second essay of this collection with the very appropriately titled “The Grandfather.” The introduction commences with the comic observation of the older man’s defining characteristic: keeping his money free from the banks by hiding it all around his home.
Uncle Shorty
The setting of these family stories is affirmatively established in the opening line of “The Shirt” with the information that Uncle Shorty has just returned from serving his time in the military helping to save democracy from the North Koreans. But the focus of the essays is on Shorty’s shirt. This also helps to situate the setting: little Gary is obsessed with his uncle’s shirt because he has never worn a shirt which doesn’t require being buttoned up.
Cousin Isaac
Gary’s mom is excessively proud of her nephew, Isaac, who is the title character of “The Gymnast.” Or, at least, one of the title characters. It is both jealousy and envy that stimulates Gary to give himself a tentative try at becoming a gymnast, but the results are not nearly as impressive as that of his cousin.
The Stepfather
Barely two years following her husband’s death, Gary’s mother remarries. He is the kind of guy who usually fits a couple of hour between getting off work and getting back home because at least one bar is situated between. He also warns against listening the Beatles lest Gary “grows up queer.”
