Affinity for Trouble - A Puerto Rican Story
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by Hector Varela
Price: $19.99
Book Website: http://hectorvarela.com
336 Pages, Paperback, 5.5 x 8.5
ISBN-10: 0-9789538-0-0
ISBN-13: 978-0-9789538-0-5
An exciting romp through the poverty neighborhoods of Santurce, Puerto Rico.The precocious voice of a boy urchin introduces you to a spiritual struggle as he fends for survival. His complicated family includes the very best and worst characters imaginable. His violent and loving father, papi Guelo, ; his introverted egotistical mother, mami Letty; his macho amoral gang-chief uncle, Freddy; and his despot criolla grandmother, mami Provi. This story captures accurately the essence of an era through his eyes as he overcomes formidable odds in the 1940's and 1950's. From the ghetto to suburbia he resists all evil with the help of his magical dark and gifted step-sister, Paula, whose deep religious faith encompasses Christianity and the seven African Powers. Paula and Hector will keep you engrossed through culinary and musical descriptions and mesmerize you with their magical rituals, culture and beliefs.
About The Author
Hector Varela was born and raised in Puerto Rico. When he was eleven he moved with his family to Fort Bliss, Texas after his father's war tour in Korea, and became an Army brat. He served honorably in the US Navy for eight years. Hector returned to Puerto Rico and became Deputy Labor Relations director for Fluor/Daniel Caribbean during the industrial pharmaceutical boom of the 1970's. In 1980 he returned to the US. He served as a Miami-Dade police officer, an investigative agency manager and as an elected councilman in West Kendall. He lives with his wife Carmen in Miami, Florida.
Reviews
The reader will laugh and cry as Hector lays bare his soul. Affinity for Trouble is a poignant story told through the eyes of a struggling child trying to find his place in life. It is a book every resident of this melting pot called America should read." Dr. Patricia Wade, Associate Professor of Medicine, University of Miami School of Medicine, Editor, Redland Country News.
Customer Reviews
 | Jenny from Salem , OR | | | Dive into this book head first and let the rich culture of Puerto Rico surround you. Follow young Hector as he experiences growing pains alongside his beloved island. This book takes the reader through personal, political, and social changes of both a young adolescent and a politically torn island. Enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of P.R. as you take this journey with Hector. |
| michelle woolard from wilsonville , or | | | Hooray for Mr.Varela! It is wonderful to find an authentic story where the characters have Shakespearean qualities. As a student of ethnic literature I am sure this book will find its way into universities everywhere. A must read for all those that pursue intelligent stories. |
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