THESE STORIES TAKE the reader to meet mochos; cholos; Mr. and Mrs. Special; Manny with his mysterious phone calls; Melly, who dreams of being the f...
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reviews
Jul 18, 2011
Terry
rated it: 
As the collection picks up steam, there are some well written stories, but overall too few for me to recommend this book. While I liked the mix of Spanish and English (without the awkward translation--figure it out reader!); the strong narrative voice throughout; and the move towards more introspective, open-ended stories ("Manny Calls" and "The Dive" are the best), overall the collection strained credulity, while also curiously falling flat.
The biggest problem is n More...
The biggest problem is n More...
Jan 22, 2011
Ron
rated it: 
Finding Our Way by René Salandra Jr. was not entertaining, nor did I learn anything of value. I was never on the edge of my seat at any point. This book is a collection of short stories. I believed there is around 8 short stories.
There are different characters in each story, and they all have different conflicts to overcome. Even though the characters were all very different, I could not relate to any of them or their situations.
For example, one is about a girl who wants to jump o More...
There are different characters in each story, and they all have different conflicts to overcome. Even though the characters were all very different, I could not relate to any of them or their situations.
For example, one is about a girl who wants to jump o More...
May 29, 2010
kyliemm
rated it: 
This book was a collection of short stories about high school students, mostly Mexican-American or Mexican high school students living in America. My favorite story was probably the first one, "The Good Samaritan," about a boy whose neighbor is always trying to get the neighborhood boys to help him around the house by promising them different things, like that he'll let them use his new tv or swim in his new pool, but never ends up letting the boys do anything of the sort. I also lik
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Dec 09, 2009
Kristen
rated it:
Genre/Category: Multicultural/ Bildungsroman
A collection of short stories about Hispanic adolescents, Saldana’s Finding Our Way is an eye-opening reading experience that will leave you heartbroken, smiling, or wondering with each story. Although there is no logical sequence in the stories, nor any apparent connection between any of them, all of the stories center on themes of friendship, coming of age, and life as experienced by Hispanic Americans. It is a quick, entertaining read, More...
A collection of short stories about Hispanic adolescents, Saldana’s Finding Our Way is an eye-opening reading experience that will leave you heartbroken, smiling, or wondering with each story. Although there is no logical sequence in the stories, nor any apparent connection between any of them, all of the stories center on themes of friendship, coming of age, and life as experienced by Hispanic Americans. It is a quick, entertaining read, More...
Oct 03, 2011
Ashleync
rated it:
I enjoyed this book. I loved the thrown in tidbits Spanish, it made the story more real if that makes sense. Real in the essence that these stories were being told by los pueblos de América. The stories were interesting as well. They highlighted people who were trying to decide who they are and not in a existentialist way. They were in situations where they could make a a wrong choice, a good choice or a better choice. I think it takes a special talent to write good short stories, fitting in eno
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Aug 10, 2009
Bella
rated it: 
This is a pretty good book of short stories: the characters are relatable, and the stories are interesting.
I just wish that they were a little longer, so it didn't feel like they just ended. Also, I wish there was higher writing. It's a really easy book to read with a big font and not a lot of pages.
7/30
Although the book is short, and the font is big, it's not exactly an easy read. Like... the content is probably at a 8th grade level, and the word choice is pr More...
I just wish that they were a little longer, so it didn't feel like they just ended. Also, I wish there was higher writing. It's a really easy book to read with a big font and not a lot of pages.
7/30
Although the book is short, and the font is big, it's not exactly an easy read. Like... the content is probably at a 8th grade level, and the word choice is pr More...
Nov 23, 2009
Lila
rated it:
Genre: YA, Short Stories, Bilingual
This is a wonderful collection of short stories that deal with growing up and dealing with life. They contain stories from a wide variety of perspectives, from a girl seeking counsel from her grandmother over coffee, to a kid writing a paper in a juvenile detention center, these stories felt real to me and offered me a window into another life as well as seeing some elements of my own. Many of the stories deal with immigrants from Central or South America More...
This is a wonderful collection of short stories that deal with growing up and dealing with life. They contain stories from a wide variety of perspectives, from a girl seeking counsel from her grandmother over coffee, to a kid writing a paper in a juvenile detention center, these stories felt real to me and offered me a window into another life as well as seeing some elements of my own. Many of the stories deal with immigrants from Central or South America More...
Dec 09, 2009
Lauren
rated it:
Finding our Way is a collection of short stories written by Rene Saldana, Jr. The stories are each from different perspectives and they each present different problems. In the end I didn't feel like a saw a huge connection in the stories, but I did feel like they connected in a way. Saldana's writing is fluid and easy to read. The book is short and can read in a quick sitting. Finding Our Way is an excellent example of both a novel compiled of short stories as well as the writing of ethnic autho
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Oct 18, 2011
Holly
rated it:
Finding Our Way was not very good. It could have something to do with the fact that I don't really love short stories, but I don't think so. I can appreciate a good short story when I come across it.
Some of the stories were ok, but I didn't really enjoy any of them. I can't say that I learned much about the Latino experience or that any of them were beautifully written. Some of them you're not even sure what happened. You finish and you're like, what? If it ended and I was haunted or shoc More...
Some of the stories were ok, but I didn't really enjoy any of them. I can't say that I learned much about the Latino experience or that any of them were beautifully written. Some of them you're not even sure what happened. You finish and you're like, what? If it ended and I was haunted or shoc More...
Jun 03, 2011
Allison
rated it:
Genre/Category: Rene Saldana Jr./Short stories
This book is a collection of short stories dealing with every-day teens issues. None of the stories connect, but I was surprised by the similar theme of forgiveness and hope found in a lot of the stories. Saldana brings up issues of betrayal, trust, finding one's voice, and many more pertinent teen issues. Each story is written from the eyes of a teenage boy with Spanish influences and culture. I think this collection of short stories More...
This book is a collection of short stories dealing with every-day teens issues. None of the stories connect, but I was surprised by the similar theme of forgiveness and hope found in a lot of the stories. Saldana brings up issues of betrayal, trust, finding one's voice, and many more pertinent teen issues. Each story is written from the eyes of a teenage boy with Spanish influences and culture. I think this collection of short stories More...
Feb 08, 2010
Guillermo
rated it: 
I just put down the book for the second time in my life and I'm happy to say that my thoughts on it have changed for the better. Being YA lit, something I hardly touch, this book shows that there are two versions of the Valley: The one in which we live in and the one we remember living in. René Saldaña, Jr. ventures into both. Leaving us nostalgic for our lost innocence, but appreciating the course of events that brought us here.
It's a joy to read for both adults and teens alike. Eac More...
It's a joy to read for both adults and teens alike. Eac More...
Jun 03, 2011
Carol
rated it:
Author Rene Saldana, Jr. weaves together common stories of the teenage experience that are part of any race or culture: struggling to mature and gain understanding of the world and learn who you really are. The author explores issues such as confronting prejudice, getting along with siblings, family solidarity, struggling in school, facing the consequences of your behavior. Overarching all his seemingly unconnected stories is the need for family. Saldana's stark style is evokes emotion.
Jun 03, 2011
Karana
rated it:
Category: Saldana, Minorities, immigration, drama, **
This book is a collection of short stories about Hispanics living in America. Some of the stories were interesting, but a lot of them seemed quite generic and plot-less. Most of the stories did not catch me emotionally and they didn't seem unique to Hispanics. The book was so so and not really very intriguing. I'm sure this book would appeal to Hispanic teens, because they are stories they may identify with.
This book is a collection of short stories about Hispanics living in America. Some of the stories were interesting, but a lot of them seemed quite generic and plot-less. Most of the stories did not catch me emotionally and they didn't seem unique to Hispanics. The book was so so and not really very intriguing. I'm sure this book would appeal to Hispanic teens, because they are stories they may identify with.
Feb 06, 2008
Sharon
rated it:
These short, bittersweet stories pack a punch. They are glimpses into the lives of poor Hispanic students, and most of them refuse to end happily. Instead, they demonstrate the various choices that can be made in desperate situations, and the results of those choices. Several of the characters feel remorse and desperation, and those emotions transfer seamlessly and powerfully from the page.
Jun 03, 2011
Anna
rated it:
A combination of short stories, Saldana writes an interesting book of what it means to be an Hispanic young adult, growing up in America. They were applicable to all kids of all nationalities. I didn't like a lot of them and his writing style was bland. However I do feel that he did an excellent job of getting the point across.
Jan 07, 2011
Joceline
rated it:
this book started good and now it is just boring, so i just abandoned it. I will tell the readers to not read it.
Apr 11, 2011
3du4rd0
rated it:
this book started being good but then then it was boring...i'm still reading it but i think i'm going to abandon it..this are the kinds of books i like but this one is a little boring..so i don't think i want to recommend it to somebody.
May 08, 2010
Carly
rated it:
This is my second Saldana book. I think that I prefer this MUCH more to The Jumping Tree...but I think that Saldana is best in isolation: I only want to read one story...then stop. I don't really like reading a whole book of his.
May 08, 2010
Dusty
rated it:
A short but surprisingly solid anthology of Valley-related short stories. I may work a few of these into the 9th grade lit class I'll be teaching in the fall.
Jun 03, 2011
Cameron
rated it:
I should read this book again. I was young when I first read it. Maybe then I'll develop a different viewpoint since I'm older now..
Feb 02, 2012
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