El Gringo

by Edmond Salus

Sonny Galas is an only child being raised by his mother-a widow---and the loving help of his grandfather, also widowed. Living in a Santa Monica apartment complex owned by 'Grandpa' all is well and average for this close-knit family until a certain French family come into the picture, in need of a place to rent. They soon show their colors in various ways, topping it off by slapping a suit on their patient, kind landlord. Sonny's family sees no better option than selling their only asset-the apartments-and getting far away from their Lawyer-packing tenants. Far, as in 'leaving the country', and this is where their true adventure begins. South of the border becomes their new home. From their journey through third-world narrow roads, small towns where no English is spoken, to long, hot unending desert roads and through humid coastal towns they continue toward their big city destination, Guadalajara, where their life begins and they encounter everything and everyone from kind helpers to con-artists and crazies and from strangers to good friends, both Mexican and American. From young boy to teenager, as the years pass, Sonny sees it all: his family's ups and downs, the country's ups and downs with its own political third-world corruption, and his own transformation from a simple boy in a new country to a growing youth, fully fluent in Spanish; a devilish yet fun-loving teenager now with roots firmly planted and sprouting happily in his new home, his new country. From the adventures and joys of boyhood with his friends and pals to the wild days through grade school, junior high and high school with the opportunities given him as a bi-lingual kid to living through the set-backs that could trouble any family-Mexican or American-even scare of the faint of heart, he takes it all in; after all, now he's Mexican. The fiestas, the friends, the awesome busy modern streets of Guadalajara in the early Seventies to the early Eighties, Guadalajara, the country's capital of Mariachis.

Genres: Fiction

158 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2018

Reviews

[Gina Stamper · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story that is real and enlightening while also being empowering. I loved the way it showed the ups and downs for the characters and how that is such a real thing for so many in the world today. I think the author does a great job of giving these characters compelling personalities and allowing the reader to forge a connection early on.
I liked the way the time was used in this story. We were taken through different times in the world as well as in Sonny’s life. The things he goes through and how the world changes and how he changes really correlate and its great to read about.
Wonderfully written!

[R.K. Emery · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think the synopsis really lets you know what you ware going to get with this story. The thing that really stood out to me was the fact that it is a very well written book. There are a lot of ups and downs for these characters and we really do get to go along with their journey. It's a story that spans a long period of time, a lifetime and there are elements from every time in Sonny's life. It's such a great depiction of those trying to better their lives in a different country.

[Samantha Turley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Edmond Salus for bringing us a lead character who was so wonderful to follow. From his younger years to his older ones. From his lowest lows to his highs. He was a great character to go on this journey with. I loved the way the book wasn’t predictable, it doesn’t shy away from real issues and really brings those to light. Ups and downs along the way, great writing and great imagery and emotion throughout. Edmond Salus has brought us a great book!

[C. Gonzales · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story that flowed and the characters brought to life by the way the author depicted them.
Sonny is such a great lead character to lead this story.
This was a good story well written and thoroughly enjoyable.
This is one of those bedtime books that keep you up late, thinking, ‘Just one more page . . .’

[Ever Leigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the characterization, to the drama, to the setting, I think that every moving part to this book really came together and made it unforgettable.

This is just an overall well balanced book. Sonny grew tremendously from start to end. The journey itself was at the forefront and that really came through.