The Color of My Paint

by Mario L. Vázquez

The Color of My Paint is a short story book based on the life lessons of a Latin American artist. The author shares his experiences in search of his artistic expression during his childhood upbringing.

160 pages, Paperback

First published October 7, 2008

Reviews

[Melinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading "The Color of My Paint" has been a special experience for me. It brings back so many memories of my own childhood, not only in Puerto Rico, but also here in the US. This memoir is humorous, full of curiousity and emotions, and very educational. Each story (chapter) has its learning lesson, from never giving up and pursuing your dreams to the importance of honesty and learning the value of a family and friends. This book has it all. My 9yr old stepson had a school assignment to write a book review to share with the class. I suggested he pick a story from this book. "The Creature Without a Tail" caught his attention as he went over the index. After finishing the story he wrote his review, which I will some day share with the author, Mario L. Vazquez. What impacted me the most was when he told me he learned a valuable lesson from the chapter. He remembered hurting innocent animals as he mentioned (or insects) such as butterflies, worms, and ants. He didn't realize they were an important part of nature. He said he would never harm any animal again, and told me he wanted to continue reading the other stories from this book. The author transported me into the story by describing specific sounds, emotions, colors, and scents...he brought his stories to life! This is a great read for children, but I would also recommend it to adults just as well as it is a great family book. Childhood years are extremely important in everyone's early growth development, and sometimes children feel misunderstood by parents. This book reminds me that I was once that child and will help me to treat my own child with love and patience throughout his lifelong learning journey...helping him explore the artistic and creative world as did the author of this wonderful memoir. I congratulate you Mario L. Vazquez, and thank you for such a great inspiring read.

[Cristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Personally, I found this book to be all too interesting. One of my favorite "hobbies," if you will, is listening to or reading about the past or childhood of someone I know, feeling like I've been there with them, and learning my lessons along with their "past self". Being 17 years old, I still have a pleantiful amount of life ahead of me and so much to learn. The Color of My Paint is not only interesting and captivating with the process of lessons learned as the author grows in the surroundings of Puerto Rico, but is also a great way to relate things you've gone through with the experiences in this book. I can personally relate to a lot of things in these stories, like; knowing what it's like to experience hurricanes and be without power and how the family grows much closer ( since there is nothing else to distract or entertain you besides eachother ); being spoiled by grandparents; feeling the need to never again be dishonest; learning to play for fun and for the experience, not just for the result of winning; etc. I found myself wanting there to be more chapters, but if it did, I may not have finished it due to my lack personal of time. xD It's short and simple yet great for everyone. It's very easy to read ( plus you can learn some spanish words )! There's absolutely no profanity of which I appreciate greatly in any book, and it has strong moral values for any and everyone to follow.

[Cheily · Rating 5 out of 5]

The color of my paint is a fascinating book! I started reading this book because my best friend recommended it to me. I had no idea what an amazing piece or work I had in my hands until I got home and opened to the first few pages. Since the writer of the book Mario VazqueZ is Hispanic, I can relate so much to my life and my family. This book has everything from lessons, love of animals and family. I laughed so much with the author's family. I love how his grandparents teach him lessons, and how he learns to love and care for animals.I can say what surprised me most is Sabado gigante is a pretty old show. That took me back to when I was 5 and relived those Saturday nights I spent with my grandparents watching that show in Univision. This book made me realize how important childhood and creativity is. I look and my younger brother now and understand why he's always building weird things instead of just playing with normal toys. The color of my paint is a book for everyone even if it was made for young adults. I believe it's a family book. I read one chapter to my 7 year old brother one night and to my surprise the next night he asked if I can read the next chapter out loud to him. I enjoyed reading the book and observing the illustrations which the author Also drew, That's talent. I congratulate my teacher Mr. Vazquez for writing such an amazing book.

[Amanda Estevez · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Color of My Paint” is an amazing, short story book of the memoirs of a young Puerto Rican boy and the lessons he learned from certain childhood and adolescent experiences. While entertaining his readers with stories that will captivate your attention and inspire a need to revisit precious childhood memories, Vazquez manages to instill in his reader’s timeless and valuable life lessons that should never be forgotten.
The book is a fantastic read that emphasizes important morals without the over-elaboration of its topics, allowing for an age range of readers ranging from middle school to high school and beyond. Vazquez’s use of diction creates vivid pictures in the minds of his readers as they explore the world of his childhood experiences. As he revisits the times when he would play in his aunt’s backyard, to the times when he would create works of art that ignited his passion for it, to the difficult time of deciding on what to do with his life after high school. You find yourself trapped in his world, feeling the island breezes as he plays, mesmerized by the stroke of his brush as he paints, and amazed at his maturity as he continues to build upon the structure that shaped his life. I enjoyed it very much and would highly recommend it to other readers. I cannot wait for his second book.

[Nicole]

Even though this book was meant for a younger audience, it touches the heart of even the older crowd reliving their own past memories and where they are today. This book really shows the reader how even the tinniest memories can mold and affect a child in ways we never realized. Every experience and memory that stays with us is a life lesson we later interpret as a page in our own book. Another factor that drew me towards this book are the pieces of culture and tradition this author brings into the book. The reader can actually feel like they are living in Cidra, Puerto Rico right along with the author. This shows how the place you are raised in and the influences you are surrounded by may lead you into the direction of your own dreams and goals. The main character of the book reminds us of our own tragedies like when he first kills the iguana, doesn't win his first contest for the game show called "A Toda Maquina" but gives us the light of success when we see him grow into his passion for art, winning third place and then the opening of his life as an adult when he joins the national guard, becomes a mailman and art teacher despite his injury. This author has my respect and i look forward to his future novels to come, for this one is a treasure ill be sure not to forget.

[Meleny Rivera · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book The Color of My Paint by Mario L. Vazquez is a very good book. It was interesting and brought back a lot of memories from when I was little and memories from last summer when I visited Puerto Rico. To tell you the truth I still do the same exact thing he did when he was little. I would go to my grandma’s back yard and search for everything and anything. I remember when I learned a couple of lessons when I was a kid; responsibility and honesty were two of the main ones. I had to learn to be responsible when I asked for a pet and got a puppy. I had to learn to be honest when I lied to my mom and had to pay for the consequences for my action. I love the fact how he describes San Juan, because I could see the images in my head with my family and I walking and having fun like we did this past summer. Also when he told us about his family tradition it got me thinking about my family tradition, which is also on Sundays in front of the TV but we rent movies and buy pop corn and candy and spend the night together. This book definitely brought back wonderful memories of mine and all my mistakes and how I got something out of them. I would recommend this book to my friends and have them look back into there memories because it’s a wonderful experience to do so.

[Deborah Milagros · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Color of my Paint is a collection of short stories that are easy to read and written in a familiar tone. It feels more like conversations between friends than a non-fiction book. The author talks about some of his life experiences, friends, teachers and family.

There are a total of ten stories and he summaries his learning experiences as: (1) Learning from your mistakes; (2) Discovering the artist within; (3) Persistence and responsibility; (4) The value of family; (5) Honesty; (6) Family rituals; (7) Friendships; (8) Never give up; (9) The true meaning of competition; and, (10) The pursuit of my dreams.

If you want to learn more about growing up in Puerto Rico during the eighties, this is a must read. Vázquez experiences are and the descriptions bring you back in time. Since I am from the same generation as the author (a little younger…lol) I enjoyed the trip back into memory lane.

The majority of the stories are from his time in school and the influences in his life. Only the last story shows how his decisions during his senior year shaped his future. At the same time, that could be the story of any adolescent trying to figure out what to do after graduation and how to reach his or her dreams.

[Holly Frabizio · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Color of My Paint, By Mario L. Vazquez, is a collection of autobiographical essays about the author's journey through adolescence into adulthood as he pursues a career as a fine artist. The stories are told in a very descriptive almost conversational way. Vazquez shared his thoughts and feelings about his family, his first crush, his terrifying educational experience and some of the mistakes that he makes along the way. One of my favorite stories is about a backyard sword fight that he has with an Iguana when he was just a young boy living in Puerto Rico. What impressed me most about this book was Vazquez's ability to share the truth about his feelings and his dreams. He tells some very intimate details about his family and friends and the close bond that he has with them. He also is very honest about his early fears and lack of confidence when it came to his artwork.
The book was effortless to read and the language is simple but descriptive. I would recommend this book for anyone 12-16. It is a good introduction to non-fiction or the autobiographical genre for younger YA readers.

[Ninoska Masis · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Color of my paint is an extra ordinary and authentic book to read. It would take you back to your childhood memories. I really liked this book because it reminded me of so many young memories as a kid and even now. For example I remember building a kite in my Kinder-garden class. I also remember when I went to Nicaragua to enjoy our town festivities and carnivals, better known as our “Las Fiestas Patronales.” That was a really fun time of the year; celebrating the patron saint of the town. Perhaps I also remember my cousins making bird houses and putting food in it so that they can catch the birds. You can tell that Mario Vazquez was born an artist, he didn’t just develop this skills, he was born with them. He was unique in a way, like painting shells and selling them. I can relate to him in many ways like the fact that I use to make bracelets and sell them in school. I honestly recommend you to read this book if you get a chance because I’m pretty sure you’re going to like it.

[Diana Compres · Rating 5 out of 5]

The color of my paint is a book that the young society can relate to. It contains life-long lessons that are sometimes hard to figure out and this book just lays it out in front of you. For example, it stresses the importance of being honest, never giving up, and working hard for something you really want. Furthermore, it painted the picture of a young boy turning into a man. One saw the development of the character throughout the story, one saw him slowly mature. Along with being a book with morals, it has a humorous side. The process the character had to go through to learn the life lessons were laughable. It reminds one of our childhood and all the troubles we had to experience to get to where we are now. In addition to being humorous, it has cultural reference. The character grew up in Puerto Rico, hence, that culture is displayed in the book but in an unbiased manner. The book is versatile and relevant to many young adults.

[Josue Pantaleon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book can wake a person up and make them realize what life is about. In this book by Mario Vazquez, he tells many stories that many people can probably relate to. The Color of My Paint is inspirational, it can teach many young adults valuable lessons, and I recommend this book for students in middle school and high school. This story is about a young Puerto Rican boy who goes through many life altering events that made him who he is now. I can personally say that I have never imagined my teacher as a person who has gone through this, from his early years living with his grandma and chopping iguana’s tales of, to joining the military so he can become independent and pay for college himself. This book varies in short stories such as, discovering a first love, going through a natural disaster, and forming a friendly gang. This book is a must read for anybody that enjoys reading about memorable stories and heart filling events.

[Daisy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awakened memories
The book “The Color of My Paint” by Mario L. Vazquez is a wonderful short story book. I LOVE IT!!!
I recommend this book to everyone because it is very interesting since each chapter leaves a lesson from your mistakes, such as, the value of family, honesty, etc. It makes you remember those experiences that you lived during your childhood that in some way influenced your life.
In my opinion this book reminded me of my childhood and I identify myself a lot with the author because my relationship with my grandmother was about the same. In addition, my Latin heritage and culture has many similarities or those of Puerto Rico compared with Colombia.
What I liked was that this book awakened much of my interest to go visit Puerto Rico because I have always wanted experience and learn even more about their amazing culture and traditions.

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Color of my Paint is a very entertaining series of short stories that is about the life of a young Puerto Rican boy, who through out his life had a very creative mind and would find things around his backyard and house. He would start making different sorts of things out of sticks and shells. This young boy is also the author of the book. I totally recommend this book for everyone because it doesn’t get you bored and is very fascinating. I usually don’t like to read and don’t read anything at all, but one of my friends had borrowed the book and it caught my eye and seemed interesting to me so I started reading it and I was right it was very amusing. I loved how I could picture everything that was happening in the story in my mind. I recommend it for middle school ages and above. I hope you enjoy this book like I did.

[Liander · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I began reading the book, The Color of My Paint I got interested in reading more for many reasons. One of them and the most important is that it doesn't matter where you live; you are always going to learn something good from yourself and your mistakes. This book brought me back in time when I was a young boy; because of the way that the author tells the stories of his childhood. I used to live in Cuba when I was a little kid so everything in the book reminded me the way I used to live. I believe this book could help many children to stay safe; it could help their parents to have a better connection with their son or daughter. Every chapter in this book is a learning experience and the reader will learn something new in many ways. I can't wait until the author of this book writes another one.

[Ernesto · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like some experiences of this book, also I didn`t like some decisions that he made. Why I like it? I like it because when he was a young man he had talent. According with the book he was successful when he was lettle and also when he was in High School. He did great paintings and also he almost won a competition. Maybe if he continues in that carrear he maybe would be now a great painter.
The thing that I didnt like of this book is that he wanted to be a piloy but he didnt because his family.His family didnt want him to be a pilot, thats why he decided to make happy his family. It was also sad when in the army he had an accident. He he said thta sometimes he felt like his lengs could n0t support hi uper body.
I think that in life we always have to follow our dreams or have a carrear that we like because in the future we regret the bad decision that we take.

[Eadivehawad · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading “The Color of My Paint”, it was a wonderful book to read. It showed me a different side of my teacher. I recommend this book for high school students, preferably juniors, and seniors because you have to take the book seriously to actually take the time to read about a special person’s life, who went through many achievements in life. It inspired me to never deter away from my dreams, and I'm sure it will do the same to you. Personally, I loved the book and I have no criticism what so ever against “The Color of My Paint”. I liked the book because it reminded me of my own childhood, and how to never give up. It brought back many memories that connected me with the book, and that’s why I recommend it for all to read it. The book will keep you smiling, and giggling. For that I am proud to call Mr. Vazquez my Art teacher.

[Krystal Rojas · Rating 5 out of 5]

The “Color Of My Paint” was an inspiring book. I would recommend this book for any student but primarily high school students. This book can pertain to students who believe in their goals and in achieving them. I enjoyed reading this book because I felt I got a better understanding of obstacles that one goes through to become successful in what they love to do. I read “Color of My Paint” in a short matter of time, I don’t read much but this book was very interesting and motivating because of the authors experiences and difficult decisions that had to be made when it came to choosing a career. When reading, you look back into your own childhood memories, so it is a book you can relate to. Overall, I recommend this book because it’s a book that has meaning and tells a story about a child growing up and making life changing decisions.

[Leandro · Rating 5 out of 5]

The color of my Paint is a beautiful book. At the end, the book shows us that with persistence dreams can come true. I recommend this book to all the people who don’t pass much time with their family. I wasn’t a person that really liked to stay with my family, but after reading this book, it inspired me to be with them. I really enjoyed the chapter that is dedicated to the union between families. In this book it shows how staying with your family is so beautiful. Like him I like to have dreams and see them fulfilled. Everyone needs to have dreams to live a good life. After reading this book, I hold my dreams as a treasure, because now I learned how beautiful it can be, having dreams, passing time with your family, and do what your heart tells you to do. I recommend this book for middle, high school and up.

[Yurima Lara · Rating 4 out of 5]

The books cover is very eye grasping. The title and the cover picture are both very interesting. “The Color of My Paint” teaches life lessons that we learn throughout life, some during childhood and others during our adolescence. The beautiful words the author expresses in this book helped me reminisce my childhood, although I’m only seventeen I went a little back in time when reading about co-existing with animals. Very beautifully written, I recommend it for the middle school age group and those who like reading about life lessons or simply want to remember what it was like being a kid again. “The Colors of My Paint” is basically a recap of Mr. Vazquez’s (the author) childhood from elementary all the way to high school. It’s a great book and easily read but very entertaining.

[Graciela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, well to begin with I really want thank my teacher for introducing me to this amazing book. “The Color of My Paint” in my point of view is a really enjoyable book to read. I can relate to the author and his childhood. While I was reading the stories I went threw many flashbacks from my own childhood and all the times I spent with my family and friends in my native country Honduras. This book really put a smile and laughter on my face; it has been the first book that I have enjoyed reading in a long time. I learned a lot of things about his culture. The one thing that captured my attention and to keep in mind was that it reminded me the importance of the pursuit of my dreams, even though there are going to be obstacles along the way and to never give up. 

[Amaireny]

Me gusto su libro, estaba muy interesante . Tambien me gusto porque me dice , que nunca debemos de darnos por vencidos, todo en este mundo es posible. Hice muchas connexiones cuando yo estaba en mi pais, Republica Dominicana.Me gustaron todos los capitulos porque cada uno me da lecciones de la verdadera vida.Hice connexiones cuando estaba hablando de que eras un buen estudiante, tranquilo, dedicado a sus propositos, ser creativo y lograr lo que uno se propone, igual que usted. Yo estoy de acuerdo cuando usted dijo que la calle no es un buen lugar productivo igual que la escuela.Me acorde cuando me daban honores por lo que yo hago y lo que soy. Yo visualize todos los capitulos.Espero que siga escribiendo muchos libros mas .Se lo recomiendo a todo el mundo.

[Enismary · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I saw the book the first thing that caught my eye was the title. What did it mean? I asked myself. Of course, once I read it I would find out. When I read the first page it caught my interest; obviously I liked it already. The book teaches you how every mistake comes with a lesson. It relates to real life and how in time you begin to grasp that these mistakes remind you to be more aware of the next step you take, to make the right choice; you know," think twice before you do it". Furthermore, I would recommend this book to anyone out there who likes to read about life lessons. All in all, this book would be a great book to read for middle school grades and up.

[Britney · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was very descriptive; it also was humorous and clearly vivid. I like how the author explained his childhood and how to live and learn from our previous mistakes. I love the way he put the glossary in the back of the book and made it easier to understand. I really can relate to his childhood stories because I use to be shy too! It reminded me of when I waited for my mom at times when she would work at nights on late night shifts. I appreciated whenever I would find her home. This is a good book because I visualized everything as I read it. The book inspired me to keep trying my best to do better in life and be creative in developing my own artistic skills.

[Jeisson Hernandez · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very good book for young adults because it teaches many values and it’s also a great read. Anyone will be able to relate to it. It bypasses any cultural division or barrier; it brings back memories from my childhood. It gives you a different perspective from a different time, and it shows how much we have in common even though it took place in another era. The real adventurous stories give an awesome account of time and what was done for fun not so long ago. Overall the book is great and it’s best for kids that are in middle school. I recommend this book because of the great amount of lessons it conveys.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very inspirational book. Reading Mr. Vazquez's experiences transported me to my childhood in Puerto Rico. Each chapter made me smile, and made me feel positive and proud of who I am. Sharing his stories with my students was fun and helped them see Puerto Rico from another perspective. They can now go to their parents and ask about how their lives were when they were children growing up in the beautiful island of Puerto Rico. This book also shows young people that everything is possible. Once you set a goal for yourself, if you work hard and never give up, good things really can happen. I loved It!!

[Yudeily · Rating 5 out of 5]

El libro me gusto bastante es muy bueno e interesante. No estuve desde el principio del libro, pero lo que logre captar fue algo muy interesante. Logre hacer conexion con el libro; las experiencias del autor son de la vida cotidiana, expresa sus sentimientos buenos o malos y eso me hace sentir como que si yo fuera la protagonista. Miss Martinez nol leyo una partre en la que habla de las fiestas patronales de Puerto Rico. No soy de Puerto Rico pero son muy parecidas a las de mi pais y he hecho conexion con el libro, Realmente lo recomiendo bastante y pienso que cualquier persona que lo lea puede conectarse con el y poner en practtica la positividad del autor.

[Abigail Contreras · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I began reading the stories in the book it was hard for me to put it down or stop reading. I would really recommend this book for students from grades 5-12. As a senior in high school I enjoyed it myself and even identified with one of the stories. It had to do with where I am now, because I know I will have to make the decision of where I want to go after high school. I can identify with the last chapter because it was about a life changing decision. My sister was even asking me questions about the book when I was reading it because she saw I was so interested. I encouraged her to read it as I do to many others.

[Alejandro · Rating 3 out of 5]

For all the colors of paint there are in the world, there are just as many literary styles. “The Color of My Paint” is written in a very, excuse the pun, colorful style which draws the stories of Mario Vazquez as clear as if it were being painted in front of your eyes. The book’s vocabulary isn’t very challenging or difficult to understand making it an easy read. Combined with its many life lessons and examples of hard decision making make this book an ideal read for those in middle school, perhaps making their worlds a little less grey. Overall “The Color of My Paint” is in no ways the next Shakespeare, but it will keep your attention from cover to cover.

[Maria Rojas · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Color of My Paint” is a wonderful read. The story follows a young boy and all the experiences he goes through in order to find ‘the color of his paint'. It reminds me of my family and our customs and also taught me that every experience, good or bad, comes with a lesson. The writing is very descriptive; many times I found myself in awe with just how clearly I was able to imagine the people and situations he would talk about. I not only recommend it for middle and high school students, but for parents as well.

[Taisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like this book a lot because he expresses himself. I made a lot of connections with this book and I remembered a lot of things from when I was little, When I use to live in Puerto Rico. It makes me feel good when someone talks good about Puerto Rico. I really don't like reading books but this one was really interesting that's why I was paying attention when the techer was reading. I will recommended this book because it's really inspiring,interesting and entertaining. You can learn things about Puerto rico that you don't know. I really love it a lot.