What a Barrio Life, Ese! Ay, Que Padre es la Vida! is the story of barrio life and culture. Felix’s father, Felix G. Figueroa, Sr., and his brother-in-law, Edward Garcia, shared many stories with him about their lives as young boys, which he details in his book. The stories are interwoven with real-life accounts, Mexican-American folklore, culture, and tradition; and lots of dichos. The book tells the story of one family, the Porfirio Parcelona family, comprised of a womanizing, beer drinking, and always-scheming father; an overbearing and extremely religious Catholic mother; a large number of brothers; and a hopelessly romantic older sister. On one occasion, the youngest child in the family, Panchito, is accidentally hurt by his overweight sister, causing the determined father to help his 20-year-old daughter find a boyfriend so she can fall in love, get married, and move out of their tiny and cramped two-bedroom cottage. The father goes to church to pray, but winds up getting thrown out by the stern priest because he is drunk when he attends mass and causes trouble with one of the parishioners. He goes to the bar but gets thrown out for offending the gringo bartender. On his way home, he walks through the town cemetery and falls into a recently dug grave where he falls asleep and dreams about an encounter with the devil.
About the Author: Felix R. Figueroa
Felix R. Figueroa graduated from Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas in 1978 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Spanish and Drama. He joined the U. S. Postal Service in 1980 and became a U. S. Postal Inspector in 1988. He was selected class speaker of his Inspection Service graduating class and within two years he earned a National Award for his Outstanding work on narcotic investigations in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas. He was later credited by the Chief Postal Inspector for playing an integral role in helping the agency create a highly effective drug interdiction program. Felix retired from the U. S. Postal Inspection Service in 2013 and worked diligently for the next two years to get his first book published. Today, Felix is in the process of getting a second manuscript published. His main goal, however, is to develop and implement programs at the high school and college level that will help motivate, inspire and aid students achieve their own dreams and attain success. He seeks to do readings of his books, make presentations on Creative Writing and the Mexican-American culture. He also plans to participate in conferences and seminars dealing with these subjects.
Reviews/Quotes
"This is an amazing book. Quick read that makes you laugh, think and remember. Highly recommend to those who grew up in a Latino home because it's a great way to re-live your own memories and those that aren't; you might just see that we are not all that different." "I just started reading your book and I can say it is a great one. Funny and interesting great job. I've been telling everyone about your book." "Your book is awesome!!! I really enjoyed it, it brought back so many memories, I laughed and I cried.... most of the characters I recognized even though the names are changed, story line is great and very interesting. My daughter is reading the book now. My husband and I will promote your book here in Taft. You know we truly believe in our culture, where our ancestors came from, we continue with the Ballet Folklorico that teaches stories and culture thru dance. I am so glad that you wrote this book cause you hit the nail right on the head about life here in this small town thru the years, and I can't wait till your next issue comes out. You should come to Taft or maybe Del Mar or Texas A&M Corpus Christi and do a book signing and promotion on your book.We have a lot of students from Taft attending these colleges. Congratulations and God bless." "Felix I'm on Chapter three - very interesting and very funny at the same time. My girlfriend is really enjoying it but I can't seem to figure out who the Parcelonas are (Porfirio) on Dolores Street. Can you help me out if possible? Thanks." "Ese carnal - te aventaste con el libro. Esta de aquella, ese! Your book brings back many memories of the 'barrios' in Corpus Christi when I was growing up. There are good and bad memories of those times but it was an experience where you mature, get to know right from wrong and gives you the opportunity to decide which way you want to go. I know I made the right choice and I met special people that includes you. Can't wait for your next book." I love this book. It brings back memories of my childhood. I can totally relate to everything the author describes. I recommend it to anyone who wants to learn more about the Mexican-American culture. The stories are funny and the characters are very true to life. || REVIEWS: "Félix Figueroa's book, What a Barrio Life, Ése! ¡Ay, Qué Padre es la Vida!, has brought back fond memories of the colorful neighborhood of La Hojalata, which was similar to many barrios in the Southwest, and its lively characters, like Porfirio and his buddies. The stories allow us to understand the rich Mexican-American culture of the past when life was simple and innocent." – Dr. Eliseo "Cheo" Torres, Vice President of Student Affairs at the University of New Mexico & the Author of Curandero: A Life in Mexican Folk Healing "Félix Figueroa writes a riveting account of Latino life in America. The darkness of everyday life inside a particular struggling society is cleverly woven into a compassionate and humorous story rarely written in this manner. Porfirio, María Encarnación, El Space Invader, and La Pelona, are characters that are often heard of but ignored, yet Figueroa brings them to life in a way that is both rich and captivating. This is a poignant characterization of life in el barrio and a must read for all." – Grace Flores-Hughes, Author of A Tale of Survival "What a Barrio Life, Ése! ¡Ay, Qué Padre es la Vida! is a must read work of art for all Hispanics. It is not only realistic and witty, but full of cultural and meaningful awareness for those who were not born during our era. Félix hits every aspect of the culture, language, dialect and life as it existed in the 50s, 60s, and early 70s. The book is awesome and full of memories!!!" – Eddie Howell, Author of Por Unos Elotes (Adapted Into a Screenplay & the Movie, Harvest of Redemption)
Additional information
Book Author
Felix R. Figueroa
Publisher
Floricanto
Language
English
ISBN
978-1511887687
Pages
368
Format
Paperback
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