Mr. Lethem gave me a story, the in and out, the rough pathways young Dylan Ebdus had to cross and endure being the lonely white boy in a black and hispanic neighborhood in the 1970s. He did ok, but some of his friends, and his mom and dad, suffered as well. Mr. Lethem gave me authentic characters, sympathetic characters. He gave Dylan some magical powers that enabled him to transcend his circumstances. How Dylan learns to use them is both cosmic and tragic. ( )

I read about half of this novel and then just gave up. It's about a white boy living in mostly-black Brooklyn in the 1970s. It's a coming of age story but it was just too slow and boring to devote any more time to. The premise and characters were interesting but some plot would have been nice. ( )

I'm a fan, plain and simple. Lethem is a master storyteller in all ways fathomable. As a former jazz player I sensed a 'rhythm' with his phrasing even if not intended. The story of close friends growing up in a 'hard' neighborhood, the trials and tribulations ans difficulties, ups downs and curve balls. Mingus, Dylan's best friend in spite of his gangster ways has the staying power best friends have. Shielding D from problems, advising him with others, their bond is unbreakable. Lethem's descriptive use of words, colloquialism and depth of character is sensational. He keeps the reader engaged even when the surprise fast forward occurs relieving tension by taking us back and then forward again. An outstanding read for those that appreciate talent, humanity, compassion and sorrow built around the lasting sort of friendships that make life worth living. Highly recommended and in ways, Pulitzer worthy. ( )

La familia de Dylan Ebdus se ha trasladado a uno de los barrios que en los 70 resulta menos apetecibles en Brooklyn. La mayoría de sus vecinos son negros. Mientras crece y desarrolla su interés por los cómics y la música, también entabla amistad con algunos de los chicos de su edad en el vecindario. En especial con Mingus Rude. Juntos comparten sus días y defienden su amistad a capa y espada desde un rincón de Nueva York.

This story focuses on two friends, one white and black, growing up in Brooklyn. It begins in the 60s and spans the next several decades. It is somewhat based on Lethem's own childhood. It is a sprawling, over-stuffed novel, overshadowing some fine writing and characterizations. I am glad I read it but it wasn't as strong as I had hoped. ( )