Official Review: Citizen Cárdenas by Steve Cole

[Mary WhiteFace]

It would be completely freaky to find out that you had been declared deceased. It just boggles the mind. Yet, I've heard it actually does happen.

It's an interesting concept to base the beginning of a book on, that's for sure. It's also an interesting way to begin a story about the life and struggles of a "street person". Someone who fluctuates between homelessness and flop-house level rooming houses. Their stories are much more complex than most people realize.

I wasn't too sure if I wanted to read more than just the sampling offered, until I read a particular section of your review. "The story alternates between the first-person perspectives of Gato, George and Alexia, as well as some of Gato’s associates. His friend Mamerto the poet’s viewpoints are particularly eloquent. Each character has a distinctive voice and offers a different facet of the story as it continues through time."

I'm intrigued. I'd like to see how the story plays out. Thank you for your well written review.

[KFree_Reads]

Nice review! Sounds like a very interesting read. I'll definitely be checking this one out! Thanks for your review!

[Shrabastee Chakraborty]

The way you reviewed the book was just enough to pique my interest without revealing too much. I intend to read the book to know the whole story of Gato, and why the Demas help him. Thanks for the review!

[Charine]

Your review is quite thoughtful, thanks for that. I am now very excited to travel with Gato, George and Alexia getting to know them through first person narratives. This journey promises to unfold dramatically taking the reader through many emotional levels.

[ladycraic]

Thanks for the thorough review and I'm glad you enjoyed it This book seems interesting and I find it cool how Gato's perspective is written distinctly. I'll be adding this read to my shelf!

[Honest views]

Review is narrated beautifully I must say that. We actually have forgotten the emotional bonds and sense of humanity these days because of our busy lives. The question that author puts in front of the reader is very interesting that what would you do???. So this story not just sounds interesting but would also be a self awakening experience for the reader. Possibly the dust that has accumulated on the mirror of our hearts get way d will make us sensitized towards humanity again. Looking forward to reading it

[trajoe1206]

Thanks for the detailed review. Compassionate people help homeless man who SS have declared dead. Interesting

[Poppy Drear]

I'm interested in what Gato's background is! At the end of the day, I wonder if Alexia and George will really be able to trust him.

[Hbristol23]

I will admit in the beginning of your review I didn't feel that Citizen Cárdenas would be that interesting of a book to me, because it sound to realistic and day to day. But after finishing your review I'm now intreged that this book might just have enough depth to keep me intrested till the end.

[Brittany J]

I can't wait to read this book! Books like this illuminate the struggles immigrants often face that others are unaware of. It seems to pose the question, "Why do we help others?" Is there always some self interest involved?

[Roggyrus]

This novel relates to the hardships and travails of a refugee from Cuba, bereft of identity and good fortune, even denied the benefits accrued to him due to a mistaken appraisal of records, and who still despite all these manage to survive and gained some friends and benefactors. An inspiring read for those who are "down but not out" or for those who were treated badly by fate. Thanks for your comprehensive review.

[holsam_87]

I'm really interested to see how things work out. I think it would be utterly shocking if Social Security told me I was dead.

[kate_nguyen]

A first person narrative is so refreshing, the classical theme is a plus too. The review got me hook on "Citizen Cárdenas"

[elizab8]

Your review of "Citizen Cardenas" has led me to truly believe that I should try reading this book. I was skeptical before, thinking that it will not be enjoyable. When you mention his plight as a homeless forgotten citizen, someone the system think is dead, brought a feeling of fear in me because there are so many homeless citizens out there who is forgotten by the system and waiting to be rescued by someone, whether it's their family or a stranger. Great review.

[dragonet07]

I like a good character-driven story, and I am especially intrigued by the concept of the Social Security mistakenly thinking that Gato was dead. I'm interested in knowing more about this character and his plight. Thank you for the thorough review.