The Afterlife Review
Although I find _The Afterlife_ to be a somewhat mediocre (if unique) book, I have had several students in my classes read this and respond with much enthusiasm. It is important to keep in mind that adults are not the target audience here, and there is something that really grabs the interest of male adolescent readers, at least those in my classes who have read this book.
As a teacher of often reluctant readers, I am always keeping my eyes open for interesting new books, not just from lists of recommended reading, but by seeking input from my students as well. This is how I was first introduced to _The Afterlife_ by Gary Soto. One of my students read the book and began to recommend it to others. After reading _The Afterlife_, many students have responded that it is one of the best, if not the best book they have ever read.
Several students read the book, then I decided it was time to read it for myself. I was disappointed. However, after reflecting, I could see the appeal for my students. In order to attempt to define the appeal, I need to explain the basic plot.
The main character, Chuy, a young Latino, is stabbed and killed after complimenting another teenager's yellow shoes. His spirit leaves his body, and his spirit slowly begins to pass into the next world. However, he is still able to move around and observe his world without being seen. Along the way, he meets a young lady who has also left her body and become a spirit.
If all of this sounds fantastic, it is, but although it can be unusual, Soto never lets his book become sensational.
I believe the reason this novel holds the interest of my students is that it focuses on one of the deepest desires of teenagers: the desire to stand back and analyze their world without the world looking back at them, the desire to do good things without considering "image" or the disapproval of their peers, the desire to establish a relationship with a member of the opposite sex without the discomfort of their own body always getting in the way. In fact, although Chuy seems like a good guy before his death, he is better able to define his world, does some of his kindest acts, and forms more meaningful relationships after.
By the time we are adults, most of us have established a certain balance in our lives. It only stands to reason that a book like _The Afterlife_ appeals less to adults than those who are in the midst of a time in their lives that can seem very unbalanced at times. I give this book four stars based on the average between the three it would receive from me and the five it would receive from my students if they were writing this review.
The Afterlife Overview
You'd think a knife in the ribs would be the end of things, but for Chuy, that's when his life at last gets interesting. He finally sees that people love him, faces the consequences of his actions, finds in himself compassion and bravery . . . and even stumbles on what may be true love.
A funny, touching, and wholly original story by one of the finest authors writing for young readers today.
The Afterlife Specifications
Not many authors kill their main character on page two, but when Gary Soto does in The Afterlife the tactic results in a richly textured coming of age story. Chuy is a normal teenage guy, making his way in the barrios of Fresno, California, and hoping to impress a pretty girl. Carefully combing his hair in the restroom at Club Estrella, he only has a few moments to consider his "loverboy" strategy before his young life is (literally) cut short by a knife-wielding stranger who misinterprets a compliment.
Soon Chuy is floating above his bleeding body, embarking on a journey of personal exploration. As he drifts though his hometown (tightening his stomach muscles so as not to get blown off course) he manages to achieve many of the things he didn’t when he was alive--recognizing how much he is loved by family and friends, saving a life, punishing a thug, and even falling in love (with a ghost-girl who has committed suicide).
Soto has a knack for particularly apt comparisons ("the sun rose pink as a scar," "laundry hung like the faded flags of defeated nations,"), which brings beauty and clarity to this dangerous world of cholos and cabrones (and if you don’t know what those are, there’s a glossary in the back). Aside from a couple plot points left dangling, The Afterlife offers a tangibly detailed portrait of a young life worth living. (Ages 13 and older)--Brangien Davis
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Customer Reviews
disappointment, compared to other Gary Soto works - Ron Baer - Los Angeles
I teach high school English, and try to read as many y.a. novels as possible, so I can recommend books to students. I always recommend Buried Onions and Living Up The Streets. Both are a big hit among students, especially Buried Onions. However, The Afterlife, for the most part, bored me. My biggest issue with the novel is that I was never sure what Chuy's goal was. For a while he seems to want to stop his Uncle from avenging his death, but he seems to drop this issue for a good part of the novel as he finds himself falling in love. In the end, he has no impact on all on his Uncle's decision. Overrall, he's a good kid, who is loved by his family and has few amends to make up for before leaving this world. The one part I did find interesting was the story of these two kids falling in love, from very different backgrounds, but finding a common understanding in death. Otherwise, I found it to be a cliche story about someone killed way too early in life coming to terms with his own death.
a bore - LARRY - Capitol Heights, MD
I was really bored with *Afterlife*, despite the fact I was really looking forward to my first read of Gary Soto's.
Chuy tries to impress a girl at school. However, his attempt is not appreciated by another boy and is stabbed to death.
Throughout the remainder of the book, he, as a ghost, hovers around his loved ones to see them grieve for him and soon recognizes that he was loved by everyone.
At the same time, he soon meets a troubled girl, who is also a ghost. He soon realizes that he has fallen in love with her.
That's just about it, which is probably why it's such a short book. There's not much substance in it, conflicts and whatnots.
Nah, don't waste your time with this book.
The Afterlife by Gary Soto - Aidan Wagner - Chicago
I read this novel while studying Latino authors for a multicultural project. To begin with, this novel was the first one I read by Gary Soto and I really enjoyed it. The novel kept my attention and upon reflection I can see how Soto's love of poetry influences his writing.The Afterlife vivid imagery places the reader in the setting. The reader can almost expereince the smells and the sounds of the city. I believe the story started off strong but the conclusion of the novel is weak. Questions are left unanswered. Some of Soto's other works such as his short stories in Baseball in April offer stronger resolution and are more satisfying. Still, I recommend The Afterlife for young adult readers. The themes of friendship, compassion and romance will keep young readers interested in the outcome.
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