Rating: 
Summary: Sensibly Unapologetic and Seductive
Review: This explosive collection of ten amazing stories vividly chronicling the Dominican immigrant experience is starkly realistic and daring. The stories are not necessarily pleasant, but are certainly captivating tales of the resilience of the human soul and of the will to survive in the face of horrendous odds. Diaz is intense and powerful, yet he possesses what I personally find to be a calculated calm in his mesmerizing prose. Moreover, he is totally unapologetic ---and that's a plus. I thoroughly enjoyed every piece in this stunning collection. Junot Diaz is at the top of my list. You are missing a rare literary experience if you fail to read him.
Very Highly Recommended !Alan Cambeira
Author of AZUCAR! The Story of Sugar (a novel)
Rating:
Summary: It deserves not a 10, but an 11.
Review: When this book first came out I approached it with apprehension because it had been received with such fanfare by the literati and laymen alike. Indeed, so great was the hype that I honestly believed that regardless of the quality of the book, It would fail to live up to the praise bestowed upon it. Thus, you may imagine how pleasantly surprised I was when I realized that, in fact, Junot Diaz is an incredibly talented writer. I've read collections of short stories that showcase the skills of some of the most gifted writers of the 20th century, and, honestly, Diaz has written some stories that surpass anything I had read before. True, some of Diaz's stories are not as effective as the majority, yet that is because most of the stories in Drown are bona fide gems. I know I'm getting too effusive here, so I'll stop. Still, If you like to read good literature, this is a book that you definitely should consider. I look forward to reading Diaz's first novel.
Rating:
Summary: Stark and impressive
Review: You won't forget this book. I picked up this book knowing nothing of its regard, but I put it down feeling changed. Diaz is a remarkable author. I have noticed that the first books of many authors tend toward self-conscious verbal cunning, and in many cases this may be short-lived considering that stature manages to supercede style often enough. However, Diaz has a gift which is indisputable, and the style of his prose is not self-indulgent. Instead, he focuses only on the most elemental aspects of his tales, and presents the reader with believable narration, interesting and developed characters, and emotional intensity. The stories themselves are unsettling at times, but real. Diaz remains true to the depth of the stories he has created by not overdoing any aspect of them. I can't wait to read more by this author. Outstanding!!!!
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