To the Last Man I Slept with and All the Jerks Just Like Him

Rating:
Summary: A Fantastic Book
Review: Funny and poignant at the same time, To the Last Man I Slept With is a fantastic mind-twisting ride through what it means to define yourself in the face of adversity. The stories in the book are absolutely amazing. Written in a style that is a little bit 'Clockwork Orange' and a little bit 'Catcher in the Rye', the book follows several women through their journey of becoming. At times I laughed hysterically; at times I felt like crying. It's compelling, it's fun, and it's a really good read. Definitely read this book to enjoy the funny stories, but don't miss the underlying theme of self-discovery in this modern age.


Rating:
Summary: Wry, Witty, Entertaining
Review: Gwen Zepeda's collection of short stories in "To The Last Man I Slept With and All The Jerks Just Like Him" was interesting, wry, witty and entertaining...just like Gwen. I first heard Gwen perform a reading of her stories at a Nuestra Palabra showcase in Houston, TX and immediately appreciated her sense of humor. If you want to get a feel for her work, visit her website at http://www.gwenworld.com. Her website is just as funny if not funnier than her book! I hope she reads for Nuestra Palabra again! (www.nuestrapalabra.org)

Rating:
Summary: Are You Afraid of A Strong Woman?
Review: Gwendolyn Zepeda's wit and honesty will scare you if you aren't ready for characters who have experienced the violence we're all afraid to talk about. But,if you are interested in knowing about (or revisiting) the issues of poverty, domestic violence, sexual abuse and what growing up is like for some girls in big cities, read this book. It is told by a young woman who survives it all and who teaches us that WE are can also be survivors (and rock stars).

Rating:
Summary: I've Been Fantasizing About Ants Lately
Review: Intelligent,thought provoking, hilarious and disturbed. What a great book. Twisted observations and lucid takes on the everyday made this book a total pleasure to read and a must to pass along to friends!



Rating:
Summary: Captivating
Review: This book is much more than just a collection of short stories. Gwen delves deeply into the roots of what it's like to be a Latina trailer park wife. She explains in great detail the mundaneness of her situation and how she made the best of it.

Her stories of pain and life lessons makes you laugh and then cry with empathy. Although this book is mostly fiction, you know these stories were taken deep from this Latina's heart and life struggles from the streets of Houston.

Read this book and feel what others and myself have felt. It's a refreshing perspective from an up and coming Latino writer. If you're looking for cheesy chick-lit, judging from the title, you won't find it here.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent Stories
Review: This is an excellent collection of short stories. The title and cover may fool you into thinking this book is a rant against men. Far from it. It is about evolving as a woman, a 'half-white' latina, a writer, a singer, a moralist. Zepeda wears many hats as she weaves stories about characters facing challenges that they don't always overcome. There is youthful exuberance in her parodies of action heroes, chick lit, and TV soaps. She pays literary homage to the magical realism of Borges and Kafka. Warning: don't come here looking for happy endings. Zepeda tells you life is hard. Finally, leave your mundane sensibilities behind; if you are disturbed by strong language and shocking imagery, move on. But you will have missed out on something really good.

Rating:
Summary: pinching bad ass
Review: this was a hularios book about men, women, life in central Houston, and some mexican culture. and roaches. Coming from a mans point of view, i juft gleamed off the extra humor i recieved whle reading. She takes her life, throws in the idea of being submissive, and totally spins it. She plays with softcore porn, womans sexual and mental desires, all through unforgetable characters that so dynamic, they sadden my real life. just beautiful.