Marcelo in the Real World

This weekend after my last YA literature class I was skimming the YA section of my university's library for audio books. I could not believe my luck when I saw that Marcelo in the Real World by Francisco X. Stork tucked among the hardcover versions. Some of my classmates mentioned it, as well as one of Stork's other books during the class.

While reading I was in awe. During the summer before his senior year, Marcelo's plans are thrown for a loop. Growing up he has found comfort in attending Patterson. It is his safety net in dealing with a condition similar to Asperger's. He would have loved nothing more than to work at his school for the summer caring for the ponies before continuing there in the fall.

However, his father has different ideas. He thinks it is time for Marcelo to experience life in the "real world" and demonstrate that he can cope with the rules. He tells him that he needs to work at his law firm for the summer and if he meets expectations, he can choose where he attends school in the fall. If not, his dad would send him to the regular public high school. At work Marcelo experiences more than he ever could have imagined, not sure how he feels about all of it. Prior to the job there were multiple emotions that he had never experienced first hand. At the heart of the book Marcelo must decide how people know the difference between right and wrong and determine how he will respond when confronted with confusion.

Told from Marcelo's point of view, I was fascinated. Early on in the book it was evident that he was very intelligent, even though many people treat him as if he is stupid. Throughout the book he continues to amaze those around him, sometimes much to their chagrin. However, despite his high level of thinking, I started to cringe with about the third CD. A boy at the law firm that his sister had warned him about confirmed his sister's portrayal; yet, it is unclear how much Marcelo understands about his intentions because of his lack of previous experiences with someone like him. From that point on, the tension continued to build with that and other components of the plot, making for a suspenseful commute.

This evening I pulled into my driveway having just popped in the 8th and final CD. Typically I have only listened to the audio books in the car, but I will not have to go back to school until Monday. I just could not wait, so this evening, as soon as the house quieted down, I listened until the end - well worth it. I will definitely be keeping my eyes out for Stork's other books.