Victor Martinez è uno scrittore le cui opere esplorano le complessità della vita e del lavoro. Le sue poesie, racconti e saggi sono apparsi in varie pubblicazioni. Il romanzo di Martinez, riconosciuto con il National Book Award per la letteratura per ragazzi, è noto per le sue acute intuizioni sulla giovinezza e l'adolescenza. Le sue diverse esperienze, che vanno dal lavoro manuale all'insegnamento, modellano la sua scrittura unica ed empatica.
Exploring the relationship between self-worth and societal value, the narrative delves into a father-son dynamic shaped by financial metaphors. The father’s belief that people can be categorized by their monetary worth influences the son's perception of identity and belonging. As the protagonist grapples with these ideas, themes of self-acceptance and the quest for genuine connection emerge, challenging the simplistic valuation of individuals based on external measures.
The book delves into the shortcomings of the War on Drugs, highlighting its detrimental effects on communities and public health. It presents a thorough, evidence-based analysis of current policies and advocates for a shift towards treating drug use as a public health issue. By exploring harm reduction, treatment options, and international perspectives, it outlines viable alternatives and calls for a transformative approach to drug policy that prioritizes health and well-being over punitive measures.
In Kalifornien ist verdammt heiß, wenn man durch ein Feld kriecht, um einen Sack voll Chili-Schoten zu ernten. Aber für einen Baseballhandschuh würde Manuel Hernandez alles tun. Sein Dad verbringt die meiste Zeit in der Billard-Bar und träumt davon, zurück nach Mexiko zu gehen. In der Siedlung, in der sie leben, streift die Garcia-Gang wie ein Rudel bissiger Hunde umher, aber Manuel hat andere Probleme: Er ist verliebt in die verwöhnte Tochter vom Chef seines Bruders. Menschen sind wie Geld, warnt ihn sein Vater. Und gegen die Millionen-, Tausend- und Hundert-Dollar-Menschen ist Manuel nur ein Penny. Aber er will mehr sein.