Down to the Bone

I enjoyed the book a great deal. I recommend this for teenagers and young adults. It was a fantastic read.

PUBLISHER'S WEEKLY Laura Amores is a tortillera -slang for "lesbian" in Miami's Cuban-American social scene, and a term either of endearment or a slur, depending on who is using it. But once Laura's secret is out, a tortillera is all Laura seems to be-to her mother, the nuns at her Catholic school and even some friends. Laura is thrown out of school and even from her house: "I'm sorry, Laura, but I can't continue loving you if you stay gay," Mami says as she literally pushes her daughter out the door. Luckily, Laura meets "bois" who introduce her to Miami's Cuban gay scene, and her best friend shares her home and family, unconditionally. Laura remains reluctant to accept her gay identity, however, and her exploration of possible relationships-with a boi, a "delicious" young woman and a boy she dates in hope of restoring herself to her mother's good graces-form the main arc of this honest, intense and at times moving romance. Using Spanish colloquialisms and slang, this debut author pulls off the tricky task of dialect in a manner that feels authentic. As Dole tackles a tough and important topic, her protagonist will win over a range of teen audiences, gay and straight. Ages 14-up. (Mar.)--Publisher's Weekly

Mayra Lazara Dole's Down to the Bone will be talked of everywhere this year in the GLBT blogs, but should be purchased for all high school collections. (Yes, I know I'm an elementary school librarian this year, but this book was amazing and I couldn't resist reading it.) Controversial? Sure. More explicit than most novels I see daily? Sure. But, an absolutely amazing book that kept me reading and avoiding all phone calls. This book can't be pigeon-holed. It is a debut novel written in response to the questions, "Where are all the lesbian books? Where's the racial diversity?" Laura is a Cuban-American girl in Miami who is caught reading a love letter from a girl while at her Catholic school. As she is ejected from the school, her mother rejects her "deviance" and throws her from the family. Laura struggles to discover herself, her place in a family, and her sexual preferences while trying to deny and change herself. Her struggle and decisions are realistic. Mayra Lazara Dole involves you so deeply with this character that I found myself cheering for Laura to accept her feelings and to stop trying to be what others expected. Teenage love angst, relationships with peers, dropping out of school, and trying to maintain family sibling relationships despite all obstacles. This book was an amazing debut. It is joyous, hilarious, fun and stretches you emotionally. The descriptions of Miami were lively and we were able to glimpse life in Cuba and Puerto Rico from the conversations of characters. A Refreshing and needed title. Count how many times I said "Amazing". Get the picture. --Diane Chen. Practically Paradise - Blog on School Library Journal

A colorful, vibrant, insightful, easy-to-read, interesting book that portrays real issues relating to teenagers, sexual orientation, and their taboos. This book addresses the strong, negative views that parents face with their homosexual children, especially in the Hispanic community.

As a retired high school teacher, I highly recommend Mayra Lazara Dole's "Down To The Bone" to anyone who wants to read a very entertaining book with a deep social message. The reader is immersed in Laura's life and in her struggle to assert herself as a lesbian, in spite of family and friends' pressures. I particularly liked Laura's unique and picturesque expressions, and I truly enjoyed meeting her unconventional friends. Young gays will particularly treasure this book: they will feel that they are not alone- that many others share their concerns and their fears. Down to the Bone should become a bestseller!

I'd love Homo Hummus, Faggy Frijoles and Dripping Dyko Donuts, please. If this doesn't sound like a "different" dinning experience, I don't know what does! Mayra Lazara Dole's new first novel, Down to the Bone, will not only entice you with wild, lively characters, and a Miami setting so alive it will make you want to pack your bags and head here, but also with unique humor that will make you laugh out loud. There's a scene when the group of teen characters are talking about Soli attempting to burn her quinces photo album that will make you laugh your heart out! You can't help but be intrigued with Laura's uniqueness and her friends, all different in their own special way: Marlena, Laura's Puerto Rican sexy, religious lost love. Tazer, the handsome B.O.I playwright (have you ever meet one?). Viva, the way cool New Age Mima. Chispita, the loving, loyal puppy you wish you had who wears a "size three bikini." Pedri, Laura's adorable little bro. Mami, the "wacked-out" homophobic mom. El Gringo and his dearly missed "sister." Diego, Soli's slick, DJ rapper boy-toy. Francisco, the Cubanito musician/hairstylist GUY of Laura's life? (Say what?) Gisela, the temptress and, the Crew. Will they support or judge Laura? This book will have you thinking, asking questions, laughing and crying all in one reading. It's a serious and joyous story that will touch many lives. And by the way, I think I'm going for Number 7, the Flaming Fembo Frijoles. How about you?