Orlo and Leini

You won't forget the characters in Alvarez's Breslin-esque collection. This book belongs on everybody's summer reading list. With the eye of an artist and the ear of a musician, Alvarez takes you to the heart of the neighborhood and the soul of man.

The entire history of the twentieth century can be traced through the clandestine affair of the junkman Orlo and his Greek lover Leini in Orlo and Leini, the Rafael Alvarez collection of short stories featuring these two memorable characters, their lives, times, friends and associates. The stories comprising this memorable, superbly crafted, highly recommended collection include: Down at the End of Clinton Street; Orlo's Velvet Room; People Love Lies; Red Cabbage and Apples; Christmas Eve; and The Legend of the Velvet Room.

You may not have heard of Alvarez, but you will. This guy's a master storyteller. Read this book of soulful, heartfelt tales woven together in a beautiful tapestry and you'll see why.

Alvarez is an artist who paints moving portraits with his words. He makes you care about his characters, their lives and their hometown (also his). He's a joy to read -- and you'll think about what you've read long after you close the book.