My Papi Has A Motorcycle By Isabel Quintero
Isabel Quintero's "My Papi Has A Motorcycle" is a charming and warmhearted memoir that explores the author's childhood memories of riding on the back of her father's motorcycle through the streets of their hometown of Corona, California. The book is filled with vivid descriptions of the sights, sounds, and smells of the neighborhood, as well as the joy and excitement of spending time with Papi.
The Story
The story begins with the author and her father setting out on a ride through the streets of Corona. They pass by familiar landmarks like the taquerias, the panaderias, and the carnicerias, and the author reminisces about the smells and tastes of the delicious food she used to enjoy with her family. They also pass by the local library, where the author spent many afternoons reading books with her father.
As they ride through the town, the author reflects on the changes that have taken place over the years. She remembers the old houses that used to be there, and the new ones that have been built in their place. She also remembers the people who used to live in the neighborhood, and how they have moved away or passed on.
The Characters
The book is filled with colorful characters who bring the neighborhood to life. There's the author's father, Papi, who is a hardworking man with a love for motorcycles and a deep affection for his family. There's also the author's mother, who is a teacher and a strong role model for her daughter. And there's the author's sister, who is a talented artist and a source of inspiration for the author.
Throughout the book, the author also introduces us to the other people who populate the neighborhood, from the friendly ice cream man to the elderly woman who sits on her porch and waves to everyone who passes by. Each character adds their own unique flavor to the neighborhood, and the author's descriptions of them make the reader feel as though they are right there with her on the back of the motorcycle.
The Themes
One of the main themes of "My Papi Has A Motorcycle" is the importance of family and community. The author's love for her family and her neighborhood shines through on every page, and she paints a vivid picture of a place where everyone knows each other and looks out for one another.
Another theme of the book is the idea of change and how it affects the places and people we love. The author reflects on the changes that have taken place in her neighborhood over the years, from the new houses that have been built to the people who have moved away. Through her reflections, she reminds us of the importance of cherishing the memories we have and holding onto the things that matter most.
The Writing Style
Isabel Quintero's writing style is warm, conversational, and full of heart. She has a gift for bringing the people and places she describes to life, and her descriptions of the sights, sounds, and smells of her neighborhood are incredibly vivid and evocative.
The book is also filled with beautiful illustrations by Zeke Peña, which add an extra layer of depth and detail to the author's descriptions. The illustrations are colorful and expressive, and they capture the spirit of the neighborhood perfectly.
The Verdict
"My Papi Has A Motorcycle" is a beautiful memoir that celebrates family, community, and the power of memory. It is a book that will make you laugh, cry, and feel a deep sense of nostalgia for the places and people you have loved and lost.
Isabel Quintero's writing is full of heart and soul, and her descriptions of her neighborhood are so vivid that you can almost smell the tacos cooking and hear the sound of the motorcycle engine roaring. If you're looking for a book that will transport you to another time and place, "My Papi Has A Motorcycle" is a must-read.