[ book tip by Emily Bullock ] I believe this book deserves to be read purely on the merit of its title. And what a great title it is. Dito Montiel was a child of the eighties. This book is full of his stories of eating popsicles, smoking weed, going onto the hard stuff, losing friends to drink, drugs and prison. He dodged jail, went on road trips, joined a boy band, and hit the skids. A day in the life of your typical Astoria, New York, resident apparently.  But this is New York as you have never seen it, closer to Scorsese’s Mean Streets than Maid in Manhattan. And I loved it. What Montiel lacks in literary finesse he more than makes up for in his pure frenzied spirit and joie de vivre. The book will leave your head spinning and your heart racing.

While apparently haphazardly ordered, each section of the book takes you on a journey of saints and sinners, freaks and friends. I felt as if I came to know at least one corner of this tight-knit community. The saints of the title are flawed and desperate but nonetheless they are a guiding force for the young Montiel. There is nothing subtle or introspective about this book or this narrator. But if you don’t mind being shouted at, can stand the blare of police sirens and the barking of doped up addicts, then this book is for you. Even if that’s not your life, I place myself in this latter category, then there is still a great read to be had from this book. Montiel’s voice and his story fairly thunder off the page.

[ book info ] Montiel, Dito: A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints. (Book language: English) Revolver Books, London, 2006 (2003). ISBN: 9781905978007.