Bodega Dreams is a contemporary fiction novel that could easily be interpreted as reality. The author uses vivid realistic descriptions and immediately enthralls the reader with a set up comparable to a soap opera. First the reader is introduced to Chino, the hardworking honest kid trying to get out of East Harlem the right way. With Chino comes Blanca, his strict Pentecostal wife. Constantly emerging between the two is Chino's childhood friend, Sapo. Sapo is also going places, yet much to Blanca's dismay, uses a different, not so honest approach. Sapo leads Chino to Bodega, the man that runs it all and that will change Chino's life and the lives of many others. Occasionally, the author incorporates explicit actions and vocabulary into the plotline. This functions simply to secure the reality of the scenes and invoke a sense of realism in the reader. Lack of such vivid details would only cheapen the novel. I say, don't let a few bad words scare you away! I eagerly recommend this book to any individual looking for a quick, interesting, educational and inspiring read. However, don't start the book if you are short of time, I'm afraid it won't be easy to put down!