Review: "Soul Enchilada"

[Alexander Wm. Evers]

Author: David Gill

Summary: The only thing, of any “value”, that Eunice “Bug” Smoot has is a cool car. Specifically, the 58’ Cadillac Biarritz, left to her by her deceased grandfather. However, soon, even Bug’s car is in danger as she faces off with a demon. This demon, half-undead + half car salesman, is intent on repossessing the vehicle that he traded for a human soul—the soul of Bug’s grandfather.

Bug has always struggled. Recently orphaned for the third time, following the death of her grandfather, Eunice “Bug” Smoot is stuggling with the realities of living in the adult world, and trying to go it alone. She finds that being biracial, however, presents its own unique dilemma. Neither of her respective races is accepting of the other. That is, Bug is grappling with a Tejano society that rejects her “blackness”; and an African American community that discards her as “just Tejano”. Moreover, she is struggling to make ends meat in a society in which people of color often are met with greater adversity than their pastier peers. The car in question, her dead granddad’s 58’ Biarritz, is her lifeline; allowing her to work as a pizza delivery person.

When the demon arrives to repossess her car, Bug is shocked to discover the deal her grandfather entered in to. Even I wouldn’t sell my soul for a car; though, I might sell a kidney for a classic Land Rover. Luckily, however, Bug’s “main squeeze”, is a part-time employee of the “International Supernatural Immigration Service”, in the area of Waste Management [makes me laugh every time]. This is when things get really interesting, and entertaining, as her love-interest Pesto begins to help her attempt to “deport the ‘illegal’”. The means of exorcising the demon include such hilarity as a pizza delivery contest, however, soon even Bug’s soul is on the line. With the help of her love interest, the abovementioned Pesto, and a lawyer (who’s area of expertise is, well, “supernatural” at best), Bug must keep her car and prevent this demon from reeking havoc (e.g. plagues, locust, etc.…the usual) on the world.

I wont give away the ending; but I will say that, as the action and intrigue intensify, “Bug” evolves into a very unique, though admirable, protagonist. Ultimately, although there are male supporting characters, I think that students will connect to “Bug” regardless of race or sex.

YA Criteria:

• YA authors write from the viewpoint of young people: This story is told from the point of view of the protagonist Eunice “Bug” Smoot. Moreover, this POV is very genuine; it reflects the humor and cynicism often associated with YA’s. HOWEVER, the protagonist is older than the typical YA (hs graduate); regardless, I think that Bug is a character with whom most YAs can foster a connection.


• YA lit gets ride of parents so the young person is free to take credit for his/her own accomplishments: Yes, and no. The parental and/or adult figures are often, if not always, somewhat tarnished. The lawyer and other adults often help to focus the story of the YAs; that is, the juxtaposition between adult and YA characters serves to underscore the novel’s emphasis on the YA experience.

• YA Lit is fast paced: The novel is 328 pages. Consequently, it is a relatively lengthy YA text. However, the novel is definitely a “page turner”, because of the action and humor. Moreover, the writing style lends itself to a relaxed reading session, in which, hopefully, a YA reader will lose him or herself and forget how long/much they’ve read. The vernacular used by Gill, to narrate the novel, also succeeds in making you feel as if you’re reading the first hand account of a YA—consequently, YA’s should feel really comfortable with reading this text.

• YA Lit includes a variety of genres and subjects: This addresses religious subjects (demons, souls, etc.), personal/moral choices (would you sell your soul; if so, for what), and it employs material from a plethora of genres. There is humor in the novel, the narration of Bug, specifically her descriptions of other characters, is often hysterical; but also reflects how cruel and/or hurtful YA’s can be (e.g. girl called “Tangleye”). Moreover, the dramatic elements are prevalent in the story’s latter demon-based plot, and in the opening social-based story.

• The body of work includes stories about characters from different ethnic and cultural groups: Definitely. The experiences of Bug, as a biracial person, really hit home for me. My best friend, Wayne, is biracial (Caucasian and African American) and he has expressed a similar dilemma. Moreover, the novels supporting cast members are “’ethnic’” characters; indeed, the demon is called “an illegal” that they are trying to deport. [I was put-off by this “immigration debate” terminology, I must admit]

• YA books are optimistic with characters making worthy accomplishments: The novel is optimistic. The narration is often the crux of this optimism. Eunice “Bug” Smoot is not a character who allows for herself to easily be defeated, nor does she give up without a fight. Moreover, I would say that, saving the universe from a demon, qualifies a “worth accomplishments”… at least, saving a classic Cadillac is a “noble” accomplishment.

• Successful YA novels deal with emotions that are important to young adults: Surely. This novel deals with racial anxiety, romantic emotions, financial stress, family/domestic issues, etc. The novel despite its fictional plot has a solid and genuine emotional narrative.

Recommendation: I would recommend this text. I found it to be entertaining, while also presenting multiple opportunities for academic discussion. Moreover, I believe that the protagonist Bug is an admirable character and one YAs would connect with. Ultimately, the novel is well written, meets criteria, and succeeds in establishing a believable and entertaining YA story.


Links:
• Interview with author- http://cynthialeitichsmith.blogspot.com/2009/04/author-interview-da...
• Review from teensreadtoo.com- http://www.teensreadtoo.com/SoulEnchilada.html

*Warning the Link below May Offend*

I provided this link because I was interested by the idea of ‘selling ones soul’ and went to the web. This is what I found, at first, and thought that it may be of interest to my peers. I merely thought that, even though the novel is fictional, if some acknowledge that the practice of ‘selling your soul’ exists, than that information may. I am not endorsing the Satanism website; nor do I endorse the views and/or beliefs espoused by this site.

• “Selling Your Soul to Satan: A How-To Manual” : http://www.dpjs.co.uk/sell.html