Understanding the Alacran
by Jonathan Lapoma
422 pages· 2017· ISBN 9780998840307
About
-Silver Medal Winner of the 2017 FAPA President's Awards (Contemporary/Literary category)
Trying to escape the oppression leading him to drinking, drugs, and despair, 22-year-old William James rejects a teaching position offer at a prestigious Buffalo high school and moves to Mexico to find freedom in its beaches, mountains, and culture.
But soon, this freedom becomes oppressive as well as William finds himself unable to avoid the pull of the wild party scene in the small town of Lila where he lives. He continues a downward spiral until he meets a complex and compassionate Mexican woman whose love inspires him to face the question he's been avoiding: Is this trip a desperate search for life or a slow death?
A dark but humorous coming-of-age novel, UNDERSTANDING THE ALACRÁN explores many of the questions that haunt young people searching for love and their place in this world, and offers a poetic look at the raw beauty and healing power of Mexico.
*UNDERSTANDING THE ALACRÁN is a loosely-linked prequel to DEVELOPING MINDS: AN AMERICAN GHOST STORY
Trying to escape the oppression leading him to drinking, drugs, and despair, 22-year-old William James rejects a teaching position offer at a prestigious Buffalo high school and moves to Mexico to find freedom in its beaches, mountains, and culture.
But soon, this freedom becomes oppressive as well as William finds himself unable to avoid the pull of the wild party scene in the small town of Lila where he lives. He continues a downward spiral until he meets a complex and compassionate Mexican woman whose love inspires him to face the question he's been avoiding: Is this trip a desperate search for life or a slow death?
A dark but humorous coming-of-age novel, UNDERSTANDING THE ALACRÁN explores many of the questions that haunt young people searching for love and their place in this world, and offers a poetic look at the raw beauty and healing power of Mexico.
*UNDERSTANDING THE ALACRÁN is a loosely-linked prequel to DEVELOPING MINDS: AN AMERICAN GHOST STORY
Discuss Understanding the Alacran with other readers
Join or start a book club for Understanding the Alacran on Readfeed. Live chat, shared reading progress, and AI discussion questions — free to get started.
Frequently asked questions
How do I join a book club for Understanding the Alacran?
Sign up free on Readfeed, then browse public clubs or start your own club with Understanding the Alacran as the current read. Invite friends with a share link and discuss together with live chat and AI discussion questions.
Can I discuss Understanding the Alacran with other readers online?
Yes. Readfeed book clubs let you chat live, share progress, and join discussions about Understanding the Alacran with readers worldwide — whether your club is virtual, in-person, or hybrid.
Is Readfeed free?
Yes. Creating an account and joining book clubs is free. Sign up to find readers who love the same books and start discussing today.