The Son Of Good Fortune: A Captivating Journey of Hope, Identity, and Resilience

When it comes to noteworthy novels that explore themes of immigrant experience and resilience, The Son Of Good Fortune stands out as a compulsively readable and thought-provoking story. Written by award-winning author Lysley Tenorio, this remarkable novel follows the life of Excel, a young undocumented Filipino immigrant living in the United States. With its poignant narrative and rich character development, The Son Of Good Fortune draws readers into Excel's journey of self-discovery and the pursuit of the American Dream.

An Unforgettable Protagonist and His Struggle

At the heart of this novel lies its unforgettable protagonist Excel, whose coming-of-age story resonates deeply with readers from various backgrounds. Excel is a resilient young man who spends his childhood in the fictional town of Rossmore, California, raised by his mother, Maxima, who works tirelessly as a housekeeper. Living in constant fear of deportation, Excel and his mother move from one rented room to another, striving to create a sense of stability despite their uncertain circumstances.

Tenorio masterfully delves into Excel's experiences as an undocumented immigrant, highlighting the challenges, fears, and prejudice that he encounters on his journey. The author vividly portrays Excel's struggle for acceptance, education, and belonging in a country that often overlooks the contributions and dreams of those deemed "illegal."

The Son of Good Fortune: A Novel

by Lysley Tenorio (Kindle Edition)

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1052 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	304 pages

FREE

With every page turned, readers find themselves emotionally invested in Excel's story, eagerly cheering for his successes and empathizing with his setbacks. Through his resilience and unwavering determination, Excel's search for belonging becomes a universal tale that explores themes of identity and the pursuit of one's dreams.

A Timely Exploration of Immigrant Experience

The Son Of Good Fortune couldn't be more timely in its exploration of the contemporary immigrant experience in America. Tenorio skillfully captures the human side of immigration, shedding light on the multifaceted lives of those who often remain unseen and unheard.

As Excel navigates the complex landscape of undocumented existence, Tenorio confronts issues such as family separation, limited access to healthcare, and the inherent struggle to assimilate into a society predisposed to see immigrants as outsiders. By skillfully weaving these issues into the fabric of Excel's narrative, the author provides readers with a deeper understanding of the hardships faced by millions of undocumented individuals every day.

Furthermore, The Son Of Good Fortune challenges prevalent stereotypes surrounding the immigrant community, emphasizing their humanity, resilience, and unwavering optimism. Tenorio's writing urges readers to question their own preconceived notions and recognize the shared experiences that unite us.

A Literary Triumph with a Powerful Message

What sets The Son Of Good Fortune apart from other novels is Tenorio's remarkable ability to tackle complex themes with grace and empathy. His prose is both lyrical and accessible, allowing readers to immerse themselves fully in the story. Through intricate character development, Tenorio confronts the nuances of identity, offering a nuanced examination of what it truly means to be American and Filipino simultaneously.

Throughout Excel's journey, readers witness not only his struggles but also his triumphs. The novel serves as a beacon of hope, reminding us all that resilience can lead to extraordinary accomplishments, even in the face of adversity.

The Son Of Good Fortune is a must-read for anyone seeking a captivating literary work that explores the immigrant experience. It challenges readers to reflect on their own sense of belonging, empathy, and the importance of fighting for justice. Tenorio's masterful storytelling reminds us of the enduring power of hope, the complexity of the human experience, and the indomitable spirit that resides within us all.

"Excel's journey of self-discovery and resilience captivates readers from start to finish. Tenorio's masterful storytelling unveils the untold stories of immigrants, reminding us of the shared humanity that unites us all."

Whether you're looking for a moving tale of resilience, an exploration of the immigrant experience, or simply a beautifully crafted story, The Son Of Good Fortune is a novel that exceeds expectations. With its powerful message and unforgettable characters, this novel takes readers on a profound journey that challenges our perceptions and invites us to walk in Excel's shoes. Dive into this literary triumph today and prepare to be captivated by its unwavering spirit.

The Son of Good Fortune: A Novel

by Lysley Tenorio (Kindle Edition)

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1052 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	304 pages

FREE

A Recommended Book From:
USA Today * The Chicago Tribune * Book Riot * Refinery 29 * InStyle * The Minneapolis Star-Tribune * Publishers Weekly * Baltimore Outloud * Omnivoracious * Lambda Literary * Goodreads * Lit Hub * The Millions

FINALIST FOR THE JOYCE CAROL OATES PRIZE
WINNER OF THE NEW AMERICAN VOICES AWARD

From award-winning author Lysley Tenorio, comes a big hearted debut novel following an undocumented Filipino son as he navigates his relationship with his mother, an uncertain future, and the place he calls home

Excel spends his days trying to seem like an unremarkable American teenager. When he’s not working at The Pie Who Loved Me (a spy-themed pizza shop) or passing the time with his girlfriend Sab (occasionally in one of their town’s seventeen cemeteries), he carefully avoids the spotlight.

But Excel knows that his family is far from normal. His mother, Maxima, was once a Filipina B-movie action star who now makes her living scamming men online. The old man they live with is not his grandfather, but Maxima’s lifelong martial arts trainer. And years ago, on Excel’s tenth birthday, Maxima revealed a secret that he must keep forever. “We are ‘TNT’—tago ng tago,” she told him, “hiding and hiding.” Excel is undocumented—and one accidental slip could uproot his entire life.

Casting aside the paranoia and secrecy of his childhood, Excel takes a leap, joining Sab on a journey south to a ramshackle desert town called Hello City. Populated by drifters, old hippies, and washed-up techies—and existing outside the normal constructs of American society—Hello City offers Excel a chance to forge his own path for the first time. But after so many years of trying to be invisible, who does he want to become? And is it possible to put down roots in a country that has always considered you an outsider?

Thrumming with energy and at once critical and hopeful, The Son of Good Fortune is a luminous story of a mother and son testing the strength of their bond to their country—and to each other.