Charles de Lint’s The Painted Boy is an exceptionally inspiring book written by an exceptional craftsman in the history of writing extraordinary books. This story reflects on the ideas of being strong in whatever you do, never giving up hope, and evading the obstacles thrown at you in life. The Painted Boy is a book of inspiration. Full of inspiring moments, it leaves you day-dreaming with nothing, but inspirational thoughts and hope. This book is one of a kind, the cream of the crop. The Painted Boy takes you to the world of vocabularies, where you discover the unknown and the undiscovered. Jay-Li is a 17 year old boy who has set out from Chicago, being led by his luck and destiny. He randomly pointed a finger on a map and decided to live in Santo del Vado Viejo, AZ, which is where his finger was pointed to. Santo del Vado Viejo, AZ is a place filled with ruthless thugs and gangbangers. Unlike the gangbangers, Jay-Li is a very humble young man with the intentions of a saint. Fast as the speed of sound, and the great personality he beholds, makes him exceptional and distinguished from the others. But one thing that bothers him is a “tattoo” developing on his chest. A dragon tattoo so vivid and natural, never before has it been seen by others. The Painted Boy is a well-constructed story. With all the new words to learn from, your vocabulary is built up gradually. This book is a masterpiece, judging by the emotions that a reader may derive from. As reading takes place there are moments in the story which sympathy and empathy are felt, as well as happiness. For example, as the main character, Jay-Li; was being chased by the gangbanger with ”a crown tattooed on his forehead”, accompanied by his team, a feeling of empathy aroused in my heart (de Lint 6). This book excels in many ways. Furthermore, the plot of the story is the best I have ever read. The struggles the character goes through. Being hated by the gangs and even the animals around him adds a little bit of spice to the story. But just as Jay-Li has haters all around him,there are people who also cares for him such as Rosalie and Anna. Rosalie found a job for Jay-Li at her Uncle’s restaurant by “putting in a good word”, serving as a recommendation (de Lint 16). Anna, on the other hand, provided Jay-Li with shelter and a nice warming shower. From the ground up, bad relationships are built, as well as great relationships. The Painted Boy stands out among all other books. With the vivid and descriptive ways of describing, this book is extraordinary. Jay-Li’s dragon tattoo being described as “a complex pattern of swirling golds and yellows” definitely outlined the creativity this book has, when it comes to describing items in detail (de Lint 31). Emotions are derived from the story just by just reading. And with the new words that are being added to a person’s vocabulary while reading, makes this book exemplary. So if you need a beneficial book to read, remember The Painted Boy. Just your typical coming of age story featuring a Chinese American teenage dragon-boy finding his way in a Hispanic and Native American town filled with gang violence and animal people ....Parts of this book felt just a little clunky or predictable - it could just be the fact that I have read roughly a billion CdL books now, so I'm wise to his ways - but overall, this was a satisfying read. There was one misunderstanding core to the book that felt contrived and easily avoidable, but I enjoyed the characters and would eagerly read more stories about these characters and this world.
What do You think about The Painted Boy (2010)?
Native folklore and modern fantasy all wrapped up into one YA book.
—inesgrz
My husband bought me this book for Christmas. We'll see how it is!
—Elf183
