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Random Family

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2003

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Book Brief

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Adrian Nicole LeBlanc

Random Family

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2003
Book Details
Pages

432

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

The Bronx, New York • 1980s-1990s

Publication Year

2003

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Random Family by Adrian Nicole LeBlanc, published in 2003, follows the lives of two Puerto Rican teenagers from the Bronx, Jessica Martinez and Coco Rodriguez, as they navigate hardships involving crime, poverty, motherhood, and addiction. The story delves into their personal struggles and relationships over many years, highlighting the impact of systemic neglect and personal choices on their lives. The book addresses sexual violence and abuse.

Gritty

Dark

Emotional

Challenging

Informative

Reviews & Readership

4.4

13,563 ratings

83%

Loved it

13%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Adrian Nicole LeBlanc's Random Family paints a vivid, intricate portrait of life in the Bronx, with reviewers lauding its depth and empathetic storytelling. Praised for its thorough research, the book is sometimes critiqued for its density and emotional intensity, which some readers find overwhelming. Overall, it’s a compelling, immersive read that offers a stark look at poverty and resilience.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Random Family?

A reader who would enjoy Random Family by Adrian Nicole LeBlanc is likely drawn to detailed, real-life narratives exploring societal issues. Fans of The Other Wes Moore by Wes Moore and There Are No Children Here by Alex Kotlowitz will appreciate LeBlanc's in-depth portrayal of family dynamics and urban poverty.

4.4

13,563 ratings

83%

Loved it

13%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Character List

Jessica Martinez

A dynamic and sensual figure who navigates complex relationships in her search for love, experiencing significant life changes that include involvement with a drug kingpin and motherhood under challenging circumstances.

Jessica's emotionally significant daughter, who matures through many hardships and experiences formative care from other women in her community as she grows into an assertive young woman.

Lourdes's sensitive but troubled son, deeply affected by his environment, whose life is marked by early criminal involvement and eventual incarceration, during which he reflects on his past and circumstances.

Initially introduced as Cesar's romantic interest, she is a resilient woman whose ability to create a home and care for her children offers warmth and support within her challenging socio-economic situation.

Coco and Cesar's firstborn, characterized by a rebellious nature perceived as both spirited and problematic, shaped by her early experiences and the absence of her father.

A woman grappling with the challenges of motherhood and addiction, her life is defined by instability and complexity as she manages her family responsibilities amid personal struggles.

A powerful drug kingpin whose influence profoundly impacts Jessica's life, known for his charisma, strategic acumen in the drug trade, and moments of unexpected tenderness.

Book Details
Pages

432

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

The Bronx, New York • 1980s-1990s

Publication Year

2003

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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