Sometimes We're Always Real Same-Same

July 6, 2009
Roesch’s offbeat debut is set in Unalakleet, Alaska, population 700, a destination that seems like the end of the world for teenage L.A. gang member Cesar Stone, uprooted by his mother after his older brother catches a murder conviction and a life sentence. Navigating without his brother or father, Cesar dwells on regrets while attempting to find himself in the refuge of his mom’s native Alaska. Aggrieved at leaving L.A., but also relieved to be free from the gang’s demands, Cesar bonds with his older cousin Go-boy, a Native with an optimistic outlook that belies personal tragedies. Go-boy bets a homemade tattoo of “Eskimo Jesus” that Cesar will stay in Alaska for a year, where he believes Cesar truly belongs. After becoming accustomed to Go-Boy’s peculiar dependability, Cesar begins to see troubling changes in his cousin; as he charts Go-boy’s drift, he begins to see himself changing as well. Roesch’s compelling story, exotic setting and eccentric characters make this coming-of-age tale a fresh, welcome read.

November 1, 2009
Adult/High School-Roesch has created accessible and credible characters and placed them in remote, small-town Native Alaska. Cesar, a gangster teen from Orange County, CA, moves with his mother back to her home in Unalakleet, a two-hour plane trip from Anchorage and "real" stores. His older cousin, Go-Boy, and Go's stepsister, Kiana, introduce Cesar not only to the daily realities and expectations of his new community, but also, eventually, to the new life that he realizes he wants to maintain. Both sides of the family have hardscrabble issues, including a member in prison, alcohol problems, and Go's mental health concerns. The author develops both plot and characters with a steady and respectful array of insights and sympathies."Francisca Goldsmith, Halifax Public Libraries, Nova Scotia"

Copyright 2009 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 9, 2009
In Roesch's first novel, narrator Cesar has grown up in Los Angeles, easily slipping into the gang life that has already sent his older brother Wicho to prison. Just before his senior year of high school, his mother (whose Eskimo heritage has gone without notice in a household led by her Mexican-wannabe husband) decides to take her younger son and move "home" to middle-of-nowhere Unalakleet, AK. There Cesar spends his days with his older cousin Go-Boy, a village favorite son, who has so far been able to hide the fact that he's been kicked out of bible college. At first, Go's natural leadership abilities and his place of honor in the community allow him to help his cousin navigate the culture shock and to find his way in a new place. But soon, Cesar realizes that his cousin is losing his grip on reality. Verdict This beautiful story of cousins provides a great look at a culture few Americans know. It should appeal both to readers of coming-of-age stories and to those fascinated by small town culture.-Debbie Bogenschutz, Cincinnati State Techical & Community Coll. Lib.

Copyright 2009 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 15, 2009
Roeschs refreshingly honest debut opens with the uprooting of Cesar, a 17-year-old gangbanger, from Los Angeles to Unalakleet, Alaska, where his mother grew up, and where she hopes to re-establish ties to family and the traditions she left behind. Cesars older brother is in prison for life for killing two 15-year-old gang members; their father has been mostly out of their lives. Cesars cousin, Go-Boy, shows Cesar around the small village. He bets Cesar hell decide to stay for at least a year, but Cesar cant fathom staying in such an isolated, tiny, un-hip place for longer than a summer. Roeschs portrayal of the growing bond between these two cousins, and Go-Boys adopted sister Kiana, is masterful. As they share their pasts, and experience sorrow and disappointments in the present, they forge relationships that will survive their lifetimes. By deftly moving back and forth in time, Roesch draws the reader closer and closer to his tightly knit characters and the community that binds them. A totally engaging first novel, partly autobiographical and completely unique.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2009, American Library Association.)