A Journey of Innocence and Unintention
The most striking aspect of this book is how Roberto address the concept of unintentional offense. In a world increasingly aware of the impact of our actions and words, the story serves as a mirror to our own missteps and complexities. We can see ourselves in the book and it can help us understand moments where painful truths harmed us.
Entertaining and honest
I enjoyed this book very much. It made me laugh and reflect on my childhood and my parents. I hope to see this collection of essays become a TV series and a stand-up comedy show.
This book made me remember events from my childhood. The honest and funny way in which Roberto expresses how a child with special and different characteristics develops in the midst of a family that does not understand why he is like that. Even more so, a family that does not have the tools to understand and care for a special child.
Roberto makes you cry, laugh and understand everything in the same scene. He shows us in a very special way and through anecdotes from his childhood to be more understanding with our children.
Amazing Storytelling
Roberto did an excellent job with the way he addressed topics that are taboo in many homes, in a humorous way he carries messages of acceptance, diversity and family among others. You will love his book, highly recommended!
Funny. Personal. Honest.
An open and honest look at a childhood. Reminiscent of early Augusten Burroughs with the cultural touch of Esmeralda Santiago. A self awareness achieved in spite of life’s obstacles.
When the writer Roberto Carlos Cruz-Garcia was growing up, people called him a jerk.
Actually, they called him a lot worse than that — we just can’t say it on the radio. But he calls himself an unintentional offender.
That’s part of the inspiration for his new book, Sweet Boy: The Unintentional Offender.
Roberto has ADHD and he’s on the Autism spectrum. But as a kid, he was undiagnosed — and this made him the sweet boy who would sometimes say the wrong thing at the wrong time.
Even dropping a four-letter word to his aunt in Puerto Rico.
Roberto learned to navigate his way through the world —and he put that struggle into words. His book is 10 essays of a boy learning to embrace that he was a little different — and that that was okay.
Also, it made for some cringy, hilarious moments worth writing down.
He’ll be reading from his book Saturday at Books and Books in Coral Gables.
On the Oct. 31 episode of Sundial, Roberto joined us to talk about turning his struggle into satire.
In the panorama of contemporary literature, a new author has emerged with a fresh, vibrant voice. Unveiling a poignant memoir with a generous dash of humor and a resonating narrative, the debut author invites readers on a journey through his childhood and personal struggles.
"Sweet Boy. The Unintentional Offender", originally penned as a master’s thesis, has evolved into an authentic account of the author's life growing up gay in 1980s Puerto Rico. Echoing the tones of Brian Broome's "Punch Me Up to the Gods" and Tom Daley's "Coming Up for Air", this memoir weaves a rich tapestry of self-acceptance, identity struggles, and familial tribulations, all underlined with the author's unique wit and charm.
The author's writing style is characterized by simplicity, lightness, and raw honesty, punctuated with engaging humor and vivid imagery. His knack for infusing stories with sincerity and authenticity sets him apart in the memoir genre.
As described by the author, the writing process involves a refreshing fusion of music, creativity, and tenacity, with challenges primarily revolving around the language, as the author is not a native English speaker. Despite this, he has turned this hurdle into an opportunity, incorporating Spanish words into his narrative to add layers of authenticity and cultural richness.
The book, designed for adult readers, offers an intimate exploration of the author's first experiences with sexuality. But it also delves into deeper themes, such as childhood adversity, alcoholism, and child neglect, all tempered with humor to strike a balance between the light and the heavy.
Interestingly, writing the book required the author to revisit painful periods of his life, an endeavor which, though difficult, proved rewarding. It allowed him to accurately convey emotions from those times and infuse the narrative with the right amount of humor and exaggeration to balance the difficult moments.
The author's experiences and background play a pivotal role in shaping his writing. "I write about what I know, me," he said, adding that he's been inspired by authors like David Sedaris, whose fearless exploration of personal narratives has greatly influenced him.
Having navigated the publishing industry's maze, the author opted for the self-publishing route, giving life to his memoir beyond its existence as an academic thesis. His debut work is anticipated to resonate with many readers who share similar experiences, thus creating a powerful impact.
As for the future, the author revealed that he is working on a sequel, which will explore his college experiences, family dynamics, and his first marriage. He also plans to connect with readers through social media, a podcast, and other platforms.
"Sweet Boy. The Unintentional Offender" is not just a memoir. It's an earnest exploration of life's adversities and triumphs, showcasing the power of storytelling, humor, and authenticity. As the author quipped, "The book is funny," hinting at the unique blend of humor and introspection that readers can look forward to. Now available on Amazon.
With such a promising debut, we are excited to see how this author will continue to use humor and heartfelt narrative to bring his stories to life in the future.
About Roberto Carlos Cruz Garcia
Roberto Carlos Cruz Garcia is a Puerto Rican author known for his authentic and humorous writing. His debut book, "Sweet Boy. The Unintentional Offender," combines personal anecdotes, humor, and deep emotions to create a unique reading experience. Cruz has an M.A. in Creative Writing and a Ph.D. in Ethical Leadership. He continues to inspire readers with his life experiences and distinct storytelling style.
