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The Last Summer of the Death Warriors Audiobook
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(3.02) - 1,144 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
DEATH
It surrounds Pancho. His father, in an accident. His sister, murdered. His own plans to trace her killer. And D.Q.— a guy Pancho’s age who’s dying of cancer.
That is, if he’ll ever shut up.
LOVE
D.Q. is writing the Death Warrior Manifesto, a guide to living out his last days fully. He needs just one more thing: the love of the beautiful Marisol. But as Pancho tracks down his sister’s murderer, he finds himself falling for Marisol as well. . . .
FAITH
And choices that seemed right and straightforward become tender, tentative, real. While D.Q. faces his own crisis of doubt, Pancho is inexorably drawn to a decision: to revenge his sister and her death, or to embrace the way of the Death Warrior and choose life.
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"I heard this author speak and thought he was a beautiful human being. I wanted to read what a man like that would write and I have not been disappointed! He crafts beautiful stories. Although I liked Marcello in the Real World better, this also was a powerful story about the soul's desire to live and reach for goodness."
— Heidi (4 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
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“An intricate, engaging story, with the occasional parallel to Don Quixote.”
— Denver Post -
“Complicated yet ultimately endearing characters are a Francisco Stork standard. His latest novel doesn’t disappoint.”
— Chicago Sun-Times -
“Characters that are just as fully formed and memorable as in Stork’s Marcelo in the Real World embody this openhearted, sapient novel about finding authentic faith and choosing higher love.”
— Publishers Weekly (starred review) -
“Stork’s latest marks him as one of the most promising young adult authors of the new decade.”
— Horn Book (starred review) -
“Stork’s characterizations are solid, from D.Q.’s probing intensity to Pancho’s silent rage. Female characters are vivid as well, from Helen’s passive aggression to Marisol, who displays a soulful intelligence. The narrative is dialogue heavy, but even philosophical conversations between steely Pancho and effusive D.Q. are natural, and often funny.”
— School Library Journal -
“Well-written and with vividly described characters, this is a coming-of-age story that will keep you guessing.”
— RT Book Reviews
Awards
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A 2010 Publishers Weekly Best Book: Children's Fiction
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Selected for the Spring 2010 Kids' Indie Next List
The Last Summer of the Death Warriors Listener Reviews
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" It's a fantastic book! a very good read. this book can teach you to look at life a totally different way. to make you think about how precious life really is. "
— Julie, 2/20/2014 -
" Overall, what a great YA novel! I enjoyed the story and its very big theme of embracing life even in the face of so much death. I thought every character seemed real, and I loved the weaving in of the various supporting characters. "
— Kristenfalsocapaldi, 2/5/2014 -
" I do think this was a good book - obviously, since I gave it a 4/5. However, when (SPOILER ALERT) Pancho goes to avenge his sister, it seems really weird that he just walks away... I mean you think he'd do something. Something! "
— Kathy, 2/1/2014 -
" Pancho and Daniel are two very different teenage boys living in a New Mexico orphanage. They both are facing life changing events. One of the boys is dying from cancer and the other boy has a moral dilemma with possible catastrophic consequences to his future. The one thing they do have in common is there loyalty to each other and both have faced tragedies in their lives. "
— Gina, 1/28/2014 -
" This is absolutely one of the best books I've ever read. I'm planning on giving my eyes a little rest and then finding another book by this awesome author! "
— Nancylouu, 1/20/2014 -
" This was fine. I didn't like it as well as Marcello; the characters weren't as engaging and the plot seemed really slow. I appreciated the nuances of Pancho's character, but i felt he was missing something to being him all together. Overall it was a fine story, but nothing I got too excited about. "
— Erin, 1/17/2014 -
" A complex and beautiful book about life and how we choose to live it. "
— Rachel, 12/21/2013 -
" A bit manipulative at times. Heartfelt mostly. "
— Non, 12/14/2013 -
" An interesting morality story centered around a young man dealing with death in the past, present and future. "
— Mike, 11/18/2013 -
" I don't enjoy character driven books, especially slow ones. "
— Jenna, 7/10/2013 -
" Liked this book a lot. The character arcs were my favorite part. "
— Devo, 6/22/2013 -
" I am not one for poignant reading and would have abandoned this book early on but I became hooked on the story and had to finish. I liked the writing style and the story had engaging characters. "
— Patricia, 5/8/2013 -
" An inspirational read about friendship, family, life and how to live it! This one was one of my favorites of 2010! "
— Pam, 9/17/2012 -
" Loved this book. I hope it wins a Printz. "
— Molly, 2/11/2012 -
" Lead characters very interesting and likable. "
— Michele, 11/12/2011 -
" I Loved Marcelo in the real world, but this book is not as special as I hoped it to be. "
— Yasmin, 9/5/2011 -
" Sometimes a book is so good (and speaks to you at just the right time) that you just soak in every line...very nice, very touching, and a very lovely example of what books for boys can and should be!<br/><br/> "
— Heather, 4/25/2011 -
" According to the back cover, I give this book 5 stars! I can't wait to start it! "
— Renee, 4/14/2011 -
" A lot to think about in this book. Life is precious. "
— Crystal, 4/3/2011 -
" I had to read this as I loved Marcelo and the Real World. I'd say the characters were almost as endearing as those in Marcelo, but the book didn't give me as much to think about as Marcelo did. Still an excellent read. "
— Cass, 3/14/2011 -
" This book grabbed me from page one and never let go. There was no sag throughout. The characterizations were terrific! "
— Patti, 3/2/2011 -
" Overall, what a great YA novel! I enjoyed the story and its very big theme of embracing life even in the face of so much death. I thought every character seemed real, and I loved the weaving in of the various supporting characters. "
— Kristenfalsocapaldi, 2/25/2011 -
" Young adult book, no idea where I heard of it. Just OK. <br/> "
— Linda, 2/5/2011 -
" I loved this touching story about two young men who become friends and help each other during some hard times. This is a quick read- which I've been in need of lately. "
— Tracy, 2/4/2011 -
" Great story, wonderful and loveable characters who help each other grow and mature. "
— Aohara, 1/31/2011 -
" I hate to say this, but I wasn’t nearly as charmed by this book as I was by Marcelo in the Real World. I did still enjoy it, however, so if you like Stork’s writing I’d recommend it. "
— Maureen, 1/27/2011
About Francisco X. Stork
Francisco X. Stork is the author of Marcelo in the Real World and five other novels. Francisco studied at Spring Hill College, Harvard University, and Columbia Law School. He spent more than three decades working as a lawyer while also working on his writing career. He retired in 2015 and spends his time writing outside of Boston where he lives with his wife.
About Ryan Gesell
Ryan Gesell is a film, television, and voice actor, as well as an AudioFile Earphones Award–winning narrator. His film credits include Crossing Over and A Perfect Getaway, and his television appearances include The Shield, Prison Break, Seventh Heaven, Passions, Boy Meets World, and numerous others. He has also appeared in a number of commercials and public service announcements, as well as Internet shorts and webisodes.