What We Thought: Marcelo in the real world by Francisco X. Stork

Evening Book Club Blog

November 25, 2015

Marcelo in the real world by Francisco X. Stork

Marcelo’s father Arturo has insisted that he change his summer plan from working with ponies at his school to a job in the mail room at his father’s law firm. The deal is that Marcelo must follow the rules of the “real world” in order to earn the privilege of returning to finish his senior year at his school.

Readers exclaimed that they “loved, loved, loved” Marcelo and his story. They recognized the point-counter point of the characters who were on Marcelo’s side and those who would take advantage of his naiveté. He was truly a good person who made decisions that fit into his life in a positive way. The discussion was evenly divided between those who accepted his childlike nature and wish to be left alone in his own world and those who felt that he should accept the challenge of the “real world” and move on to an independent life. No one changed their mind after the discussion ended, but everyone cheered for Marcelo and the outcome of his decisions.

Readers were very involved with Marcelo’s experiences and wanted to know about the author’s background and how he was able to write so convincing and emphatically about Asperger’s. They speculated about what happens to Marcelo after the book ends and wanted to talk personally with the author. Several plan to read his other books and talked quite a bit about them while reading from the book club discussion guide.

Quotes from Marcelo and his character traits were recognized as authentic and truthful. Most readers thought that his father Arturo pushed Marcelo out of his comfort zone into the “real world” for his own reasons and not for the benefit of Marcelo. It worked out for Marcelo anyway so it would have been a win-win situation except for Marcelo’s discovery of malfeasance in the law firm.

Marcelo found his way in the “real world” on his own with the support of his mother who some believed to be over protective but kind and understanding. His discussions with Rabbi Heschel revealed another dimension to his character and readers quoted passages of scripture from the book which resonated with them. Jasmine from the mail room encouraged him and accepted his somewhat unorthodox ways of doing things. She opened his eyes to new experiences and independence. Ixtel, the girl with an injured face showed Marcelo the positive as well as negative aspects of misfortune. Wendell, the other partner’s son was a bully, but Marcelo soon learned not to let him take advantage of any situation. One reader said, There are lots or weasels in the world like Wendell.”

Readers spoke about characters from TV shows and books who reminded them of Marcelo and others in his life. Eddy Haskell from Leave it to Beaver is a clone of Wendell and Sheldon from the Big Bang Theory could be Marcelo a few years in the future. It was said that Marcelo is a gentle soul and we need more of him in the world. Some readers decided to let Marcelo live in the “real world”. The world will not go away. He has to live there or he won’t be able to live on his own. He found his own place in the real world and will be self-sufficient. Others said that he should be left alone to live in his world because it’s a better life. One reader suggested that the group should end the evening with a rendition of “Imagine” by John Lennon. They declined.

Have you read Marcelo in the real world? What did you think? Please share your thoughts in comments.