Rating:
Summary:
Kyle Mango had it rough. His father left the family while he was still in high school. Kyle soon had to help take care of his mother and two younger siblings. Choosing a college nearby, he attends Texas Tech University where he meets the lovely, environmental friendly Gretchen. She quickly helps him escape the Greek oppression, and they become friends. Unfortunately, she decides to pursue other matters and wishes to avoid having a boyfriend until after graduation. Finally receiving his Bachelor’s, Kyle wishes to pursue Gretchen. Sadly, his uncle passes and leaves Kyle four oil wells and over 800 acres of land. Overnight, Kyle had a job and a means to help his mother. Going with a Radical Regina, Gretchen volunteers to clean oily birds in Alaska. Kyle then has to decide whether to tell Gretchen about his new occupation or keep his secret and pursue someone else.
Analysis:
Ray Blackston continues to write in his witty and zany style in Last Mango in Texas . His characters are memorable, and his plot is remarkable. This book is definitely a page-turner. I loved the chapter titles. They were interesting and intriguing. My one regret is that it didn’t have the ending words of wisdom that many of his books had.
Impact:
The main thing that has impacted me the most from Last Mango in Texas is the same thing that puzzled Kyle. What am I doing with my life? Since graduating from college, what have a done for the good of society? It’s a depressing thought as I look back and observe this past year. I hope this year is more full of accomplishments and activities that are helpful to everyone.
“I looked at God kind of like I looked at the rpm gauge on my Toyota—if I felt I’d pushed God too far into the red zone, I feared the consequences, backed off the accelerator, and made an attempt at apology. Sorry God. Didn’t mean to do that. Just having a bad day.” ( Last Mango in Texas 77 )
“…I took a moment to fold her card into a tiny airplane. I even adjusted its little wings. On its maiden voyage – a short domestic route with no meals or drinks or even a free pack of peanuts – that plane flew directly into a trash basket. No survivors.” ( Last Mango in Texas 163 )
7/4/10 – 7/8/10
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