In Walter Aimwell's novel 'Oscar; Or, The Boy Who Had His Own Way,' readers are transported into the world of a young protagonist named Oscar who is determined to live life on his own terms. Aimwell's literary style in this work combines elements of satire and bildungsroman, allowing readers to explore themes of independence, self-discovery, and the consequences of unchecked freedom. Set in the late 19th century, the book provides a unique perspective on the societal norms and values of the time, making it a valuable piece of historical fiction. Walter Aimwell, a prolific author known for his insightful character portrayals and social commentary, likely drew inspiration from the changing dynamics of society during his time. His keen observations on human behavior and relationships shine through in 'Oscar; Or, The Boy Who Had His Own Way,' adding depth and realism to the narrative. I highly recommend 'Oscar; Or, The Boy Who Had His Own Way' to readers who enjoy thought-provoking literature that delves into the complexities of human nature and societal expectations. Aimwell's skillful storytelling and nuanced characterization make this novel a compelling and enlightening read for anyone interested in exploring the intersection of personal agency and societal influences.

Winner of: The Pulitzer Prize The National Book Critics Circle Award The Anisfield-Wolf Book Award The Jon Sargent, Sr. First Novel Prize A Time Magazine #1 Fiction Book of the Year One of the best books of 2007 according to: The New York Times, San Francisco Chronicle, New York Magazine, Entertainment Weekly, The Boston Globe, Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, People, The Village Voice, Time Out New York, Salon, Baltimore City Paper, The Christian Science Monitor, Booklist, Library Journal, Publishers Weekly, New York Public Library, and many more... Nominated as one of America’s best-loved novels by PBS’s The Great American Read Oscar is a sweet but disastrously overweight ghetto nerd who—from the New Jersey home he shares with his old world mother and rebellious sister—dreams of becoming the Dominican J.R.R. Tolkien and, most of all, finding love. But Oscar may never get what he wants. Blame the fukú—a curse that has haunted Oscar’s family for generations, following them on their epic journey from Santo Domingo to the USA. Encapsulating Dominican-American history, The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao opens our eyes to an astonishing vision of the contemporary American experience and explores the endless human capacity to persevere—and risk it all—in the name of love.