So yes, literally a read that takes no time. I read it during the 24 hour readathon and it legit took me half an hour to read, as it’s in play form, and only 110 pages, and well, those aren’t prose type pages with sentences and paragraphs taking up the full page. I suppose the very best thing about Carmen by Walter Dean Myers is that it is a fast read. Perhaps the author’s note would have upped my opinion of this version, but I doubt it. I mean, my ARC copy was literally 110 pages and did not have the author’s note. I didn’t feel the same passion as my favorite version of Carmen. I had no idea why Jose was so attracted to her except for her looks. I had no idea what was so magnetic about Carmen. There weren’t enough scenes to get to know the characters. I guess I felt this version by Walter Dean Myers was under developed.

Oh yeah, and he has a thing for Carmen as well. Then we end up in some bar, where former projects resident-turned-famous producer Escamillo shows up. However, Carmen has a thing for police officer Jose. We see that Carmen is mad hot, I guess, because guys are falling all over themselves for her. We meet Carmen and her friends who are getting raided by the police in Harlem. Myers’ version of Carmen is a play, with two acts and as I recall four scenes.

Unfortunately, Carmen by Walter Dean Myers did not live up to my expectations. You know how you read a really excellent adaptation of a story and that becomes the standard by which you set all of the other adaptations? Then you may get really disappointed when other versions don’t quite live up to your expectations. Passion, love, and betrayal explode into tragedy in this modern retelling of an enduring love story. And Carmen has given up on José-he’s not going to get her out of her tough neighborhood,el barrio, and into the action. When Escamillo rolls into town, everyone takes notice of the Latino Jay-Z-a quadruple-threat singer/rapper/producer/businessman. But José has a quick temper, and he likes to get his own way. He’s not like the gansta types she knows-tipo duroswho are tough, who think they are players. When she first meets José, she falls for him hard. Into the summer heat of New York’s Spanish Harlem strides Carmen, achicawho is as hot as the sizzling city streets. Genres: African American, Hispanic & Latino, Love & Romance, People & Places, United States, Young Adult Carmen by Walter Dean MyersĪlso by this author: Monster, Kick, All the Right Stuff, Sunrise Over Fallujah, Juba!, Monster: A Graphic Novel, Darius & Twig This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Monster walter dean myers prologue