A phenomenal work of sociological fiction, Labor Days sends readers on the chaotic journeys of Victor Rivera in his working-poor community during the end of summer 2007. In this coming-of-age story, Victor is an underachiever whose antics disappoint the people closest to him, including his guardian, Papa Tone. While tragedy strikes daily, Victor remains distracted by MLB box scores of Indians games and preparing for the greasy pole climb, a cash-prize contest awarding the team that reaches the top of a 30-foot utility pole slathered in axle grease. Recent trauma inflicted on this tight-knit neighborhood will result in lasting effects. How will Victor respond in the aftermath of such adversity? Is redemption possible? What will it take to restore hope in a region whose residents are defined by their resilience?
