The Wake of Expectations by Javier De Lucia is a mesmerizing blend of literary fiction and coming-of-age story that follows Calvin “Cal” McShane as he navigates the world. His parents are lottery winners, and he is accepted into his dream college. That is enough to make anyone’s life hopeful. But not Cal. He becomes listless, slowly withdrawing from friends and family, and adrift, unsure of what he wants for himself and his life. How far will he stray from his imagined future, and can he reconnect with himself and those who truly matter? Told in a mesmerizing, authentic, and quirky first-person narrative voice, this story takes readers through a mosaic of experiences and emotions, exploring what it felt like to come of age in the 1990s.

Javier De Lucia is a skilled storyteller whose story engages from the outset. I loved the irresistible narrative voice that reflects Cal’s personality. The characterization is deftly handled, as Calvin demonstrates the confusion of youth and the waywardness characteristics of young people who are uncertain about what they want. The sparkling dialogue creates intense drama, and the succinct sentences and timely paragraph breaks give a vividly dramatic effect. I also loved the short paragraphs and the well-crafted transitions: they made my reading enjoyable. The Wake of Expectations offers exquisite prose, fully drawn characters, and humor, which compelled me to keep turning the pages. The author captures the experience of Gen X with intelligence, creating a world filled with imagery and a setting with strong cultural and relevant social undertones.

The Wake of Expectations by Javier De Lucia is a literary novel that follows Calvin McShane, who has recently secured a spot at his preferred college, and his family has unexpectedly come into wealth through a lottery win. Despite these opportunities, he experiences emotional distance from his loved ones and struggles to envision his future. The story is set in a time when personal connections happened face-to-face, without digital devices. It focuses on the challenges Calvin faces as his goals shift, highlighting the process of self-discovery and the choices involved in growing up. Through a mix of almost every imaginable emotion, Calvin hops, skips, and often falls in taking us through friendships, love, and the changing circumstances in his journey toward adulthood.

The Wake of Expectations by Javier De Lucia presents an intense and emotionally charged look at 1990s societal pressure, complete with pop culture references, and in a style that, much like Calvin, refuses to conform to traditional storytelling. The writing is raw and powerful, with a voice that confronts all things uncomfortable head-on, and De Lucia gives us the space to dwell on it long enough for it to fully soak in. This is what I would call grit-fiction in its most honest form, and it is exactly this unreliable, not pretty, rugged crucifixion of 90s coming of age that keeps the momentum alive. Are there clear answers? No. But does everything go according to plan? Also, no. If that is what a reader is expecting, they have totally missed the point. Overall, De Lucia's marvel is suited for those who seek literature that subverts every shred of expectation and dares to expose the fringes of human experience without glossing over its darker aspects. Very highly recommended.

Not-so-mighty Calvin McShane steps up to bat—a chance to win the game. However, he strikes out, which sets the tone for The Wake of Expectations, a novel by Javier De Lucia. Fast forward several years to the 1990s, and a young Calvin is enjoying life with his friends and small rock band when his father wins the lottery. At a time when the future is alive with possibilities, Calvin dreams the kind of dreams that many teenage boys have before reality confronts them with the weight of responsibility. Believing he's set for life, Calvin struggles to understand why his parents are forcing him to attend a prestigious university he has no interest in. To make matters worse, he watches his father financially support a talentless singer in her music career while letting Calvin fend for himself. As Calvin moves on to college and navigates through life, he slowly learns that moments in time are precious, and when they're gone, you can never get them back.

Detailed and well-composed, The Wake Of Expectations by Javier De Lucia is a coming-of-age story that delights. The plot revolves around a privileged young boy of half-Filipino heritage as he navigates self-discovery during his late teens and early twenties. The novel addresses numerous themes, with a particular emphasis on personal growth and awareness. The characters are diverse and well-developed, especially Calvin, who is portrayed as intelligent, typical, unique, embarrassing, and, at times, a whiny little brat who could use a reality check. With a leisurely pace filled with humor and a beautifully written narrative, The Wake of Expectations is a compelling tale for fans of literary fiction and anyone looking to revisit the angst of youth.

The Wake of Expectations by Javier De Lucia is a nostalgic coming-of-age novel set in the 1990s. It follows the journey of Calvin "Cal" McShane, a young man whose life seems perfect—he's been accepted into his dream college, and his parents have just won the lottery. Yet, beneath these blessings, Cal feels a sense of disconnection from his dreams and the people he loves. As Cal navigates friendships, love, and self-discovery, he learns that the future isn't as predictable as he once thought. The story paints a vivid picture of a young man questioning his path, eventually leading to a heartfelt resolution where Cal embraces his journey with a newfound sense of purpose. Javier De Lucia takes readers on a hilarious and heartfelt ride through the chaos of growing up. The author captures the 1990s without feeling forced. Instead of drowning readers in nostalgia, De Lucia sprinkles just enough cultural touches to remind you of the era. From music to everyday interactions, the setting feels real. It's a world where people meet face-to-face, where friends matter more than followers. This makes the story more personal, giving it a sense of warmth.

Calvin McShane is the kind of character who feels like someone you know. He's messy, unsure, and painfully honest. Cal's journey isn't a straightforward path to self-improvement. He fumbles, makes bad choices, and then wonders why his life isn't working out. But that's what makes him feel real. His inner thoughts—raw, funny, and often a bit too honest—pull you into his story. The humor is sometimes crass, but it fits Cal's character. The writing style is direct, often intimidating, and filled with unfiltered dialogue. Javier De Lucia isn't afraid to show teenage awkwardness, and that adds to the charm. The plot mirrors Cal's struggles to figure out what he wants. It reflects the reality of growing up, often more about small realizations than grand moments. The Wake of Expectations is the kind of story that stays with you. It's honest, funny, and not afraid to show how confusing growing up can be. Perfect for those who appreciate stories where the protagonist doesn't have all the answers, but keeps trying anyway.