Author Explores Modern Homelessness, Impact of Gentrification in Contemporary Fiction Novel

SAN DIEGO, July 29, 2019 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Author Joe Rodríguez has published his compelling contemporary fiction novel that centers around a downtown homeless shelter, The Settlement, which is slated to be shuttered, demolished and commercially redeveloped.

In "Words Unspoken, Things Unseen," a pastor, ex-boxer, doctor and archeology professor work together tirelessly to preserve the shelter while also having their faith and loyalty tested at every turn by land-hungry developers, chronic illness and internal conflict. A displaced, school-age boy from a dysfunctional family enters the fray, too, and fights desperately to save the one place he has learned to call home.

Through his book, Rodríguez initiates a timely discussion about modern homelessness and its impact on underserved people of all ages – whether college students who are food insufficient and choose to couch surf to avoid inflated costs of living near their campuses or seniors who are also affected by high housing costs and the loss of defined pensions.

"The real-life social issues discussed in my book affect so many different demographics in this day and age, and my characters really speak to that and give it depth," Rodríguez said. "Education is touted as a way to escape poverty. And it can be. But luck counts and so does the kindness of strangers."

Driven by its strong-willed, eclectic cast of characters, "Words Unspoken, Things Unseen" offers poignant glimpses into real-world social issues faced by transitional housing organizations and those who advocate for, live in and benefit from them.

"This is a plot-driven story with likeable characters and some welcome unexpected turns," a BlueInk reviewer wrote about the book. "Much to the author's credit, this is not the usual stereotypical cast of characters but dimensional people with flaws and weaknesses."

"Words Unspoken, Things Unseen"
By Joe Rodríguez
ISBN: 978-1-4990-0456-4 (hardcover); 978-1-4990-0457-1 (softcover);
978-1-4990-0455-7 (e-book)
Available through Xlibris, Barnes & Noble and Amazon

About the author
Joe Rodríguez is a novelist, literary critic, war veteran, licensed vocational nurse and university professor who once slept on a steam grate at the very college where he would later teach. Rodríguez served in Vietnam from 1965-1966 and earned his bachelor's degree in philosophy from San Diego State University in 1967. He went on to earn his Ph.D. from the University of California, San Diego, in 1977, and he taught in the department of Mexican American studies at San Diego State University. Rodríguez is also the author of "Oddsplayer" – a novel about Latino, Anglo and African American soldiers in the Vietnam War – and he is currently in the process of publishing his third book, "Growing the American Way" – a novel about a group of people who grow marijuana in secret in the desert, make a small fortune and turn their lives around. He currently resides in San Diego. To learn more, please visit http://www.homelessnovelthingsunseen.com.

General Inquiries, Review Copies & Interview Requests:
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Danielle Grobmeier
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SOURCE Joe Rodríguez