Armenteros’ novel is a dizzying spell of existential questions and identity crises. As a poor man living alone under a bridge with only a collection of books, the protagonist, who refers to himself as Jesucristo, attracts the condescension and indifference of passersby. As his days progress, he waxes poetic about the rising and setting sun, shrinks in the face of hostile encounters, and grows increasingly paranoid about the outside world, a vast “social matrix” he wishes to disappear from yet is simultaneously drawn to. The author introduces a few recurring characters, themes, and settings; some are cryptic, like a prophetic blind man and the confusing relationship between the protagonist and God, and some more recognizable, like a band of men in blue hunting the protagonist down, and a group of rowdy teenage boys, careless and without direction. In this world of palpable animosity, readers also get the sense that the protagonist is not as innocent as he claims to be. Small glimpses of a murky family background reveal themselves, and he continually grows unnerved by the disappearance of a book and the unintelligible voice he argues with in his head. Constructed as half chronicle, half monologue, this philosophical novel is narrated in the first person and addresses readers as “you,” adding a sense of urgency and intimacy. “I have a voice, but nobody listens to it,” he bemoans. “I have opinions, but nobody seems to care about them.” Through the consistent presence of this ingratiating tone, readers will come to believe that they’re witnessing someone blindly talking to himself in circles. Armenteros’ novel follows the absurdity of his character and the world he’s created to the bitter end, and readers will be left wondering whether everything has completely fallen apart or if, in fact, this was all just a bad dream.
     Kirkus Reviews

Armenteros strips life down to its naked core and imbues it with delicate jazz riffs and the dangerous beauty of the streets. His protagonist is a homeless soul, timid and kind, yet tormented by the authorities and a turbulent past. Questions abound. How does a person who owns nothing and has nowhere to go travel to the unknown? Why do we allow ourselves to be tortured by our own cruel thoughts? Seeking answers, Armenteros dives deep into the void and surfaces with gold. A novel of gentle humor, stark nobility and frequent wisdom. Not to be missed. 
     Patrick Pfister 

As Armenteros writes in one of The Spiral of Words’ many fine passages, “That is the danger; a book may be bolder than yourself and reveal what you refuse to accept.” 
     Laird Hunt 

Armenteros compels us to hear our own roar of the river and follow the course. He is one of our most innovative, introspective and brilliant writers. 
     American Book Review 

Armenteros evokes the dreamscapes and desires of Marquez, Joyce, and Ballard while asserting his own distinctive voice. 
     D. Harlan Wilson