No comments about Cesar Chavez (Just the Facts Biographies).

2 comments about Heroes, Lovers, and Others: The Story of Latinos in Hollywood.

1. It was that gorgeous sepia cover of Rita Hayworth that first drew me to this book. I'm not a movie buff, but that classic pose captivated me, and when I saw the numerous dramatic stills of famous screen icons from across the entire history of film, I immediately purchased four copies-for my mother, my two aunts and my niece.
   Rita Hayworth was born Margarita Carmen Cansino, I quickly learned, and she had begun her career as a a Latin dancer and actor. Her's is only one of a flood of stories of Latinos stars throughout Hollywood's first century. The book is an easy and quick read, but I ended up learning a lot about how the history of Hollywood and America are intertwined. I felt that the historical context deepened and enriched the stories and provided them with a greater meaning.
   One of my favorite stories is about an Austrian actor named Jacob Krantz, whose acting career was going nowhere until he changed his name to Ricardo Cortez and immediately became a big star. His brother Stanley followed him to Hollywood, also changed his name to Cortez, and won several awards as a cinematographer. And did you know that Anthony Quinn came to the US illegally, and picked crops, preached on street corners and boxed before becoming a major star?
   The author writes with an accessible style and great insight. The pictures are wonderful. I'm neither Latino nor a big movie-goer, but I still loved "Heroes, Lovers and Others" because it is such a lively collage of wonderful stories about America and the rich variety of people who populate it.



2. Rodriguez gets us thinking about the place of Latinos in US feature film from the very beginning to the present and in a sense, it's a book with a happy ending, because after decades of near-invisibility, Latinos and Latinas are becoming highly visible and indeed stars with huge followings. I mean, like it or not, Jennifer Lopez has millions of fans, as does Christina Aguillera. Intriguing are her portraits of Hollywood's Latin stars of days gone by, from the dashing Gilbert Roland to the gay superstar Ramon Novarro, and the answers to trivia questions like Olga San Juan. But she has some facts wrong, and it makes me wonder if even I, a non-Latino, can pick up some mistakes she has made, who knows maybe there are even more I don't know about! In her article on raquel Welch, first of all she deplores the fact that Jo Raquel Tejada was forced to change her name to Welch. She says that "Welch was another name in her family." Every fan of Raquel's in fact knows that "Welch" is the name of Raquel's first husband, and she didn't "steal" it or anything from some other member of her own family. Rodriguez also claims that Raquel made her screen debut in the call-girl melodrama A HOUSE IS NOT A HOME, when most historians credit her in appearing in the Elvis programmer ROUSTABOUT way before AHINAH. But, all in all you can't go wrong with Rodriguez (except when she goes wrong), and I love her description of Anthony Quinn as having the greatest gift of a screen actor, the ability to make audiences think they have known the character he is playing in any particular picture, that they have known him for a long time. It's a quirky observation, but a valid one, and a valuable one to boot.

1 comments about Windows into My World: Latino Youth Write Their Lives.

1. This book is great!
   As the young writers wrote each of their individual stories, I began to see faces that appear each semester in my classes at Monterey Peninsula College (MPC) in California. The rosters that I am given at the beginning of each semester echo many of the surnames that I saw in the book.
   As a Anglo, born and raised in southern California, I thought I knew a lot
   about the Latino heritage, but I was mistaken.
   As I read through each story, I began to see and understand much more
   clearly how difficult it is for my minority students to leave their
   families; enroll in college classes; maintain their grades; work part or
   full time; and hope to graduate/transfer to a four year college.
   I am much better informed and able to empathize with each of them now that I have read and digested "Windows Into My World".
   I am grateful that Sarah undertook and completed such an ambitious and
   important project.
   She should be congratulated for the accomplishment.
   A.J. Farrar, M.S.

1 comments about Latino Heroes of the Civil War.

1. From Back Cover:
   
   "Give your students a fresh, multicultural perspective on the Civil War while sharpening their reading, vocabulary, and critical-thinking skills. The unique book focuses on six individual Latino heroes who impacted this critical period in American history -- half of them in the eastern United States, and half in the West. Extensive, easy-to-read background information about the Civil War itself is also provided. Each chapter concludes with stimulating follow-up activities.
   
   The six heroes examined in this fascinating book are David Farragut, Loreta Velazquez, Federico Cavada, Santos Benavides, Rafael Chacon, and Manuel Chaves.

5 comments about An Accidental Soldier: Memoirs of a Mestizo in Vietnam.

1. I was in 3rd Plt 2/502 101st Abn from Nov. 1967 until April 1968 and was wounded along with Danial Boaz, Mike Hibner and others at Bastogne as stated in this book. The details however are not accurate. Boaz did not leave in a body bag, he was medivaced to a hospital ship and died a few days later. I did have a sucking chest wound but I never even knew it until I was in the APC and the wounded medic told me, I never knew manny garcia and he never bandaged my wound. I did know, and proudly served with others mentioned in this book. Guys like Boaz, Wunder, Irwin, Moody, Hall, Davis, Sgt Barnhill, and SFC Wilson he called him williams. He left out others like Hibner, Jackson, Davis, Hall, Sealey and MILTON LEE our Medal of Honor awardee. How could Milton Lee not be in any book about our Company or Platoon? He was killed in Ashaw valley in May of 68 singlehandedly taking out several machinegun nest saving what was left of our pinned down company. Surprised manny garcia didn't take credit for that too. There were many others I proudly seved with whose names escape me but manny garcia was NOT one of them. My guess is this guy was a REMP in our unit because he knew enough partial details to be getting info from someone who was actually there or he read some fairly detailed reports. The book is basically total crap and absolutly fiction. His book insults the men and memories of all who served. SHAME on you garcia and shame on the publisher who printed this FICTION!!



2. I use this book in a university-level class and have Manny visit the class where the students have the opportunity to cross-examine him on the book and race relations in general. The students generally find the book useful, some saying it is the best book they have read. It is a hard read. Is it truthful? What actually did happen in Viet Nam during those absolutely horrible and useless times with so many lives on all sides thrown away? The Swift Boat fraggers made it clear that any criticism of the US forces in Viet Nam was unacceptable and as with many conservatives, any lie will suffice to stifle criticims of the military and their overbloated worship, What DID happen in Viet Nam? Memories are funny things. Many veterans have nightmares of their experiences in Viet Nam. Are these real memories? Maybe so and maybe not. Did they happen? Did they happen to Manny? I think they did happen and probably to Manny, or near him and they live in his memory like monsters. War is a terrible waste, but so many love it, so many worship it. So many equate military duty with patriotism. Any country that equates military service with patriotism is a danger to the whole world. Our arrogance keeps costing us our money, our lives, our reputation. If there is no other message in Manny's book, that is it. The US has taught the world so many lessons and has forgotten them all.



3. Regardless of it's literature categorization, this is a heartfelt, wonderfully written book, and it does it's purpose: it makes the reader consider war from all perspectives, and has you question the bases of ethnic conflict. Job well done.
   Shut the hell up; we can honor the army and simultaneously criticize the institution of war. I feel like we should write a book review NOT ONLY about the author's integrity, but about the craftmanship behind the writing.
   And again, job well done, Manny Garcia.



4. As the 1st Lieutenant who led Mr. Garcia's supposed platoon, 1967-68, I would like to point out that none of the incidents he describes, coincide with the experience of any other members of the platoon, or after-action reports of operations. In fact, no one, including myself, can remember having served on the line with him, and we were a close-knit group. It is a work of fiction, not the facts, and should be seen as such. For those unsung heroes of the 3rd platoon of B company, who really did bear the burden of some of the bloodiest battles of that war, it is shameful that this man is attempting to profit from his fictitous heroism. As has been documented in Stolen Valor, all men who served, wished to be seen as heroic and brave, and many who were not, later, falsely claimed to have to have been Audie Murphy. I think this phoney hero owes the "real" members of the 3rd platoon, an apology and should pull his book from the shelves. Hopefully Amazon will do it for him for perpetuating his false "non-fiction" DAVID BELDING, CAPTAIN,US ARMY RETIRED



5. I can honestly say that I rarely read any books. Being made aware of it through my 2nd Platoon Buddies from "B" Co. 2/502 Inf, 101st ABN. Div., it immediately got my undivided attention , because it was listed as "non-fiction". -- THAT WAS LIE #1. This book is just packed with 1/2 truths, innuendos, lies, & egotistical exaggerations, that IT COULD ONLY HAVE BEEN WRITTEN BY A person we would always refer to as a "R.E.M.F."
   These characters usually secured a job in the rear area, listening to(& collecting) stories from THE REAL GRUNTS IN THE BOONIES, inserting themselves into stories years later, as if no one would ever be living to notice the LIES.
   Well, mr."Rambo wanabe" manny garcia, MANY OF US ARE STILL ALIVE & here to tell those who read your phony stories, in a book they THOUGHT was "NON-FICTION" , "THEY WERE DUPED" !
   One TRUTH , in your book, however, did point out that MANY , MANY, times we were far from up to full manpower strength. We DID HAVE TO combine platoons to get (close to) full manpower. In fact, on one occassion, one trooper you refer to as "Jay" Wunder( real name, Ray Wunder),from the 3rd Plt. was with our 2nd Platoon, when "The gooks in the wells" incident occured & Jimmy D. Hale (2nd Plt.) & 3rd Plt. Ray Wunder's name & the story was documented in our own "Screaming Eagle" Magazine. Many of us have this copy, & believe it or not mr. garcia, I have almost every ORIGINAL copy of every (S.E. Mag.)issue for the entire time The 101st ABN.Div. was in V.N.--- Thanks to a considerate, "REAL" 101st WW II HERO , Fred Patheiger, (now dec'd.). Well, isn't it amazing, with all of your "single-handed" attacks & heroic actions, -- I couldn't find your name written about -- EVEN ONCE!!
   I only wish there were some legal action we ( REAL "B" Co. 2/502 V.N.Vets from 67'-68') could take against you calling this book "non-fiction",but you, "stating that" you are a lawyer, I'm sure you've done some of your "SLEAZY LAWYER CHECKING"& have that "covered".
   We, from the 2nd Platoon, will be passing your book of trash, to each other, so don't expect very much $$$ from us !
   Hoping to meet you someday, mr. garcia,
   ( ALONG WITH THOSE REAL HROES FROM "YOUR" 3rd Plt.)
   
   Paul "JOE" Penkala
   [...]

No comments about Luis Walter Alvarez (Hispanicamerican Biographies).

2 comments about Jaime Escalante: Sensational Teacher (Hispanic Biographies) (Hispanic Biographies).

1. I had heard that Stand and Deliver was a good movie and so I borrowed it from my public library. I wanted to know the truth about Jaime Escalante, the truth behind the movie. I happened to see this book one day and just started reading it. It took me less than an hour to read, but the well-written book taught me much about Escalante, the sensational and resourceful teacher. This is not only the Stand and Deliver story-- the story about how he made 18 high school students pass the A.P. Calculus exam, but the things that led to it and the aftermath.

   This book is a short read, but it is inspiring and especially good if you want to know the story behind Stand and Deliver, the movie about Jaime Escalante as a teacher.




2. This lively and engaging biography makes good use of quotations and information gained through personal interviews with Escalante. Reading this book makes me feel that I have spent time in Escalante's company. I would not want teachers to mimic his style, but I would like them all to share his determination to succeed.

4 comments about Arizona's Hispanic Flyboys 1941-1945.

1. As I was browsing at Williams' Book Store in San Pedro recently, I came upon a book with a title that caught my eye: Arizona's Hispanic Flyboys 1941-1945 (Writers Club Press, 2002) by Rudolph C. Villarreal. I flipped through its pages and immediately knew that I had to buy it. The first thought that went through my mind was: Ken Burns should have read this book.
   
   La Bloga has extensively covered the controversy over Burns' initial failure to include any interviews - whatsoever - with Latino veterans of World War II for his PBS documentary, The War. Only after much public outcry did he relent and add a couple of interviews. Then we learned from Gus Chavez of Defend the Honor Campaign that in the book version of the documentary, other than one reference to Mexicans when describing the population of Sacramento, Burns excludes any reference to the Latinos who served in our armed forces.
   
   Burns should have read Villarreal's book before moving forward with his version of history. Though Villarreal limits his book to Latinos from Arizona who flew or supported flight crews, he was able to tell the story of 77 - yes, 77 - Latinos who served this country during WW II.
   
   Each "flyboy" receives a chapter that begins with the basics: a photo (if available), hometown, branch served, rank, duty (i.e., bombardier, pilot, engineer, gunner, etc.), medals won and where they did battle. Villarreal offers a narrative of each life, often footnoted, and sometimes he includes newspaper clippings with such headlines as "Sgt. Estrada Dies in Action," or "Five Yuma Fliers Killed in Crash" or "Missing: Mesa Fighter Pilot." These are heartbreaking accounts that are personalized by Villarreal's extensive research. Sometimes Villarreal has nothing more than one newspaper clipping to offer; even these short entries are moving and enlightening. Other times, he has enough information to write extensively on a flyboy's education, family and acts of valor. Sometimes we read letters from a flyboy to his loved ones.
   
   Flyboys from Arizona with names like Sosa, Gallegos, Ochoa and Campos fill these pages with their brave acts and dedication. If Villarreal could tell the stories of 77 Latino flyboys from one state, how is it that Burns failed so miserably in his attempt to tell the "real" story of those who fought in WW II?
   
   In sum, Villarreal has written a gripping and indispensable testament to the bravery and contributions of Latinos who fought in World War II.
   
   [The full version of this review first appeared in La Bloga.]



2. Author Rudolph C. Villarreal has chronicled some of the most interesting WWII aviators, who all just happen to be Hispanic and from Arizona. In his book "Arizona Hispanic Flyboys 1941-1945", he gives us a series of short bios on some real American heroes. His book not only preserves a slice of WWII history with never before told tales but he also honors the Hispanic culture of Arizona with his tributes to these old warriors.
   
   What brings this all together and makes it such a reader friendly book is that the author presents each man's story with some local information like what high school or college the men attended or graduated from. He paints an honest portrait of real human beings who did heroic things in his brief bios. He lists what military medals each man was awarded and where they fought and for what unit. There were some men that I wanted to learn more about like what happened to Corporal Oscar Gallegos after he was released after being a POW in Europe. What was his life like? What did that imprisonment do to him? Where is he now? We may never know.
   
   Some of those profiled have lots of information such as First Lieutenant Gilbert F. Gonzales a pilot of a P-38 fighter lane. The author follows his life right up to his death in 1994. He was part of a squadron that had shot down 179 planes in the Pacific. The book must make fascinating and inspirational reading for those families who have a father, or grandfather featured within these hollowed pages.
   
   The author has truly honored these men and their memories. It is a worthy effort and a well researched book. If you love stories about real men and war this is a good book to read.



3. In his introduction to "Arizona's Hispanic Flyboys 1941-1945," author Rudolph C. Villarreal says this about the book: "This is a documentary of Hispanic boys from my home state of Arizona who served as pilots and aircrew in our armed forces during the war." The book contains entries on seventy-seven "flyboys" from both the Army and Naval air services. The book is structured like a reference work; the seventy-seven entries are alphabetically organized and follow a standard format. Each entry includes the man's name, rank, hometown, combat decorations, and other material.
   
   The flyboys include pilots, gunners, navigators, flight engineers, radio operators, and those in other jobs. Both enlisted men and officers are included. The book contains reproductions of many materials from the era covered. There are photographs of newspaper articles from the _Phoenix Gazette_, _Tempe Daily News_, _Arizona Republic_, and other newspapers, as well as reproductions of such historic documents as a commendatory letter to a flyboy from the governor of Arizona. Although some of these reproduced documents are difficult to read, overall they are a great feature. The book is also full of photographs showing the flyboys and the crews they served with; many photos show the men together with the aircraft of their era.
   
   Villareal notes that his primary sources of information were wartime newspapers. His footnotes give further insights into his research methods. Included in the entries are some remarkable stories of courage and survival. Quite a number of the flyboys survived time as POWs. Villareal also tells of many of the men's lives after the war; there are some noteworthy accounts of achievement in both military and civilian careers. It's clear that this book was a labor of love for the author. This is both a valuable reference work and a moving tribute to this group of World War II veterans.



4. Villarreal has done a marvellous job researching the lives and exploits of heretofore unrecognized men. We all owe a tremendous debt to the daring Arizona Hispanic flyboys who fought for us during World War II. This book should be required reading in all Hispanic Studies classes and is an absolute necessity for WW II buffs.

No comments about Ellen Ochoa: Reach for the Stars! (Defining Moments).

No comments about Mi Familia My Family (Somos Latinos / We Are Latinos).