No comments about Orange County: A Personal History.

1 comments about Gronk (A Ver).

1. In recent years, Chicano art has received some of the respect long denied it by museums, critics and educators.
   
   This did not happen without such diverse supporters as comedian Cheech Marin and Gary D. Keller, director of Bilingual Review/Press at Arizona State University. Through the publication of handsome, well-annotated books and the preparation of traveling exhibitions, they and others have encouraged this evolution of attitude and opinion.
   
   Such advocacy continues. In 2002, the UCLA Chicano Studies Research Center Press established the book project "A Ver: Revisioning Art History," billed as the only series on Chicano, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Dominican, and other U.S.-based Latino artists. The center's director, Chon Noriega, edits the series, which is distributed by the University of Minnesota Press.
   
   The first book in the series is "Gronk" ($24.95 paperback; $60 hardcover with documentary DVD), a biography of the artist of that name by Max Benavidez, a Los Angeles writer and scholar. Through Benavidez's well-researched text, generously illustrated by Gronk's art and photographs from the artist's life, we come to understand not only the importance of his art but also the personal and historical events that inform his artistic vision.
   
   Gronk was born in 1954 and grew up in East Los Angeles. Benavidez notes that this predominantly Mexican-American community was "a place literally and figuratively outside the mainstream." Residents suffered from government neglect, poverty, gang violence and drug abuse.
   
   In this setting, Gronk was further marginalized when his father abandoned the family. Gronk was often left unattended at a young age because his mother had to work.
   
   Eventually, he discovered the public library and spent countless hours there, reading book after book, moving alphabetically through the shelves. When a librarian learned of Gronk's reading plan, she sternly but wisely told him to "start with the Greeks and then work your way up to the present."
   
   In addition to books, Gronk fell in love with movies and television shows of all genres and quality.
   
   As Gronk moved into adolescence, he still felt like an outsider, in part because he was gay. Benavidez writes that during this period of self-discovery, Gronk became such a master of reinvention that questions still linger about his biographical details. While Gronk says his full name is Glugio Gronk Nicandro, Benavidez finds conflicting evidence regarding even this seemingly simple element of Gronk's identity.
   
   In due course, Gronk gravitated toward like-minded young people as he began to develop as a playwright, actor, filmmaker and artist. He helped form Asco, a group of "self-styled misfits and cultural radicals" that originally included Harry Gamboa Jr., Patssi Valdez and Willie Herrón III. The late artist Jerry Dreva also had a major influence on Gronk's work.
   
   Gronk eventually created his most famous image, the iconic "La Tormenta," who is always depicted facing away from the viewer. La Tormenta wears long black gloves and a matching gown that plunges in a deep "V" down her back. As Benavidez notes, La Tormenta can be seen as Gronk's "glamorously stylish alter ego" who is "central to his artistic arsenal, that serves as a symbolic counterpoint of an 'authentic,' stable sexual identity."
   
   The political turmoil of the times also influenced Gronk's work. For example, the powerful "Black and White Mural" (a collaboration with fellow Asco member Herrón) was inspired by the 1970 Chicano Moratorium, a national protest against the Vietnam War. One of the more potent images depicted in the mural is the infamous killing of reporter Rubén Salazar by a sheriff's deputy who needlessly fired two 10-inch tear-gas projectiles through a curtain into the Silver Dollar Café in East Los Angeles.
   
   Benavidez offers a riveting, clear-eyed and contextualized midcareer examination of Gronk's development not only as an artist but also as a person.
   
   For more information on this exciting and much-needed book series, visit [...].
   
   [This review first appeared in the El Paso Times.]

5 comments about Celia: My Life.

1. Give's a new insight of the love she had for Cuba, her family, and the music she was so proud to perform.



2. This is an enjoyable memoir from the great Cuban singer Celia Cruz, reminiscing on her long life of musical creativity and success. She came of age in the rich Afro/Latin/Caribbean musical scene of pre-Castro Cuba, but then had to flee her homeland, never to return, after the dictator took control and ruthlessly suppressed his people's vibrant and colorful homegrown culture. For some reason Celia never hit it big with mainstream American audiences, but she was huge in the Latin community, and hundreds of thousands of fans mourned her passing in 2003. This book is written mostly in the form of positive reminiscences on friends, faith, and successes. There is nothing wrong with that in the slightest, but I can't quite give this book a perfect rating because of some missed opportunities. Celia's life offers many rich lessons on having to flee one's home into exile, and continuing to work for one's people through success in the outside world. Celia has many very wise and compelling things to say about Castro, the suffering of her people, life in exile, and the issues faced by black and Latin women in music. Unfortunately, Celia's experienced and heartfelt remarks on these matters usually appear for only a paragraph or two, and then it's back to the joyful reminiscing. But even though some golden opportunities for real insight are lost, this is still a great story about the life of an outstanding talent and personality. [~doomsdayer520~]



3. Anticipate an autobiography which is filled with depth, from the ups and downs of Cruz's life to her musical successes and few failures: CELIA: MY LIFE is an essential library addition considering how many myths and rumors abound about Cruz's life.



4. The explosion of Latin music in America did not start with the likes of Ricky Martin, Jennifer Lopez or even Gloria Estefan. No, the introduction of the pulsating, hypnotic, rhythmic beats of Latin America was started over forty years ago and owes its unveiling in part to the powerful and soulful voice of Celia Cruz. Written by the diva herself, CELIA: MY LIFE AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY is a sentimental celebration of a musical journey that spanned more than half a century.
   
   Born of African descent in Havana, Cuba to a loving family of humble means, music was always a part of Celia's life from the first time her mother sung her a Spanish lullaby. Growing up, Celia was enthralled with the beautiful fusion of the Afro-Cuban music that was drenched within the island's culture. Cuba's musical landscape was quite eclectic and she was captivated by the varied musical styles that swept her homeland. She was influenced by everything, from salsa to samba. Acknowledged by family, friends and neighbors as having a glorious voice, Celia was encouraged to share her gifts with the world. Persuaded by a cousin to enter talent shows, as a teen she began wowing local audiences with her talent. It was just a short time before she became the toast of Cuba.
   
   With the blessing of her friends and family except her father, who wanted her to pursue a more "respectable" profession, Celia began pursuing music. She began perfecting her skills by working the various nightclubs and musical revues in Cuba. It is through Celia's eyes that we are given a front row view of the beautiful and sultry nightclubs that were once part of Cuba's night life. The reader is given a rare look on and behind stage from Celia as she allows us to experience the exhilarating thrill of her performances. Through Celia's narration we are also given a bird's eye view of the changing politics of Cuba and the rise of Fidel Castro. She frankly discusses how she witnessed the political turmoil that nearly tore her homeland apart and ushered in a dictator. Disenchanted with the political changes in Cuba, with a heavy heart Celia decided to escape from the communist nation; sadly she left all she knew and loved behind. Upset and humiliated that one of the nation's most celebrated entertainers had defected from his country Fidel Castro forbade Celia from ever stepping foot on Cuba's soil again.
   
   Despite being banished from her homeland and a few personal and professional setbacks, CELIA: MY LIFE AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY is a joyful testimony of a legendary singer's triumphs in life and within the music industry. Celia Cruz recently passed on leaving behind a catalog of wonderful music that will continue to be enjoyed by her legions of fans for years to come. Her voice will forever inspire and invite future generations to celebrate and treasure the pulsating beats of Latin music.
   
   Reviewed by L. Raven James
   of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers



5. Celia Cruz rose from modest circumstances to achieve worldwide fame as an amazingly talented singer and in this book she relays her life story with an incredible amount of modesty considering her accomplishments. She radiates the same warmth in her written words that she had in her music. There are individuals that are gifted not only with talent but with an inner beauty and appreciation of life that sets them apart. (Louis Armstrong is another example) Celia Cruz was certainly one of those people and this book reveals her as a wonderful person as well as a wonderful singer. She was blessed with a wonderful life but she in turn blessed those who were lucky enough to know her and those who have enjoyed her music for all these years. I once saw Celia Cruz in a NY airport and I regret not saying hello and saying something to her about how great she was but frankly I was a bit overwhelmed by her being there. She looked like a very happy person and that is the impression this book will leave you with.

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 That's Not Fair! / No Es Justo!: Emma Tenayuca's Struggle for Justice/La lucha de Emma Tenayuca por la justicia.

2 comments about Latinos: A Biography of the People.

1. This is just a fantastic book. It will be one of my classics from here on. I appreciated where he started, "the plan of the book and the name of the people", from that moment on - I was hooked. It really raised my consciousness of which we are as a whole, as a people.
   I have recommended this book to everyone I know to have as part of his or hers library or on coffee tables.



2. esta historia es instructiva, me ayudo aenterarme de cosas que ignoraba y cosas que no queria admitir. el llama a los latinos las personas que muerieron dos veces y nos muestra una radiografia historica de nuestros origenes y de nuestra presente adaptacion al medio norteamericano. algunos conservan restos de su cultura, los mas viejos conservan su lenguaje y sus tradiciones, los mas jovenes son absorbidos por la cultura que las trasnforma en seres sin raices ni tradiciones, que no son ni de aqui ni de alla. es un buen libro para conocernos y saber que no importa cuantos anos permanezcamos fuera no es bueno olvidarnos completamente de nuestros origenes.

   LUIS MENDEZ luismendez@codetel.net.do

1 comments about Latina Legacies: Identity, Biography, and Community (Viewpoints on American Culture).

1. amazon let me know when my package was mailed out and when it was expected to get here. it felt like the book took forever to get here because i needed it this semester but i got before we used it in class. everything was great.

5 comments about Between Worlds: The Making of an American Life.

1. Not your average dry politician story, the book glosses over Richardson's vision for oil independence (read his other book for that) and many of his impressive accomplishments: 14 years in the House, Ambassador to the U.N., Secretary of Energy, and New Mexico governor since 2002--instead focusing on the intensely personal moments of a man whose life reads like a James Bond spy novel but who is not afraid to share the tender moments, drawing the reader into his world and heart.
   
   Richardson diplomacy gets results. His often self deprecating manner is deceptive, as he is acutely aware of the conflicting considerations that influence the other party. He is not afraid to negotiate with "bad guys", aptly pointing out: "you don't negotiate with your friends." He doesn't give inappropriate ground, believing the U.S. has so much clout that other countries make concessions simply for the opportunity to have a discussion. Richardson's life and work demonstrate the opposite of G. W. Bush's apparent policymaking credo: "When Diplomacy Fails." His characteristic personal touch obtains impressive results with world leaders: nominated five times for the Nobel Peace Prize (this year he must win, it is long overdue) for extensive peace-work, including the following:
   
   Major nuclear security and non-proliferation efforts and accomplishments in the 1990s;
   
   2006 negotiation of the release of Chicago Tribune journalist Paul Salopek and his driver and translator from Sudanese Rebels, and further negotiating for UN Peacemakers to be allowed into Darfur;
   
   Complex and delicate efforts in the early 1990s mediating restoration of the elected Haitian President who had been overthrown and exiled by a military dictatorship;
   
   2007 brokerage of a cease-fire in Darfur and Khartoum at the request of the Save Darfur Coalition; release of American Evan Hunziker and the return of two US Army helicopter pilots who had been shot down in 1994 from North Korea;
   
   Remains of Corperal Clem Boody turned over to Richardson as a gesture of good will during stalemated negotiations with the Bush Administration: thus he was informally brought into a tense discussion of major consequences at the request of North Korea, where he successfully pressed North Korean leaders to observe the 60 day deadline called for in the Initial Actions agreement to shut down and seal the Yongbyon nuclear reactor and urged Kim Gye Gwan not to abandon the six-party talks, suggesting they bring in U.N. inspectors to demonstrate their commitment. Richardson's "informal" influence in this case may have averted war.
   
   This book demonstrates the characteristic, almost naive courage that has earmarked Richardson's administration and his life, unabashedly revealing the intimate truth of who he is. While reading his words I am often reminded of Einstein's famous quote: "Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new." Richardson, a creative, often right-brained thinker, is not bound by imaginary barriers of that which has been done before. He has also demonstrated the necessary discipline to buckle down with dogged determination and accomplish the unlikely, baffling those around him who believed it could not be done... particularly not by a Hispanic.
   
   He wrote this book shortly before announcing his quest for the presidency, and the book has been summarily dismissed by some reviewers as a transparent ploy to explain himself on the eve of his candidacy. I am appreciative of his transparency, a trait not shared by many politicians. He lost the race but gained my respect as one of the few U.S. politicians honest enough to reveal his shortcomings along with his strengths. Bill Richardson is exactly the man he represents himself to be, and through his journey we learn the real truth of what it is to be a man of extraordinary vision in a mostly mediocre world, who transcends his humanness by learning from every mistake, sharing each mistake with us so that we may also learn, and striving always to not only reach higher himself, but to bring us there with him. His is the heartwarming story of a real person, an everyday man with extraordinary vision and heart, whose struggles and victories left me, at the end of the book, reluctantly putting it down feeling like I had closed the last chapter of a relationship with a dear and cherished friend.



2. The first part of this book was initially disappointing. The constant "I did this..." or I travelled to ..." sounded like so much puffery - what one might expect in a book by a Presidential candidate. The more I read, however, the more I realized that the "I" was essential to the entire focus of the book. The book brings history alive from the actual events and conversations in order to show that individuals can help make history or at least nudge it in a desirable direction. Historical events can not be viewed in a vaccum. They are most meaningfully understood in the context of the minor details of the events themselves. One that jumps out is Richardson's meeting with Saddam Hussein (regarding the release of two individuals who strayed into Iraq from Kuwait)when Richardson casually crossed his legs and inadvertently showed the soles of his shoes to Saddam. Saddam jumped up and left the room. It turns out that showing the soles of ones shoes to someone in that culture is a real sign of disrespect. The best part of the book is "Richardson's Rules" which he sets forth in anecdotal context throughout the book (with the list summarized at the end). The "Rules" are a great guide for dealing with not only high level political or diplomatic negotiations but also with everyday personal and business relationships. All in all a very enjoyable read for someone who overwhelmingly reads fiction - not non-fiction - and certainly not political books.



3. How very fortunate this country is at this time in our history to have someone of this magnitude and calibur seeking the Presidency. His experience and different way of thinking allow hope for a better tomorrow for the US and the world. Good luck to you, Sir. Good luck to us all that you lead us all into a brighter and more peaceful tomorrow.



4. Bill Richardson is a rather unimpressive candidate. However, candidates aren't elected - Presidents are. Having said that I can say that I believe Bill Richardson is ready for the Presidency. The question becomes is America ready for Bill Richardson?
   
   The book is about as interesting as Bill Richardson's performances in debate. Clearly, this is a book about Bill's life, by Bill himself. Many of his positions are explained, but it is not comprehensive, and not meant to be. Reading this book will give the impression of what makes Bill tick, so I give credit for writing a successful book. There is no shorting the reader of 360 pages of substance. Personally, I too would like to see more from Richardson, and in fact, this is already happening.
   
   Campaigns for officials that are based on results and performances while in office must have someone touting that record, and this is what Richardson does without much modesty. Between World's describes the position Richardson inherited from birth and the position Richardson has dealt with throughout life. The book moves from his childhood in Mexico to his life in school in New England. Richardson was the one in the middle that learned to relate to everyone. His entry into public service and political office was destiny. When you combine these with love for individuals and an unapologetic stance you have a man with superior credentials as a diplomat.
   
   A portion of the book that could be developed further is "Richardson Rules". Richardson doesn't discuss development and application of his rule set, but presents these as simply his personal rules - I don't know whether as a human being, a public official, a diplomat, or other.
   
   Richardson comes across as result-oriented, fun-loving, but serious. Inspiration here comes from hard work and having done a job well - unfortunately, not great oratories and smooth gestures. Richardson could partially compensate with combinations of brutal honesty and jest. He must continue to rouse voter curiosity with more manufactured "celebrity-in-jest" performances such as the one created for the New Mexico gubanatorial election. It wouldn't be a bad move if Richardson says in debate, frankly, I suck at this. I want to be telling you what I've already achieved as President - not what I would like to achieve.



5. I had been hearing good things about Democratic presidential candidate Bill Richardson, so I decided to pick up his autobiography. Honestly, I'm not a huge fan of autobiographies or biographies for that matter. Especially, not ones with the sole intent of extolling the author's virtues. So that's why it gets a B-. And I'm just not a huge fan of the writing style that biographies employ. It just gets a little boring and tedious at times. But to be fair, the book gave me a better picture of Bill Richardson than I had before. About half-way through the book, I was seriously thinking about giving him some consideration with my vote. Although I know he'll never get past the big 3 of Edwards, Obama, and Clinton. He grew up in Mexico (born in US) where his mom is Mexican and his father American. He was a senator for the state of New Mexico, the ambassador to the UN that followed Albright, Secretary of Energy for Clinton's second term, and current 2nd term governor for the state of New Mexico. Needless to say, that makes him extremely qualified. And hands down the most qualified of all current presidential candidates. To his credit, he tells it like it is. And for a politician, it doesn't feel like he is full of BS. He has a record for giving his opinion even when it's controversial. And has offended both parties at times, despite being a staunch Democrat. But he's honest. Over and over again he gives examples where he spoke his mind and how it either paid off or got him in trouble. So that I respect. But ultimately, I feel like he's a politician. And a bit of an opportunist. I do believe he has a vision for this country that centers around a better energy policy. Which I totally jive with. Ultimately though, I just feel like he's a politician at heart. And I don't really want a politician in power. I want someone who is not definded as a politician. And I'm well aware of the rarity of that.

1 comments about Las hijas de Juan: Daughters Betrayed (Latin America Otherwise).

1. I appreciated the author's courage in telling her story, reliving the horrors of life with an abusive father, and showing women that life can improve & move forward in spite of trauma. I also liked that she included a lot of Spanish phrases (more like whole sentences & dialogues) that add sabor mejicano (Mexican flavor) to the story; reading her description of life in Tabasco was like watching a movie only with smells and tastes, etc. It was beautifully detailed. What irked me from the very beginning, however, was that Mendez-Negrete wrote the book in English but used a Spanish grammar structure throughout. Why? In English, every sentence has a subject; in Spanish, no subject is required. They're different languages w/different grammar. But, she left out the subjects of many of the English sentences in the book. Like these: "Can't remember the color....Don't remember the designs....Still hoped for a miracle" (94-95). Why didn't an editor just go through the book, adding "I" to these sentences (or whatever subject was missing)? Reading these lines all in a row at times sounded like fingernails scraping a chalkboard even though the story she was telling was riveting & original. I wish some friend or publishing professional had suggested using the Spanish grammar only for the parts of the book written in Spanish & sticking to English grammar for the rest. I wonder if it was an attempt at creativity? If so, to ears accustomed to & fond of hearing English & Spanish but not both conflated, it grated on my nerves. Maybe other readers who want English to be more like Spanish will enjoy her writing style.

4 comments about Crossing Guadalupe Street: Growing up Hispanic and Protestant.

1. 
   For anyone who reads a memoir, regardless of the nationality and culture, somehow, your own memories are triggered. A good memoir can take the reader back to our own childhood places of memorable people and rewarding or unpleasant experiences, simply because we, as humans, can connect at some time with the author.
   
   Crossing Guadalupe Street is the story of David Maldonado Jr, who at the time of printing, 2001, was the President of the Iliff School of Theology in Denver. The book focuses on his life growing up in the 40s and 50s, Hispanic and Protestant, and Guadalupe Street was the social and economic separator in a small town, Seguin, Texas. In his early formative years, his whole world was his family and the Protestant church in a Catholic barrio.
   
   Maldonado writes with clear sentiment, visual imagery enhanced by sounds and smells of Mexico and the small town. There is no misunderstanding how he felt. The paragraph structure is descriptive, and he sums each paragraph up beautifully. If he provides the Mexican word and an English description. His memories are so vivid that you will embark on your own personal journey.
   
   Chapters are set up to tell us about his roots in the town, beloved family members, influences, the small house, the schools, picking cotton, working in the department store with Jews, and Latinos and Protestants, and other memorable characters. He shares with the reader, Guadalupe Street, the socio and economic separator, and of crossing it to another world, the anglo world.
   
   But most important, you will learn about the prominent division in town between the Hispanic Protestant and Hispanic Catholics, criticisms and beliefs of one another. This was very insightful without being invasive.
   
   Maldonado shares his successes and this is a tribute to the traditions.
   
   This is a wonderful book!!......MzRizz



2. Crossing Guadalupe Street by David Maldonado takes place during the 1940s. The setting story takes place in a small town of Mexico called Seguin. The nivel is about the authored chilhood memories. The story is about avid Maldonado, his family, things he had been through and seen and so much more. One of the reasons why I enjoyed this novel is because we call all relate ti it when it comes to family and memories. It was so easy to pictured the setting because of the way the way the author describes the place or situationalso with specific details and examples. His family plays an important role in his life qalso the place where he was born and raised. Growing up were he came from describe his personality and "Who I am" "Seguin". IT gave me the impression that although he was poor and his family may have went through struggles and sacrifices, somehow he felted the richest and luckiest guy of earth because of his loving,caring and united family he had. My rating for this novel I give five stars. I recommend this novel because I truely believe that is very informative and inspiring. The author leaves you with curiosity on what's going to happen next.



3. "Crossing Guadalupe Street" is a story that took place in a small town in South Central Texas called Seguin in the 1940s and 1950s. The author David Maldonado tells the story of his childhood,growing up in Seguin and how it was segregated. This book is about a family of seven children and how they were molded by their parents'ethnic and religious path. There was a big cultural barrio in Seguin and on the other side of Guadalupe Street, was a whole other world and the only time or place these two worlds would come together was at school. The rating that i give to this book is a four stars. I recommend this novel to all ages because it give you and idea of how a family should be.



4. Crossing Guadalupe Street takes place during 1940 in a small town of Mexico called Seguin. The novel talks about the author's childhood memories. The story is about David Maldonado it also talks about his family and there adventures. The reason why I liked this novel was because it is about families and memories that we can all make with each other. When you first start reading you can actually picture what is going on is like you can see what is happening and you can also predict what is going to happen next. The novel also makes you want to read more and more it is so interesting. This novel gave me the impression that the author did love and care very much about his family. If I was to rate this novel I would give it **** stars because is that good. I would recommend that people read this novel because it chouse you how much your family should mean to you and it helps you to appreciate them more.