Book Description

The rich and revealing story of a tumultuous journey from poverty to prominence--and from left to right--by one of the most influential female conservatives in the country.

When President George W. Bush nominated Linda Chavez to be Secretary of Labor in January 2001, most political observers saw it as a nod to the right. Chavez had made her reputation taking on the civil rights establishment, the feminist movement, and the multiculturalists. What few people knew was that this hard-nosed conservative began her career among socialists and labor-union officials, teaching in college affirmative-action programs and writing political propaganda for the Democratic National Committee.

In An Unlikely Conservative, Chavez recounts her political journey from the Young People's Socialist League to the Reagan wing of the Republican Party--and the sometimes shocking personal experiences that shaped her views. From excrement-smeared car seats to threats of attacks with bombs and switchblades, she learned quickly that opposing racial quotas and ethnic studies carried a high personal cost. But at its core, hers is the story of a working-class Hispanic girl who overcomes a difficult and painful childhood to become one of America's most prominent political conservatives. ... Read more

Reviews (20)

AN EXAMPLE OF TRUE COMPASSION
Linda Chavez is indeed an "unlikely conservative." Her Hispanic roots in Albuquerque, her tumultuous family life, her chaotic married life to a Jewish husband she loves very much, her experiences as a caring mother, her accounts of affirmative action at the University of Colorado and at UCLA, her up-close-and-personal days as a teacher of troubled young people, her labor-union days, her civil rights advocacy, her religious experiences in the Catholic church, her candid account of her nomination to Sect. of Labor by Pres. George W. Bush -- all are spelled out in fascinating detail.

While reading the book, I not only felt that I had taken a peek into Ms. Chavez's personal life, but I also felt I had relived an important part of our country's history. Ms. Chavez's attention to detail, her recall of names, and her descriptions of behind-the-scenes political maneuvering brought back pieces of history that I had either forgotten or had never known.

AN UNLIKELY CONSERVATIVE is an excellent read and offers vital insights into the political world. Ms. Chavez's descriptions of her life is both unpretentious and straight-forward. Any reader would benefit from reading her book to find out how she changed from being an active supporter of the Democratic Party to becoming a leading Republican proponent of conservatism.

George Bush's biggest Judgement Error
President Bush's biggest mistake was his decision not to fight with Democrats in the Senate and push for Linda Chavez to become the U.S. Labor Secretary. In this book Chavez reveals a set of precepts and ideas that are very much in line with traditional conservative thinking.

By fighting to get Ms. Chavez confirmed, the Bush Administration (and maybe the Republican party in general) would have been able to get much better hispanic support. In addition, Bush would have shored up his support among conservatives much earlier and established a stronger position of leadership in Washington, DC than he held prior to September 11, 2001.

Ms. Chavez explains that hispanics need to stop thinking of themselves as foreigners, and stop acting like aliens if theya re to succeed in the Unted States. "Let's join the culture here -- isn't that why we all came to the U.S. in the first place?" is her central theme for hispanic readers.

It is a mistake to read this as a "hispanic" book. It is really a book that, like the work of black conservatives, shows how the liberal establishment has used minorities to fuel their own political agendas; ones that ended up hurting non-wealthy, non-white, and other non-establishment groups. Ms Chavez also carefully explains that the political agendas of liberals that have hindered minortities have actually hurt whites without college educations even more.

MIT Linguistics professor, Noam Chomsky, called the Bush Administration "Radical statist fanatics, far removed from traditional conservatives ... a patrician clique who have little in common with most citizens.", at his recent Austin, TX appearance. Based on the treatment they gave Linda Chavez (vs. Tommy Thompson, Colin Powell and other G.W. Bush cabinet members), one has to wonder if Dr. Chomsky's assessment is correct.

The American Dream
My wife read the book and told me I should do so. It was impressive to see this woman use the experiences of her past..good and bad..to grow into someone who is successful, respected, and most of all Brave and Courageous.

I admire the way she learned to think for herself, use her talents and ideas and find a path that often eludes many. I doubt I would be so clear thinking as she and I doubt I would be brave enough to write about the adventures along the way.

She represents all that is truly good about our Great Country and all that is available to those who really want to achieve a better life. She took her experiences, both happy and sad, and built upon them. Despite serious disadvantages in her early life, she worked hard to advance and used her intelligence to think cleary and create her own set of beliefs and ideals.

She has certainly shown us that by working hard, overcoming barriers, and by facing challenges one can still grow and bravely face those who are lining up against you. When in the end you have the respect of your friends and the public..and you can look around at those who were not brave enough to strike out and think on their own and do for themselves, the very ones who attack her daily..those who are still stuck in their own quagmires, it makes one truly think. This amazing Lady is an example of What ONE COULD BE if one has only the Courage to ignore those who say your time has not come. More people need to read this inspiring book ...maybe those very people who are still in the same old place despite years of phony promises..perhaps it is time for them to strike out and stop thinking they cannot achieve what this Brave and Courageous Lady has!

A Very Pleasant Journey
Ms. Chavez is a wonderful writer. She's been through alot and describes her journey in very realistic terms. For those of you who would like to form your own opinion, please read the book. It's great!

Assimilation or affirmative action?
Linda Chavez's autobiography in effect conveys three arguments against affirmative action. First, to affirm one group requires that group to be stereotyped. Chavez shows that she is at times stereotyped as a Mexican, as a minority, and a 'gabacho' (a derogative term for whites used by some of her Chicano students). She benefits from the special attention and aid she receives when she is portrayed as a minority, and offended when she is casually dismissed as a stereotype. Does it matter, for instance, that she did not speak Spanish at home? Does she still qualify as a Latino or Chicano? With a Jewish husband does she lose her right to claim her Latin heritage?

Second, if affirmative action results in admission to college or to employment, what happens when the person is unable to do the job? Does affirmative action guarantee selection and permanent employment? Many who benefit from affirmative action are not destined. But what about those who accept the opportunity presented by affirmative action but not the responsibility? Chavez chafes at just such students in her teaching experience at the University of Colorado. She survives a classroom revolt and death threats.

Third, affirmative action leaves us with questions as to who should benefit and who should pay? As the middle-class daughter of middle-class parents should she is denied aid which apparently goes to the daughter of wealthier minority parents, simply because Chavez can't speak Spanish. She suffers and other, poor taxpayers pay. Should affirmative action be directed towards income inequity or ethnic injustices?

This book is less a story of conversion than it is a story of assimilation. Because Chavez is the product of an Anglo mother and a Latino father, she is hard to stereotype. And as the product of a rancorous home life, she is a survivor and a striver. Fair enough to pass as an Anglo, and good-looking enough to model, she receives some of the benefits of 'white privilege' while also earning the disparagement of the affirmative action 'purists'.

More important, Chavez shows that she is a unique, multi-faceted person, difficult to stereotype. The losses in her life, especially in her family, color and explain her story more than her ethnic heritage or political affiliations. Her 'conservative' views rankle liberals promoting a social agenda based on simplified, inappropriate stereotypes. The story tends to drag out at times yet real life is not always exciting or expected to read like a novel. ... Read more

Book Description

This story is about real people in a real time. It starts in the s with Art Rodriguezs great grandmother, Lydia, who was sixteen years old, and Chico, who was twenty-six years old. It is a true love story. You will experience their relationship and the problems young lovers encounter. Share in their life, their sons life, and the familys move to the United States from Chiapas, Mexico. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A real page turner !
The monkey box is probably the sweetest true love story i have read... made all the more sweet by the fact that it is a REAL story! The history, the love and the passion of the characters, the fear of war, the rigidnessof the social customs all interplay into a wonderful story I would love tosee made into a movie! Mr. Rodriquez brings his family back to life for us;we get to know their very thoughts and dreams; their hopes, their passions, their sorrows.... we feel all of their emotions as if they were wereliving and breathing here today.

THIS BOOK'S A WINNER
The Monkey Box is an incredibly intense story that runs the full gamut of emotions: love and war, struggles between the classes, greed, deceit, hardship, romance, etc..What's even more incredible, it's a true story. The story is so riveting, I could not put it down.I read for hours onend.GREAT BOOK! ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Well written and translated account of early North America
Although this is a short narrative, the book presents the best description of early North American life I have read so far. The book is Cabeza de Vaca's autobiographical account of his participation in a failed Spanish expedition to colonize Florida in the early 1500's. Through a series of events, the members of the expedition end up traveling along the coast of the Gulf of Mexico into Texas and then overland into Sonora, Mexico. Only four members of the expedition returned to Spanish civilization, but they had earned the respect of many of the Indian tribes.

The Account not only presents details of the journey but also presents general historical aspects of North American Indians and Spanish colonization in the 1500's. Cabeza de Vaca has performed a great service in documenting the practices of food-gathering, agriculture, slavery, trade, and spirituality among the Southwestern Indians. His narrative also highlights the the perils of 1500's exploration and the harsh attitudes of Spanish colonists towards Indians.

The translators also deserve credit for their work. Using clear modern English, they have made The Account easy to read. They have also supplemented their translation with translation notes and histroical notes that are very useful, particularly in identifying locations in the text. Moreover, they have also included an introduction that places The Account and Cabeza de Vaca into a historical context.

In summary, The Account is not only a great narrative of the personal history of Cabeza de Vaca's travels across North America but also an important document about early Spanish colonization and Native American culture. I strongly recommend this book for all readers.

Fastinating trip through early Florida
If you thought that the only thing that the Spanish explorers did was pick up gold and enslave the natives, this book is for you. Alvar Nunez Cabeza De Vaca was truly a modern man in the way he thought about people and things. Given only his wits having lost his clothes & food, he survives in a strange land for 10 years and walks out a reviered man among the natives. I had no idea anyone had done this. Our only regret is that he did not write more of his adventures and the socialogy & language of the people he lived with. Alvar Nunez Cabeza De Vaca had more than the usual dose of Duty, Honor and Country about him, and he kept all three when adversity struck.

A Sensational Human Adventure
In 1527 Cabeza de Vaca was sailing to the "New World" with a Spanish expedition of conquest. As his ship ran aground in rough seas off the coast of Florida strife erupted and his detachment was abandoned, 300 Spaniards in all. Eight years later Cabeza de Vaca and two other Spaniards arrived in Culiacan--the northern most Spanish settlement in Mexico--more than 6,000 miles from their starting point. This book is their harrowing story.

If one considered only the duration of the trip and the circumstances under which it was undertaken, De Vaca's journey would surely rank among the most miraculous tales of human survival ever recorded. And yet that accomplishment is only part of de Vaca's amazing story. For this narrative is much than another story of the human struggle against the apathetic forces of nature, while some aspects of it do indeed have this flavor. On the contrary, Cabeza de Vaca's Relacion represents an extraordinary account of the de Vaca's harrowing encounters with several indigenous tribes, while wandering what is now the Southern US and the cooperative, interdependent relationship which resulted. During De Vaca's travels he and his companions encountered numerous tribes, forging unlikely alliances and friendships. During this journey de Vaca details his self-transformation from conquistador to Indian medicine man.

In addition to supplying invaluable knowledge about a variety of indigenous peoples and their "exotic" customs, de Vaca was also the first to describe the flora and fauna of what is now the Southern United States: Florida, Louisiana, Texas, New Mexico and Arizona. Even nearly 500 years later, de Vaca's account is still considered an indispensable source of first-hand information on the pre-colonial Southwest.

Ultimately, de Vaca's narrative is the story of teh triumph of simple understanding and human cooperation. For during the eight years of travel, not only did de Vaca come to a greater understanding of himself and his purpose in life, but, more importantly he was one of the first Spaniards to acknowledge the humanity of those he first thought only to be "barbarous savages". It is in the playing out of this cultural dialectic and transformation of one conquistador's colonial consciousness, which is where its most enduring value lies.
--Hayduke66

The Original "Survivor"
Cabeza De Vaca's account of his expedition into the new land is a grand tale of true adventure and survival. The degree of privation and outright danger with which his ever-dwindling band of explorers was constantly faced is perhaps unmatched in any other annals. Separated from their ships early on, and led by inept commanders, the survivors are left to fend for themselves as they make their inexorable trek across the continent and towards "civilization." Along the way, De Vaca describes the various tribes he is at turns befriended, then enslaved by as he makes his way west. Some of these tribes live on the lowest rung of subsistence, and engage in the most savage customs, such as killing all the females in their societies, and even their young boys, in some convoluted system they have worked out with enemy tribes. All they have for food is roots, pecans (when in season), and the occasional insect or salamander. De Vaca is subjected to the worst privation of all when he loses his clothes when a barque, which he and a couple of escaping comrades have constructed, capsizes and he is forced to go naked for almost twenty months. The tide turns finally in his favor when the Indians come to believe that he and his fellows are blessed with healing powers. As they make their way west, from tribe to tribe, news of their great power precedes them and they are given gifts, which they turn over to the guides that accompany them. By the time they reach what is now New Mexico, their fame has spread and they are seen as gods who bestow healing and blessings on the Indians they encounter, whereas the other Spanish Conquistadors in the new world have instilled fear and suffering amongst the native peoples. This does not go over well with Diaz' captain who first encounters them after their long trek. Instead of welcoming his long-lost compatriots with open arms, he orders their arrest. The survivors do eventually make it to Mexico City, however, where they are much more warmly received and after a harrowing sea voyage, involving storms and pirates, they finally make it home.

What really distinguishes De Vaca's account from those of Diaz, Pissarro, Cortez and other explorers is his humane view of the tribal cultures with which he interacted. Apart from being extremely brave, he is also truly "Christian" in his willingness to forgive even those at whose hands he received the cruelest treatment. He implores his King, at whose behest the account is written, to show mercy on the natives, maintaining that a great deal more could be accomplished through helpful assistance, than by force and slavery. Unfortunately, given what history tells us of the Spanish conquest, the royal ear was never truly turned De Vaca's way.

This is a relatively short, but extremely interesting, even compelling, read. It would serve well as an entry-level portal into the history of Spanish exploration and conquest for young readers. I would recommend that if you find the subject interesting that you go on to read Diaz' account and Prescott's monumental work.

Very Good translation of Cabeza de Vaca's Relacion
Most recent translation by the US Hispanic Literary Heritage. This story is one of the most important and incredible works in the world. It relates the adventures of a Spaniard who travelled on the first foray into Florida, under the command of Governor Narvaez who was eager to find rich cities to conquer, as Cortez had recently done against the Aztecs. Navarez, however, was no Cortez, and one mistake after another put the entire expedition in jeopardy. De Vaca's account relates what became of this expedition into Florida and the American West. It is no exaggeration to claim that this is one of the most significant books ever to be written. This translation surpases that of Cyclone Covey for its readability. Explanations are given in endnotes and requires some page flipping, but at least provides it for those who are interested. It would have been nice to see more maps and photos, but there is one map included. The only thing I missed was that they didn't include an Afterword like Covey's had. I look forward though to other books from this series dealing with the conquest. ... Read more

Book Description

Cleofas M. Jaramillo (1878-1956) grew up in northern New Mexico, and her memoir, originally published in 1955, offers a unique and engaging portrait of daily life and customs from the late nineteenth through the early twentieth century. The story of her life in a prominent family steeped in the traditions of Old Spain takes us into village life of a bygone period. Jaramillo's vivid recollection of a time when tradition clashed with modernization and New Mexican cultures nevertheless came together to form a richly diverse society makes her autobiography not only the story of one woman's life but of changing lifeways on the edge of a new era.

Jaramillo narrates her life from girlhood through courtship and marriage, motherhood, and her later years in Santa Fe. Throughout we witness her enduring and indomitable spirit despite political upheaval, economic depression, and family tragedy. Jaramillo drew singular strength from her faith and her heritage. She discusses religion, politics, local customs, family, love, and more, recounting in unique detail customs associated with courtship, marriage, fiestas, and hospitality that are so much a part of Hispanic culture in New Mexico. ... Read more

Book Description

This highly literate and engrossing autobiographical account of survival as a "wetback" or "mojado", to use the author's own words, affords the reader an unexpurgated look at the United States, its economy and culture from the perspective of the so often maligned and misunderstood immigrant: the undocumented worker. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Telling it like it is
I read this book years ago, and it is one of those books that stayed in my head. Tinguis Perez writes in simple, direct prose about some harsh situations in the US, the types of situations undocumented immigrants encounter routinely but that few US citizens will encounter at all in the ordinary routine of life. He understates everything, never sensationalizes, and the result is extraordinarily powerful and human.

Translator's review
Libraries are now full of statistical and sociological reports on undocumented or illegal Mexican immigrants in the U.S. This book presents what I believe in the only account in print from the personal experience of one such immigrant. It tells of his crossing the border, his apprehension by the Border Patrol, of a subsequent successful entry, and of the more than two years that Mr. Perez spent in Texas, California and Washington, living with others in his status, trying to catch the American Dream. ... Read more

Book Description

World War II remains probably the most significant historical event of the 20th Century.It has been well documented in print and film over the last sixty years.Not much, however, has been written about Hispanics who served in uniform from 1941 through 1945.This is especially true of those who served in the so-called "glamorous" air corps of the US Army and Navy.This is a documentary of Hispanic young men from Arizona who served as pilots, navigators, bombardiers, flight engineers, gunners, and radio operators.Hispanics make up the largest ethnic minority in Arizona.Many of Arizona's Hispanics served valiantly in ground and sea forces during WWII, and today, in the Hispanic community as elsewhere, their service is remembered proudly.Less well known, however, is the contribution made by those young men in the elite volunteer services that fought the war from above.

Reviews (1)

A crucial historical document
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. ... Read more

Book Description

Book Description

Reviews (2)

A Dream Realized
Miguel Melendez has given us a thoughtful,inspirational, and sensitive account of the Young Lords Party and also of the many pivotal events of his own life. I loved reading this book full of cultural tidbits and an insider's history of a group of dedicated individuals. This book offers important lessons for today's youth, many of whom feel no connection to the larger society. It serves as a tremendous contribution to young people by sharing positive ways to channel rage and frustration with one's social and emotional condition. The writer brilliantly shows what it is to search for meaning and purpose in one's life as he questions events occurring around him.

Quiero agradecerle a Mickey para haber escrito un libro tan bello que demuestra que todos tenemos el derecho a la humanidad y dignidad.

Excellent Boricua History- Palante!!!
Micky Melendez has written an excellent easy to read history of Puerto Rican efforts for social, political and economic empowerment from the Young Lords Party in the 1960's to today's struggle for a Latino mayor of Nueva York. This monograph by Micky Melendez is a powerful weapon in Boricua's long walk to freedom. palante ... Read more

Book Description

100 Hispanic Americans Who Shaped American History is teeming with interesting nuggets of fact and information about the lives of influential men and women who have contributed to the development of this great nation. This book includes people from diverse backgrounds who have made their marks in various fields such as the early explorers (Pedro Menendez de Aviles and Juan Bautista de Anza); politics (Pio de Jesus Pico and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen); sports (Oscar de la Hoya and Roberto Clemente); entertainment (Desi Arnez and Selena); business (Roberto Goizueta and Romana Acosta Banuelos); civil rights (Martha Cotera and Cesar Chavez); and much more!Organized chronologically and meticulously researched, this book provides a new and intertesting look at the prominent role that these men and women played and how their varied talents, ideas, and expertise have contributed to American history. As with the other titles in Bluewood's popular 100 Series, each one-page biography in 100 Hispanic Americans Who Shaped American History includes an illustration or photograph, and a locator map, accompanied by clearly written text. This book also contains a complete index and trivia quiz. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

An eclectic collection of fascinating figures
100 Hispanic-Americans Who Shaped American History by Rick Laezman is a remarkable collection of informative biographical capsule portraits introducing one hundred Hispanic men and women whose lives profoundly affected America. From the governor of Spanish Louisiana who secretly aided the Americans during the Revolutionary War, to the entrepreneur who made the Coca-Cola company a sensational success, 100 Hispanic-Americans Who Shaped American History is an amazing and eclectic collection of fascinating figures, each of whom is given a one-page biographical summary enhanced a black-and-white photograph or artistic portrait. ... Read more

Book Description

In this, his most revealing and courageous book to date, the widely-acclaimed author of Life on the Hyphen and Next Year in Cuba tells the story of how it is to experience two of the shaping events in our lives—surviving illness, enduring loss—in more than one language. Writing with candor and conviction, Pérez Firmat chronicles, in prose and verse, how the death of his exiled father and his own diagnosis of prostate cancer (a disease from which his father also suffered) brought him to a place he had never been, and he had never left. Much more than a recovery journal, Scar Tissue is an eloquent reflection on the resources for healing and renewal available to those whose lives and loyalties are divided between countries, cultures, and languages. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A good portrayal of the man who taught Ganas
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.

Entertaining and Inspirational
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. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Superb Intro Survey of Latino Art
This is a superb introductory survey of Latino visual arts as practiced in the United States by artists of Mexican, Puerto Rican, and Cuban descent. It would be an excellent selection for libraries, and as a high school text or adjunctive college text. The book's exposition is guided by respect for (and a complex undersanding of) the artists' works, a strategy that avoids pigeon-holing works which often do not fit well into conventional categories. Cockcroft is respectful of the people and their struggles, as well as knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the art. It is beautifully written. (Would that more such texts were written with such clarity as well as such a comprehensive and respectful perspective). It should be especially inspiring to young adult readers, offering as it does example after example of integrity, repect for cultural roots, principled opposition to arbitrary restrictions/oppressions--all expressed creatively with a wide variety of examples, accompanied by excellent photographic illustrations. And the artists are examples of success, too, since many of them have successful careers in galleries and with museum purchases of their works. An example of how Cockcroft integrates diverse elements in discussing the examples, is when he notes the presence of doilies in a Nick Quijano work. Cockcroft says they are present in many Puerto Rican households, then parenthetically explains that this is beacuse "many women did needlework as a way to get extra income' (p.96). Thus do the works "come alive" for the reader. This is a book about the meanings of complex cultures and of individual experiences within (and apart from) them, illuminated by examinations of specific artworks. It is an impressive achievement, and a superior introduction to the artworks discussed, and also to their originating cultures and social and political and mystical beliefs. In short, it is a book aobut art, but it is really a book about respect and tolerance intoday's United States based on knowledge and human decency. ... Read more

Book Description

Juana Briones was a healer (some called her California’s Clara Barton), a businesswoman, and a landowner. Her mother and grandparents came to California in the first expedition of pioneers from New Spain. Her parents helped build the mission and presidio of San Francisco. Juana herself was one of the first residents of the tiny pueblo that became San Francisco. While there, she helped sailors escape their brutal lives and made so many friends that when the United States took over California and questioned her land titles, her American allies helped her fight all the way to the Supreme Court and keep her land. Ultimately, she made enough money in her business ventures to buy a rancho, which now is the city of Palo Alto.

The Stories of Juana Briones is written as Juana might have told her life story to her children and grandchildren. Readers will learn about a remarkable Latina role model and a great deal about early California history. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

A book about Californian history for the whole family
This book was different from the books I normally read.
The books I read are longer and are written for adults.
However, I still found this book interesting, and it's a book everybody who lives in California should read. There is a lot of information regarding history in it. That's why I think even people who don't live in California will enjoy the book, too.
The book is easy to read and the contents are not too childlike. Even older people can enjoy the book and learn about the history.

"The Stories of Juana Briones" is a history book but also good for people who don't like to read a "dry" history book.

I learned a lot from the story; the most important part for me was that no matter how and it is and how badly you struggle, especially living in another country, if you belive in something, try to be a good person, learn from people no matter where they are from and don't give up hope; you can reach whatever you want.

All in all ; I do think this book is an excellent book to read with the whole family. Everybody will understand it and learn about Californian history.

A great message for you
It is a short book but it has an amazing message for everybody.Her perseverance and her struggling spirit to reach a better future for her family was the best advice that I got from it.

I would like to recommend this admirable book because we can learn more about California History and how life teaches us to grow up.I believe that this deep message is the most remarkable for me.

Never lose hope, it is better to die happy.

Every day I mis up my dreams with the reality of life and this book help me to get my personal goals clear and to follow my ideal for the future.

Enjoy it.

A powerful narrative of a positive role model
The Stories Of Juana Briones is a rendition of a California pioneer, a citizen of Spain, Mexico, and the United States. She was unique in that, unlike most other women of the era, she owned land when California became part of America and many other Hispanic families lost their land. Juana Briones contested the loss of the family estate, took her case to the United States Supreme Court, and won -- even though she could not read or write. Her amazing life story, told through her own eyes as if to her grandchildren, makes for a powerful narrative of a positive role model, highly recommended especially for young readers ages 8 to 11. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Never forgetting the words of her father, who said that police are Christ's soldiers on the rough city streets, Mona Ruiz spent her youth with gangs, married an abusive husband, then went from collecting welfare to preserving the welfare of others as a police officer in her hometown of Santa Ana. Ruiz tells her story with the objective eye of a detective who sees both the issues of necessity in joining a gang and the gang system's fatal vision of drugs and war. Informative and inspiring, Ruiz is one who made it out of the gangs, but never abandoned the streets. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

A great book by a great author!!!
This book was required when I took one of my college classes. After reading it I knew why. The book offers an inside look into the life of a young woman, hispanic and in a gang. She struggles with many obstacles and in the end pulls herself through. The book is not only inspirational but it is also a demonstration of triumph in spite of obstacles! I give it Five stars and hope that more people can get to reading this book. Maybe instead of requiring it as a college course they should offer it in Junior high's and High Schools. This is the kind of book that should be read.

Need more.
I am an English teacher at Santa Ana Valley High School, in Santa Ana, CA. Ms Ruiz spoke at Valley several years ago. Her presentation was as memorable as her book, "Two Badges." I bought three copies the day of her presentation, I have since bought ten more. My students love the book. Young men and young women, alike. They relate, and it is such a strong story with a postive, true life ending. Unfortunately, or fortunately (depending on your view) these books do not make it back to my room after being checked out. I am down to three copies. In a way I am happy, in that I know the books are in contiuous use, they are getting passed around to friends. Cool. It is just that I can not afford to buy a bunch more books for my kids this fall.

Great Book, A Must Read
I had to read this book for a class, I never thought i'd enjoy it. I couldn't put it down. This book is one of the best books i've ever read. I'm glad a chicana can overcome so much. A+ for mona!

Being a girl in Santa Ana I could relate to her book.
As a young adult in Santa Ana,California, I could totally relate to most of the things Mona Ruiz wrote in her book. I loved it because just by reading it she made me feel close to her and made me realize even more that there is a way out of that lifestyle,I'm almost there. I was never in a gang like her but I associate with that way of living. I hope she writes more books because I would buy them. I like that she writes about the way the gang life is, it's all true, but there is also more that is behind the lifestyle. Hopefully you will read and enjoy it.

A ROLE MODEL FOR ANY YOUNG GIRL OUT THERE!
This book is one of the best books that I have ever read. I recommend anybody to read this book, especially the girls out there that are struggling through life and are involved in the gangs. This is a very touching story and Mona tells it like it is, the way that most teenagers out there may not see it until after they may read this book. This book didn't just open my eyes more to whats out there it made me believe more in myself and know that I can do anything and never to give up Like Mona I grew up in Santa Ana and I've been through a lot. Now that I've read her book made me realize that I can even write my own book and I know that I can do it. Hopefully it can help kids see how hard life is out there in the gangs and think twice about what they may be doing out there right now. I know that a book can't change a human being but hopefully it can help them see life different. The way it really is. ... Read more

Book Description

Through intensely passionate prose, this unique autobiography charts Salas' dramatic coming of age in the conflicting shadows of two older brothers: one drug addict and a petty criminal, the other an intellectual prodigy. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Important, moving tale of brotherly love and drug addiction
Buffalo Nickel by Floyd Salas is a poignant and moving tale of a man and his older brother. The strife and hardship experienced by the characters within their complex relationships allow the reader to experience a true-to-life story about the effects of drug abuse and suicide. The metaphor presented early in the novel of the buffalo nickel can be applied to the relationship of the brothers Floyd and Al Salas. In the first chapter, Al presents his little brother Floyd with a buffalo nickel. Floyd had just been in his first fight. Al later asks for the nickel back; Floyd returns the nickel. It is this metaphor, the giving of something desired and the subsequent demand for its return, that runs throughout the relationship between Floyd and his big brother. The physical action of Al giving and retrieving the nickel in the first chapter can actually be found through the entire novel. The promises that Al didn't keep becomes the focus of thier hardship. It is a tale of the anguish involved in loving an addict, the trouble that that gets Floyd into, and the eventual reality of letting go. From the beginning of the book, Floyd loves and admires his brother. After the buffalo nickel incident Floyd remarks, "he'd do that a lot to me before it was over." (p. 15) Al teaches Floyd to box. Boxing would, throughout Floyd's life, be a mixed blessing. Due to his brother's aggression Floyd finds himself in many bar fights that he would otherwise have not been involved in. When Al acts as Floyd's coach he is supportive when Floyd is winning, and extremely abusive when he feels Floyd could have done better. It became a bond between the two boys when they were young and remained to be one their entire lives. Boxing would later be extremely important and lucrative to Floyd, as it would earn Floyd a scholarship to college at University of California. Al taught Floyd how to box. He helped him earn this athletic talent. Eventually Al would waste his talent, and desert it for drugs and alcohol. Many of Al's fights were illegal and unfair, and he often got Floyd involved. He gave Floyd something valuable, the drive and ability to box; but he often used his own and Floyd's abilities for the wrong reasons. Floyd completely trusted his brother when it came to boxing, from the very beginning. When Al puts Floyd in the ring with a gypsy-kid a lot taller than him Floyd is fearless. "My brother had put me in there, though I was scared, I wasn't afraid." (P.22) Due to his drug addiction Al had an extreme tendency to steal and be involved in illegal and unfair business. This ultimately would harm the whole family; and early on it harmed Floyd. The second chapter foreshadows Al's future. Al plays with Floyd by pretending to steal his saved money. When Floyd is caught stealing from a store with another child, Al ironically reprimands him, "...don't let anybody lead you into anything like that again." He says to Floyd, "You don't want to end up in reform school like me." (P. 29) Al had saved Floyd this time. Later, Al promises to help Floyd buy a bicycle, because he doesn't want him "...hanging around the streets..."(P. 32) to sell magazines. It seemed as if Al was going to really let his little brother down (again) when he offered a pair of Levi's instead. Then their father stepped in. If he hadn't it would have been the buffalo nickel all over again - promises unkempt. Floyd often feels optimistic about his brother and their relationship during his childhood. As the two of them rode home on the brand-new bike he remarked, "He'd come through again. My brother." (p. 36) Al often warned Floyd against the evils of drugs and crime. During the time that the two were training together Al would say, "Never lie, never cheat, never drink or smoke... and don't take many from people... always be loyal to your buddies..." (p. 64) The extreme irony in these statements become evident as the story progresses and Al proceeds to do all of these things. Worse than that, he encourages Floyd to participate in them. Despite his apparent efforts to steer Floyd away from this kind of life Al's influence gets Floyd into trouble time, and time again. Floyd and Al would end up swindling people for their money as a collaborative effort. This is something that Floyd had watched his big brother do for years. When Al quit training and began drinking and using drugs heavily, this was how he used his time and made his money; he would then blow his money on booze or smack. Floyd is eventually able to use his intellect and his talent to help him overcome the heart breaking disillusionment that Al's unreliability as a brother caused. Through establishing his own separate life and through his poetry and writing Floyd is able to free himself from the invalid personality of his brother Al Salas. When Floyd notices he is being followed by the police he realizes that Al ratted him out. "...The one thing I knew: I could never trust my brother Al again." (P. 276). Ultimately, Floyd is able to release his pain caused by his brother, his addiction, and his unreliability through his writing. A boxing match helps Floyd get out his aggressions as well. During the match Floyd hits Al for some of the many wrongs Al has done him: "...that's for forty years of bullshit!" (P. 341) Floyd is even able to tell Al, "You've cheated everybody you've know and manipulated every situation to your own benefit! To this very day!" (P. 344)

Salas Delivers Hard Hitting Bio
Floyd Salas, author of the classic Tattoo The Wicked Cross (a novel that was originally written as a short story about a rape in a juvenile detention center)delivers with a memoir about the love and respect he had for his family, his life, and particularly his older brother, a man who would have a tremendous affect on him. Honest, tough, funny, and sometimes so sad it's hard to read, Buffalo Nickel is written in the same stark realist fashion as Fred Exley's A Fan's Notes and throws the same righty-cross Charles Bukowski hit us with in Ham On Rye ... Read more

Book Description

Roberto Clemente, Minnie Minoso, Orlando Cepeda, Miguel Tejada and Jose Santana. These men are the immortals, the pioneers, the famous, the soon-to-be famous and the forgotten ones. They know that home is everything -- home is the barrio where they improvised baseball on unpaved streets and sandlots; home is home plate where the batter stands waiting for the next pitch, where runs are scored and games are won; and home is the magical ballparks of major league baseball where they dream to play. Villegas' wonderful full-color photographs, with Breton's companion bilingual text, reveal the essence of the Latino ballplayers' journey: the struggles, dis-appointments and the sometimes enormous successes. The book features the journey of Miguel Tejada, All-Star shortstop for the Oakland Athletics, from his barrio in the Dominican Republic through his 2002 breakout year. The photographs let us witness the barrios where the dreaming begins, the young dreamers who will never leave their home, the major league facilities where young players learn English and gringo baseball, the forgotten players playing semi-pro in the Bronx and keeping their dreams alive, Latinos struggling through the foreign world of the minor leagues, the major leaguers and the immortals.

Preface by Orlando "the Baby Bull" Cepeda from Ponce, Puerto Rico. Lifetime .297 batting average, 379 homeruns, MVP 1967 with the Cardinals, Hall of Fame 1999.

Jose Luis Villegas is a long-time sports photographer and contributor to Edward James Olmos' photo-anthology Americanos. With Marcos Breton, he received the Alicia Patterson Fellowship for their collaboration on Latino baseball, culminating with Away Games: The Life and Times of a Latin Ballplayer (Simon & Schuster, 1999). Breton collaborated with Chicago Cubs star Sammy Sosa on Sosa: An Autobiography (Warner Books, 2000). Breton also contributed to the Subway Series Reader (Simon & Schuster, 2000). Villegas and Breton live in Sacramento where they work for the Sacramento Bee.

Reviews (2)

Enthusiastically recommended for the fans of Latino players
In Home Is Everything, Marcos Breton presents story vignettes of Latinos involved in American Baseball, told in both English and Spanish, and enhanced with full-color photographs by Jose Luis Villegas. Slices of daily life training and competing in this great sport, as well as the names and brief profiles of remarkable and dedicated people, comprise this celebration of baseball which is enthusiastically recommended for the fans of Latino players.

A piece of Art!
This book is very well photographed and written. The photos are stunning and colorful as well as informative and narrative. Not your stanard picture book, this is much better and will have a longer shelf life as the players are legendary. A must have book for the photographer, the sports fan and the Latino communities around America. ... Read more