Book Description

The Hispanic Malcolm X.Writer.Activist.Civil rights attorney.Obese, dark-skinned, and angry.Man with a surplus of personality.Man of vision. All the above describe Oscar "Zeta" Acosta.El Paso-born, Acosta became a leading figure in the Chicano rights movement of the 1960s and 1970s, winning landmark decisions in civil rights cases as an attorney. As a tireless writer and activist, he had a profound influence on his contemporaries. He seemed to be everywhere at once, knowing everyone in "el movimiento" and involving himself in many of its key moments. Tumultuous and prone to excess, he is the Samoan in Hunter S. Thompson's Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. In 1974, after a last phone call to his son, Acosta disappeared in the Mexican state of Mazatlán.

Hailed as "a fine, learned homage" (Kirkus), "a kaleidoscopic portrait" (Booklist), and "a game of mirrors" (The Washington Post), Bandido is a veritable tour de force. Through interviews and Acosta's writings (published and unpublished), Ilan Stavans reconstructs--even reinvents--the man behind the myth. Part biographical appraisal, part reflection on the legacy of the Civil Rights era, Bandido is an opportunity to understand the challenges and pitfalls Latinos face in finding a place of their own in America.
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Book Description

"People who live in California deny the past," asserts Alejandro Murguía. In a state where "what matters is keeping up with the current trends, fads, or latest computer gizmo," no one has "the time, energy, or desire to reflect on what happened last week, much less what happened ten years ago, or a hundred." From this oblivion of memory, he continues, comes a false sense of history, a deluded belief that the way things are now is the way they have always been.In this work of creative nonfiction, Murguía draws on memories--his own and his family's reaching back to the eighteenth century--to (re)construct the forgotten Chicano-indigenous history of California. He tells the story through significant moments in California history, including the birth of the mestizo in Mexico, destruction of Indian lifeways under the mission system, violence toward Mexicanos during the Gold Rush, Chicano farm life in the early twentieth century, the Chicano Movement of the 1960s, Chicano-Latino activism in San Francisco in the 1970s, and the current rebirth of Chicano-Indio culture. Rejecting the notion that history is always written by the victors, and refusing to be one of the vanquished, he declares, "This is my California history, my memories, richly subjective and atavistic." ... Read more

Book Description

Who is Bert Corona? Though not readily identified by mostAmericans, nor indeed by many Mexican Americans, Corona is a man ofenormouspolitical commitment whose activism has spanned much of this century.Now hisvoice can be heard by the wide audience it deserves. In this landmarkpublicationthe first autobiography by a major figure in ChicanohistoryBertCorona relates his life story. Corona was born in El Paso in 1918. Inspired by his parents'participation inthe Mexican Revolution, he dedicated his life to fighting economic andsocialinjustice. An early labor organizer among ethnic communities in southernCalifornia, Corona has agitated for labor and civil rights since the1940s. Hisefforts continue today in campaigns to organize undocumented immigrants. This book evolved from a three-year oral history project between BertCorona andhistorian Mario T. Garca. The result is a testimonio, a collaborativeautobiography in which historical memories are preserved more throughoraltraditions than through written documents. Corona's story represents acollective memory of the Mexican-American community's struggle againstdiscrimination and racism. His narration and Garca's analysis togetherprovidea journey into the Mexican-American world. Bert Corona's reflections offer us an invaluable glimpse at the lifeworkof amajor grass-roots American leader. His story is further enriched bybiographicalsketches of others whose names have been little recorded during sixdecades ofAmerican labor history. ... Read more

Book Description

From the early passions of the "Latin lover of the silver screen' to the adventures of modern day keroes such as Antonio Banderas, Hispanics in Hollywood is an illuminating voyage into the careers and contributions of some of film history's most legendary performers. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Ethnicities Celebrated
By JONATHAN KIRSCH, Special to The LA Times "...An illuminating and entertaining survey of films and television programs in which Latino actors, settings or themes figure prominently, "Hispanics in Hollywood" is full of such surprises. Anthony Quinn, perhaps best known as Zorba the Greek, is only one of many actors whose Mexican origins were once concealed, and there are many others whose Latino roots have only recently come to public attention, ranging from Rita Hayworth (born Margarita Cansino) to John Gavin (born John Anthony Golenar) to Raquel Welch (born Raquel Tejada). And it was a young Emilio Estevez who boldly reclaimed his own Latino family history and thus revealed to the world that the real name of his father, Charlie Sheen, is Ramon More often Latino actors found themselves in an awkward dilemma in Hollywood, as the authors of "Hispanics in Hollywood" point out--if their Latino identities were not concealed, they were put to use in depicting stereotyped Latino characters: "maids, slum dwellers, drug addicts and gang members," co-author Luis Reyes reminds us, or "cruel dictators, mustachioed bandits and beautiful señoritas." Only in the last couple of decades have Latino actors and directors enjoyed the opportunity to tell stories about their own heritage in a more open, honest and affirming voice in movies such as "Zoot Suit," "La Bamba," "Stand and Deliver," "Selena" and "A Walk in the Clouds." Reyes, a movie publicist who is also a chronicler of Hollywood's Latin American heritage, describes the book as "an attempt to show the way Hollywood has depicted Hispanic Americans and Latin America, while also pointing out the contributions to Hollywood movies and television made by unsung Hispanic Americans as well as those more famous." Thus, his book can be approached as a serious effort to ponder the issues of race and ethnicity in American pop culture and, at the same time, as one of those useful reference works that can be pulled down from the shelf when puzzling over some old and obscure movie on cable. ... Read more

Book Description

For the first time in her own words comes the personal story of a life filled with heartbreaking setback and triumph, from one of the most celebrated talents the world has ever known.

After Celia Cruz passed away on July 17, 2003, more than a half million people stood in line for hours in order to pay their respects, in both Miami and New York. Millions more paid tribute to her, holding impromptu memorials in living rooms and crowded street festivals throughout the world.

Filled with the sound of her unmistakable voice, as fans played the songs that she will forever be remembered for, the Queen of Salsa's passing was marked with the same celebratory fervor Celia Cruz emulated throughout her life and career; a career that spanned the entire latter half of the twentieth century.

Yet Celia Cruz's life had been largely mired in rumor and speculation. When she was alive, Celia Cruz never granted anyone total access to her life story and photo archive. Finally, comes a book that chronicles her own story, in her own words.

From her modest childhood in Cuba to her exile years in Mexico to her remarkable career and life in America, Celia was a woman of contrasts. Her flamboyant costumes contrasted with her simple and straightforward demeanor. She was open and accessible to her fans, but staunchly private about her personal life. She was uninhibited without decadence, honest without offense, confident but not arrogant, and generous without fault. Yet above all, Celia was authentic, and it was this authenticity that resonated so deeply with her public.

Based on more than five hundred hours of taped interviews recorded just months before her death, Celia includes never-before-published personal photos and anecdotes, letting fans glimpse a life that, while lived in the full view of the public, had remained largely private.

Celia celebrates the soul of a life blessed with talent -- strengthened by an unquestioned work ethic as well as an unwavering faith in God and humanity -- in these, her final words to the public she adored, and who equally loved her back.

Reviews (2)

An engrossing and important story
Barbara Fischkin tells a universal story in her chronicle of the Almonte family's coming to America, the painful choices and formidable obstacles they face, their setbacks and successes as they leave behind their belovedDominican Republic. Muddy Cup is full of rich detail, compassion, and anarrative focus that makes it read like a novel. Treating a little-coveredtopic with depth and insight, this is the way journalism should be done. There are more than one million Dominicans living in the United States, andFischkin does a wonderful job of giving faces and names to a group ofpeople who are increasingly visible and vocal in this country. Mostimportant, she shows how similar their hopes and dreams are to those of themany immigrant groups who made America.

Best book on modern immigration
This is the story of everyman, the struggle of stepping off into uncharted universe to make a better life. As the US continues to attract record numbers of immigrants, this book provides a seamless look at just who these people are, the conditions they left behind and their expectations for the future. It also reminds us that the experiences of today's immigrants are not unique, that they are a mirror for all of us. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Very educational!!
Good for school instruction about diversity inUSA ... Read more

Book Description

From "an important voice in American fiction" (Annie Proulx), a collection of essays that cuts to the heart of the Mexican-American experience

Winner of the PEN/Hemingway Award, Dagoberto Gilb is one of today’s most captivating and provocative fiction writers. Now Gilb offers a collection of essays that brilliantly portrays an artist working to earn respect—and find his place—as a Mexican-American in the literary world and the world at large, to say nothing of his singular and beloved borderland of Texas.

"Gritos" are the exuberant cries in Mexican songs, and Gilb’s essays are charged with the same urgency, sincerity, and musicality. In a controversial piece for Harper’s, he travels to the land of his mother, where Cortes first met Malinche. In "Mi Mommy," published in The New Yorker, he tackles the myths surrounding Mexican woman, and in "Me Macho, You Jane," those surrounding men like himself. In his pieces written for NPR’s "Fresh Air," he engages the reader with scenes as vividly rendered as they are funny, intimate, and sometimes devastating. Like his fiction, Gritos is a riveting glimpse into the heart and mind of a passionate and idiosyncratic thinker. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

funny and smart
gilb read yesterday here at the arkansas literary festival and was the best speaker I heard. I can't tell you how much we enjoyed his talk and lecture. I came to this page to buy his essay book bc the festival forgot to order it! what we heard him read was a such treat and he was utterly entertaining. the women I was with were talking about the man's movie star looks and charm but I say put try to put that aside. the man and his writing are beyond a doubt talented.

Brilliant Shouts for Raza
I'm not sure what the last reviewer read, but I read "Gritos" b/c I have read rave reviews. As a Mexican-American, I was naturally excited to read the book. I was so not disappoinnted!! What was most impressive was how I couldn't put the book down. I didn't find a weak story in it, and I'd say all of them were brave and honest. I definately did not read anything poorly written or complaining about discrimination--that is a ridiculous charge! This is a brilliant book by a great writer and is a must read, especially if you are from the Southwest..

Shining threads
When Dagoberto Gilb stays on point, ain't nobody can touch him. Some of these essays are sheer genius. But too many of them are undisciplined rants. When he's self indulgent, it's embarrassing. He's so busy foaming on about being discriminated against for being Mexican, he lets the hard work of writing slide, and loses the reader's natural sympathy. He'd have a better case if he wrote it and didn't just type it half the time. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A powerful collection that transcends race
Jack Lopez has crafted a series of essays that speak more to the human condition than to the latino condition. For anyone who has grown up in America, let alone southern California, this is a collection that speaks volumes. There is an emotional tug in each piece that requires the reader to stop, go back a few sentences and then read again. At times funny, sad, and hopeless, this is a major work.

A remarkable collection
In these remarkable personal essays Lopez is son, brother, father, husband and friend; the human condition (and within it the "Latino condition") is inseparable from family and friends, for without them we have nothing. For Lopez, as one critic has pointed out, surfing is a powerful metaphor for staying alive and being true to yourself in a society where identities are so easily washed away. Lopez's quiet compassion, insight and honesty manage to make more meaningful thunder than many of the trendier, louder essayists writing about the American scene today; and anyone who likes the work of Mary Helen Ponce, Ilan Stavans and Richard Rodriguez (or for that matter Joan Didion and Truman Capote) should try this book, and, if they like it, to make the effort to track down Lopez's fiction, which has appeared in these excellent Latino short story anthologies: MIRRORS BENEATH THE EARTH, PIECES OF THE HEART, IGUANA DREAMS, MUY MACHO and CURRENTS FROM THE DANCING RIVE! R, among others. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (2)

Great Book
I really enjoyed this book. As someone who grew up in Chicago around the same time, it's a realistic portrayal of life on the South Side. Some may complain about all of the profanity used. I say, hide in a corner and listen to teens talk. As a matter of fact, don't hide, they'll probably swear anyway.
The alcohol abuse, violence and love of music is a very real aspect of many people's lives. Even the affair with the teacher is well-done and not sensationalized.
This is a must read for anyone interested in what life is or was like for some young people in our American cities.

Interesting Story, poorly conveyed
I bought this book because I enjoy reading life stories, especially if it is about mexican/latino life. I just could not get into this book, so I didn't bother to finish it. The story just didn't seem to tie together or flow. I think the premise was a good start but it should be rewritten. ... Read more

Book Description

bio of the "La Bamba" singer-songwriter ... Read more

Reviews (4)

WHY WASN'T THE MOVIE LIKE THIS??
This was a great biography. I foolsihly thought that the movie was accurate, but this book proves me wrong. It would have been good for the movie to be just like this book, but of course the show business just wants to make it look good to make a profit! As well, maybe the movie makers had to change some things around or they would get sued. If I were going to make a movie about him, I would base it on this book. The movie was a good movie, but not truly about the real Ritchie Valens...same as the Buddy Holly Story.

Ritchie Valens
I had been a fan of Ritchie's since 1988. When I learned of this book through Ritchie's offical fan club; I couldn't have been more pleased. I had done a research paper in my senior year of high school, on Ritchie, and I realized how little was written about him. The first Latino Rocker is the only book out there about Ritchie, and I thought it was wonderful. The other shared someone personal traits about Ritchie that allowed me to know him at least a little bit. It was actually better than the movie La Bamba. I highly recomend this book for a new Ritchie fan. I love the pictures of him in the book. My heart goes out to his family and friends since tomorrow will be February 3rd.

An absolute MUST READ for ALL Valens & rock-n-roll fans!!!
Ms. Mendheim does much much more than give us an accurate account of the famed Lation rock-n-roll star's life. She successfully immerses us completely in Ritchie Valens' music, leaving us with a comprehensive wealth of knowledge that was long overdue for the public! Ms. Mendheim's thorough research is to be congratulated time after time! You WON'T be disappointed!

A complicated, and confusing read
The First Latino Rocker jumps around more than a 2 year old on a sugar fix. It is terribly written, yet the author says it was 20 years in the making. My grade school cousin can write a one page book report with more info on a subject, than Ms. Mendheim gives in 175 pages. After the first 3 or 4 pages she has jumped from his infancy, to his musical career several times. Halfway through you are so confused with his story you have to continuously look back towards the front to see what the hay is going on. Let's just hope she does not quit her day job. The only high point in the book are the photo's. ... Read more

Book Description

In 1979, Mexican President José López Portilla assured his compatriots that the prosperity of the petroleum boom would reach every corner of the Republic of Mexico.The young narrator of the first passage listens agape at the president’s statements, while his work-weary parents contemplate a trip to el Norte.When the promised prosperity doesn’t reach the corners of San Luis Potosí, the narrator sets out with his father to try to improve their finances.With the dream of the wealthy Hollywood that he sees on television tucked in his pocket, he, along with the other narrators in this collection of testimonials, struggles to reach the United States.

Radio personality Alicia Alarcón invited listeners who had migrated to the United States to call and share their stories. In these pages, Alarcón collects the footsteps of these travelers, through their flight and their falls.Their stories highlight the true American experience for immigrants from all over South and Central America who decide to leave their respective homelands. ... Read more

Book Description

Acclaimed Latino writer’s collection for young adults

Best-selling novelist Victor Villaseñor grew up with these stories that he now is sharing with young people far and wide. The tales of derring-do and self-discovery set to the backdrop of the Mexican Revolution and his family’s immigration to the United States all involve young people overcoming physical, emotional, and psychological barriers during times of extreme stress.

The over-riding message of Villaseñor’s exciting narrations is that we can all be heroes. Especially young people, who have the power to create their own futures, can find within themselves the power to achieve great feats of skill and courage, whether fighting witches or real-life oppressors. And, too, spirituality, imagination, and love of family are also the domain of the young, and these can help young men and women overcome all manner of adversity. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Somewhat disappointing biography of a South Texas legend
Reynaldo G. Garza is a giant in the political and legal history of Texas and is most deserving of biographical treatment.All Rise successfully recounts many of the highlights of Judge Garza's life and career.It ultimately disappoints, however.First, the author lacks the legal background necessary to explain the significance of many of Judge Garza's judicial opinions.Second, the book fails to fully introduce the reader to the biographical subject himself, leaving him portrayed as two-dimensional and leaving the reader wanting more. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

One of the greatest pieces of Latino fiction ever written.
I met Ed Rivera personally two years ago. He taught creative writing at a college in New York City. I've just read this book now, almost six months after he passed away and it is incredible how inspirational he can be, both in person and in the written word. In Family Installments, Ed Rivera has set the example for future writers. He has done something that not even Piri Thomas, with all due respect, did in his novel, Down These Mean Streets. Ed Rivera presented a story that truly captures the Latino's experience, from the native country all the way to life in the United States, mainly in New York City. Ed Rivera tells this story with a clever blend of grimness and humor that is difficult to imitate. His characters are powerfully vivid and his prose is rich and sharp. These details are what bring the story to life. But what adds to the charm of the story is the way Ed Rivera can make even the most difficult and embarassing situations very humorous. The book is a real treat for Latinos and non--Latinos alike. I give it five stars.

Truly a Gift !
This is a must read for hispanics and non-hispanics alike. A treasure for any individual interested in the immigrant experience. An excellent read!!

Hispanic exodus truly revealed
Rivera has opened the window to the world of what struggling Hispanic families had to endure just to become an almost invisible dust particle on the sill of America. This book captures the true essence of latin struggle and desperation to find a better life, the rigors of the ruthless yet merciful city (New York), and the good times though turbulent times. This book captures the pain, and frustrations of the Hispanic community coming to a newland, seeing it through the eyes of a developing juvinile into his manhood. This is a small nich in the historical carvings of being Hispanic. Thank you Mr. Rivera for writing this autobiography. As a young hispanic youth growing up in Corona, Queens during the early 80's, I can relate to the struggles your family and yourself have undergone. I was born in New York, but my father shared the same sufferings your father had upon migrating to America for a better life. He told me stories of living in the Dominican Republic and seeing pure poverty, then coming to America to work like a mule for close to nothing, saving every penny to bring my mother over and their new born daughter. We survived in a one bedroom apartment for 14 years...we were seven kids then. "My father also wears glasses fit for microscope". This is a great book, I hope you enjoy it as I have.

Boricua's Incredible Journey
This book takes you on a journey from a small town in the rural sector of Puerto Rico to the struggles Puerto Ricans faced and still face in the U.S. Rivera captures experiences so vividly, one can have a clear mental picture of what ia going on. This book captures your emotions and ties you to the story-line and lives of these characters. ... Read more

Book Description

Results from the 2000 U.S. Census indicate that the Hispanic-American population is among the fastest growing in the United States. With that growth has come a significant increase in the amount of influence Hispanic Americans wield in American life.An updated bibliography, expanded lists for further reading, and three new subject indexes-organized by year of birth, country of heritage/ethnic group, and profession-greatly enhance this detailed portrait of over 500 years of achievement. This extensive biographical dictionary includes more than 250 entries profiling Hispanic men and women whose achievements have made a lasting impact on American society. Arranged in an easy-to-use A-to-Z format, the volume discusses each individual's background and the highlights of his or her career from a wide spectrum of human endeavor, including business, literature, politics, science, health and medicine, arts and entertainment, and religion.

New profiles include
Lourdes G. Baird, judge; Ramón Cortines, educator; Francisco Dallmeier, scientist; Jennifer López, actress and singer; Jorge Mas Canosa, activist; Cherríe Moraga, writer; Sammy Sosa, baseball player; and Gary Soto, writer. ... Read more