2 comments about Woman in Front of the Sun: On Becoming a Writer.

1. I stumbled upon this title while reading an issue of The Oxford American and decided to give it a read. What a revelation! I am not familiar with any of Judith Ortiez Cofer's other works, but if this is any indication, I will be reading them all. A collection of essays, poems and folktales, this book blends the author's emergence as a writer with memories of growing up as a Puerto Rican in Patterson, New Jersey. The influences of the island her parents left behind, the Catholic Church as well as the emerging women's movement, combine with a Growing knowledge that the author wants to write. This is not only an autobiography, it is a compelling argument of why she has answered the call to write, and the struggles with self, that she, as a writer has faced. It examines the drive to create, the forces that pull one away from writing, and the quest to have a place of one's own. In clear, lyrical language, she encourages women to seek a life of truth, no matter the route or medium. She reveals some of the writers (a diverse group) that ignited her imagination and passion for writing. "Take what you can use and let the rest rot" is an expression used, and this book is invaluable to women, actually , to anyone who loves to read and who longs to use words to reach others. The best "writing" book I have read in years, and a treasure to keep.



2. I have only recently become acquainted with Ortiz-Cofer's splendid honesty and stretching creativity, yet I am overwhelmed with the power that she exudes in "Woman in Front of the Sun". Having read "The Latin Deli", I was ecstatic when I found another collection that calls her memory and lessons learned to dance for the curiosity of her readers. Aside from the traditional definition of the term, Ortiz-Cofer is powerful through the pure simplicity of her accounts of life. In "Woman in Front of the Sun", she places value on what is valuable, she learns through the grades of life, and she exposes her tender realities to those she hopes will appreciate her. She inspires readers to find the innocence in being "Macho", the same value others might call confidence. By opening the pages of this book, you'll find a comfort similar to that of your own thoughts.

3 comments about Soraya: A Life of Music, A Legacy of Hope.

1. I am a huge fan of Sorayas music. This book is very inspirational for all, especially for those batteling cancer.



2. I have always admired Soraya for her incredible songwriting ability and her book just inspired me more. Her down to earth writing is an inspiration to all humans fighting breast cancer or just trying to deal with this life that can give us so many good and bad things all at once. I recommend this book to everyone!



3. "A hero doesnot have to win. A hero doesnot have to be larger than life. A hero can be an ordinary person who overcomes extraordinary events with dignity and grace".-Soraya. This is the introduction Soraya offers to her book. This is a book worth reading by everybody as it offers much needed advice from how to enjoy life to how to prepare for our own mortality. After Soraya's passing to breast cancer complications I have become proactive in breast cancer prevention and awareness. I hope others can recieve inspiration by reading this book.

No comments about The Life & Times of Willie Velásquez (The Hispanic Civil Rights Series).

No comments about Life and Adventures of the Celebrated Bandit Joaquin Murrieta: His Exploits in the State of California (Recovering the Us Hispanic Literary Heritage).

No comments about Memory Fever (Camino Del Sol).

5 comments about At the Plate with...Sammy Sosa (Athlete Biographies).

1. I liked the biography that I read because I learned that he has turned into one of the most homerun hitters of all time.
   This book has some interesting facts about his life I was especially surprised to learn that when he was seven he wanted to help his mother inside the house instead of playing with his brothers and sisters.
   I would highly recommend it to people who like to read about other people and sport books. I loved this book!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



2. This is a fun book that looks at a great superstar whose legacy will get better over time.

   STEVEN TRAVERS(...)




3. This great book on Sammy Sosa is superior in every way to most of the "cash-in" paperbacks written on baseball superstars. Well-written, engaging and full of information, Sosa may not be baseball's Superman, but he is an interesting guy profiled in this interesting book. Buy it[...]



4. I think this book is very good because it's very educational for us kids.I really recommend this book to other kids because it gives an authur's message of hard work really pays off.



5. This book is terrible. He is 1 of the worst players in the MLB!!!!!
   
   In the home run derby he corked his bat and they found out!!!! and then they let him use that bat they r stupid!!!!!!!!!!
   
   They should have kicked him out of the MLB for life!!!!!!!!!!!!!

5 comments about Pimps, Hos, Playa Hatas, and All the Rest of My Hollywood Friends: My Life.

1. THIS BOOK WAS NOT AS JUICY AS I WAS ECPECTING.... IT WAS FUNNY AND READ WITH ENJOYMENT BUT IT WAS EASY TO PUT DOWN AND FORGET ABOUT! IT WAS OK



2. I am a huge John Leguizamo fan. My son introduced me to him because of his love for Leguizamo's short lived TV show House of Buggin. In addition to his films, we have seen him perform Freak on Broadway and John Leguizam Live before it was renamed Sexaholic. With a background like that, I found this autobiography to be very revealing and entertaining. However, as a long time librarian I am very familiar with how people react to book titles when they are unfamiliar with the author or the subject matter. And just as Leguizamo acknowledges bad career choices and mistakes that he has made in his career to date, I am afraid that he will have to eventually accept the fact that his unfortunate title choice has repelled rather than attracted many potential readers. By doing so, he has missed a golden opportunity to use this entertaining vehicle to expand his fan base.



3. I can't complain at all about this book. John Leguizamo is hilarious. I felt like I was sitting front row at one of his stand up comedies. He talks about his struggles and some 'beefs' he has with actors I certainly never knew about. I also admired the way he was completely honest about every role he played and every person he worked with.



4. This book is very much like John Leguizamo's show's - introspective and intersting. While I didn't think it was too hard-hitting against his fellow thespians, I enjoyed an inside perspective into the real lives of Hollywood actors. I also really enjoyed that Leguizamo shared his failures and weaknesses. It was clever, funny, and sad all at once. A true John Leguizamo experience.



5. While I LOVE LOVE LOVE this man, from head to toe, this book left me a little (shoulder hunch). I could forget about it. I found it interesting, funny, and John, but I felt like the title had nothing to do with the book.

5 comments about Between Worlds: The Making of a Political Life.

1. 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.



2. 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.



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. 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.



5. 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.

3 comments about Con Las Cuerdas Rotas/ Broken Strings: Una Historia De Perseverancia, Un Legado De Esperanza/ a Story of Perseverance, a Legacy of Hope.

1. A veces nos quejamos de un simple malestar o porque el dia por una tonteria no nos haya salido bien, pero una vez uno lee este libro, aparte de que cuando empiezas a leerlo no lo puedes dejar, es una gran enseñanza de que las cosas pequeñas que nos enfrentamos cada día son bien insignificantes. Hay que tener mucha fe y valor para pasar por lo que pasó Soraya y a la misma vez continuar viendo la vida de la maner que ella lo hizo. Este libro me enseño a que hay que darle la importancia a las cosas que realmente la tienen y dejarnos de darle importancia a las tonterias que nos pasan dia a dia. Lo recomiendo 100%, si todos actuaramos de la manera que ella lo hizo, poniendo su ejemplo en las cosas que nos toca vivir todos los dias, creo que tendriamos un mundo mejor. Que pena que personas como ella, de tanta fe y tanta perseverancia, tengan que dejarnos, quizas porque de esta manera han cumplido su proposito en la vida y nosotros podamos seguir su ejemplo. Gracias mil por este legado de esperanza.



2. This is a tremendously inspiring book about Hispanic-American singer-songwriter Soraya, who lost her life to breast cancer at age 37, in 2006. It's an incredibly inspiring memoir that has broken records for Spanish-language books. It is now available to order in English, with 100 extra pages of memories, filled with pictures and stories told by friends, family and fellow musicians. Through this alternate story we learn things the humble Soraya would not have said: that in the final years of her life she became a world-class humanitarian, and that she was one heck of a musician. Enjoy. Soraya: A Life of Music, A Legacy of Hope



3. El alma no desaparece con la ausencia del cuerpo. Las hermosas palabras de Soraya reverberan con la belleza que sólo su corazón es capaz de impregnarle a la vida. Este libro respira su luz, su necesidad de vivir al máximo y su deseo de que el resto del planeta lo hiciera. Su sinceridad es el hilo conductor de cada idea y es esta honestidad la que llega tan dentro a quien lo lee. ¡¡Simplemente, precioso:)!!

4 comments about Celia SPA: Mi Vida.

1. This book was truly written by Celia Cruz. You can almost see her speaking to you as you read her words. If you are lucky enough to be bilingual get the Spanish version. You'll love it!!! Celia's kindness and honesty is refreshing and inspiring. I had admired Celia Cruz for a long time, this book made me realize why I had found her so likable. Celia was a great human being and a great inspiration to us all, not just as a great entertainer but a wonderful person. I will always treasure this book.



2. This is my second review of this book which I re-read (I don't know why Amazon lost the first review). The book is a good read and very well descriptive of La Reina de Guanguanco ("Queen of Guanguanco"). Celia spoke of many points in her life which we all can relate to. She also spoke highly about her wishes to return to her homeland. I'm glad we have her in the USA! She is worthy of her success as a human being and a fine negra-latina. Bravo!



3. Yo buscaba una Biografía en la que sintiera que ella me está contando su vida, con sus palabras y su forma de ser. No quería que fuera escrita por otra persona y esta reunió esas condiciones, me divierte mucho, me hace pensar y conocerla mas aún. Tuvo una vida increible, fue un ejemplo de vida, y creo que este libro reúne esos pequeños y grandes momentos relatados por ella.



4. I received this book in very good conditions.
   And its very interesting read the live of Celia Cruz.