5 comments about An Unlikely Conservative: The Transformation of an Ex-Liberal [Or How I Became the Most Hated Hispanic in America].

1. 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!



2. 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!




3. This is an awesome book that covers many issues, but as an author of a book on California politics, I would not have been able to write about English language issues in K-12 without this incredible resource.
   
   Linda Chavez has written "the" book for all parents and all voters who want to understand, first-hand, how the Left tricks the rules in the battle over English-only instruction in schools, and those who use race-over-reason to defend bilingual classroom instruction.
   
   The state of California had gone from award-winning public education status 30 years ago, to a dreadful 48th out of 50 in scholastic aptitude today. Much of this condition can be attributed to leftist Democrats, and teacher's unions, who savor power over what is best for children.
   
   California in 1998 overwhelmingly passed Proposition 227 (English-only) into law. Funny how this works. A millionaire businessman, Ron Unz, saw a need and responded to the FACT that poor working-class Latino parents were appalled by the lack of opportunity for their children who speak only Spanish in the world's richest English-speaking country.
   
   Linda brilliantly lays out how the Left worked to demonize Unz, and anyone else who opposed bilingual education. Linda also demonstrates in this book, how California Democrats, instead of looking out for parents, millions of immigrant children who want to learn English (the "keys to the kingdom), and frustrated educators - ignored the will of the people.
   
   The book is timeless as the battle over English literacy in schools continues.
   
   I highly recommend this book as well as the articulate and well-researched content brought forth by a dedicated soldier who, for all the false criticism, continues to place her passion for fact over fiction in her writing.
   
   The truth doesn't make the loudmouths on the Left happy. Nothing new there.
   
   Nice job Linda! Keep up the good work.
   
   Patrick Mallon
   Political columnist and author



4. This lady cannot resist savaging people she feels did her wrong. And like many people on the far right, there is a very dysfunctional home life. I swear to you, the Rush Limbaughs, the Newt Gingriches, the Tom DeLays all have had super unhappy childhoods. Maybe this is why their politics are so sour and anti-people.
   
   I don't like this lady - she took advantage of affirmative action whenever she could in her youth, now she has some problems with it and would like to throw the whole program out the door SO NO ONE ELSE CAN BENEFIT FROM IT. She makes me ill.



5. Linda Chavez has led an interesting life and has a great story to tell. Unfortunately, I found the writing style of this book to be completely flat. There seemed to be no highs or lows, everything was weighted equally. Rather a chronological bullet-pointed life rather than a real storytelling. I kept with it because of interest in her rather than being gripped by any powerful writing.

No comments about Linda Ronstadt (Hispanics of Achievement).

1 comments about House of Houses.

1. Some "magical realism" stories (with dead relatives interacting with the living) seem contrived; this memoir's use of the same device does not. Though I am not Hispanic nor Spanish-speaking, I am a native of Texas and loved this book. It resonated with me in part because much of it takes place in Texas (El Paso), and also because I find family histories compelling (my own family -- and other families).I disagree with the New York Times reviewer (above and on the book jacket) who says the author's use of Spanish phrases cannot be picked up from context clues. Nonsense! The author gives the English translation right in the same paragraph!A good read that can be picked up and put down as time warrants.

No comments about Tales of Mexican California: Cosas De California.

No comments about Ivan Rodriguez (Latinos in Baseball).

No comments about Ellen Ochoa (Hispanicamerican Biographies).

No comments about Soñando: Thoughts of a Young Latino.

2 comments about A Kineno Remembers: From the King Ranch to the White House.

1. Dr. Cavazos' story was most inspiring and also entertaining. As he wrote of his days growing up on the King Ranch I could almost feel the dusty wind blowing in my face. His story just shows what anyone can achieve in this country. Having a great pair of parents and other role models just makes it easier. This country got where it is with the help of all the immigrants into our country and this book demonstrates a part of that.



2. Dr. Cavazos gives us a vivid explanation of the reasons that politics gets in the way of educational reform. A man of integrity, he refused to bend to the demands of party politics. His emphasis on parental involvement, early preparation for schoolwork, and yes -- bilingual education -- have outlined a course of action we should all adopt. Cavazos is bilingual from his earliest years. While he notes the importance of the Spanish language for its cultural roots, he emphases that English is the language of our country.
   
   I give this book my highest recommendation.

No comments about Interviews with Writers of the Post-Colonial World.

No comments about Hispanos en EE.UU.: Haciendo historia (Biografias Haciendo Historia).