No comments about Ivan Rodriguez (Latinos in Baseball).

No comments about UXL Hispanic American Voices Edition 2..

No comments about Soñando: Thoughts of a Young Latino.

1 comments about Latino Visions: Contemporary Chicano, Puerto Rican, and Cuban American Artists (Book Report Biography).

1. 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.

5 comments about No Return Address.

1. A stunning memoir of enormous power--a work both accessible and phenomenal. This book, with a lyric and incisive style, uses the politics of appetite, language, and other modes of communication (or censorship) as a lens through which to describe the author's and her family's (primarily her mother's) lives and various displacements. Filled with vivid details that range from the nightmarish (the stories Vlasopolos's mother tells her of Auschwitz) to the exquisite (the precise flavor of sour-cherry liquor, or the burnt-sugar smell of the Paris Metro), this memoir is at once a story you can't put down and a poem you never want to end, whose every phrase makes your breath catch in your throat with wonder. The book combines the personal with the political movingly with a seeming effortlessness that is as fascinating as it is impressive. A hauntingly beautiful book: no one should miss this.



2. This is the most moving and meaningful memoir I have ever read. The author tells a personal history, a national and international history, as well as a short history of western thought in a way that ties together beautifully. Near the start of the book, it is said that religion is a control over what goes into and out of the mouth, and this metaphor sticks with the incredible telling/story-telling throughout.



3. I selected this book because I enjoy biographies and history. I have been reading various histories of World War 2, and this book was interesting in that respect. I want to learn the "human" side of history (versus the military or government view). Ms. Vlasopolos paints a very detailed picture of life in Eastern Europe immediately after the war. A secondary, intertwined biography of her mother adds greatly and importantly to these details. I did, however, find this book difficult to follow at times. In my opinion, this book was written for Ms. Vlasopolos fellow literature experts. Numerous references to the literary works of others left me feeling fairly uneducated, my Master's degree not withstanding. I finished the book with a significant reading list that one might consider a "pre-requisite" to reading this book. My high school French failed me in a few places, as well! While I describe these concerns as shortcomings of the book, they may simply be my own. I found it amusing that while presenting stereotypes and prejudice in an appropriately negative light, the author feels it necessary to mention that she would never sleep with a Republican. I came away from this book with a feeling that, once again, a European had to point out cultural weaknesses of Americans (language, literature, and food). Perhaps that is a goal of this professor, to make the reader want to improve and learn. If so, she may have succeeded! However, she may have also put valuable educational material out of the literary reach of many.



4. Dr. Vlasopolos, Womens Studies Director at Wayne State University, has written an extraordinary memoir that will appeal to many audiences. Her control of language is masterful yet subtle, and Ch. 15 ("Misplacing Detroit") is perhaps the best rendering I've ever read of those of us who have lived in and left and returned to Detroit, articulating the enitre palette of emotions and of love-hate that we cherish for that city and its peoples.



5. Anca Vlasopolos, an English professor at Wayne State University, provides a vivid immersion for the reader into her journey with her beloved mother from Romania of the '60s through the maze of "Bad" Detroit. She provides in lyrical language her love for her mother, her passion for her city, and her indignation at injustice.

1 comments about Athletes Remembered: Mexicano/Latino Professional Football Players, 1929-1970.

1. This book written by Mr. Longoria is a unique sports narrative which gives any sports fan another aspect on the history of professional football. Aptly entitled "Athletes Remembered," Mr. Longoria documents the stories of the Latino athletes in a positive and very interesting style. I personally was unfamiliar with many of these athletes; however, I enjoyed reading their stories and learning about these talented players. My professional background is education and I firmly believe that this book would be a tremendous reading experience, not only for Latino children, but for children from all ethinic backgrounds. While Latino children will more readly identify with these athletes, they are really establishing role models for all children, regardless of their ethnicity.

No comments about Old Spain in Our Southwest (Southwest Heritage Series).

No comments about Medicine Stories: History, Culture and the Politics of Integrity.

No comments about Dolores Huerta, Labor Leader (The Twentieth Century's Most Influential: Hispanics).

3 comments about The Stories of Juana Briones: Alta California Pioneer.

1. 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.



2. 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.




3. 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.