No comments about La Vida del Padre Betancourt.

2 comments about Sueños del Lado Este.

1. The Midwest Book Review: May 7, 2002
   Sueños del Lado Este, East Side Dreams in Spanish by Art Rodriguez is full of energy and the struggles that the author himself endured while growing up on the east side of San Jose, California in 1966.
   I enjoyed reading this inspirational novel derived from the memories of a teenager who is now a mature and successful businessman.
   East Side Dreams has been translated into Spanish to reach the Spanish speaking population in the United States.
   As I read the troubling times of Art Rodriguez I couldn't relate to many of the predicaments, but I certainly felt compassion toward him and thanked God for my "normal" life.
   Mr. Rodriguez touches your heart as you read his passionate book of self-taught lessons.
   As you read East Side Dreams, which captures the hopelessness of growing up with an unpleasant childhood, keep in mind that this life drove the author to his true passion--writing!
   The author, Art Rodriguez has been honored by The New York Library System to be on the "2001 Books for teenage list" for his book East Side Dreams. He was also given "The Mariposa Award-Best First Book" at the Latino Literary hall of fame for this same book. Bravo!
   I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and encourage young readers to read it, as there are plenty to learn from this book. It will bring tears to your eyes.
   The Midwest Book Review, James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief



2. Voice of Youth Advocates Magazine October 2002 VOYA
   Growing up in San Jose, California, Arturo Rodriguez and his brothers and sister endured an abusive father, their parents' unhappy marriage, and their father's absence after he returned to Mexico. Rodriguez coped as best he could, but his drinking and drug use, in the wrong place at the wrong times led to his incarceration in California's prison system for young offenders. Against all odds, he put his past behind him, married and had a family, and worked hard to overcome injustices and start a successful business. After his retirement Rodriguez began writing about his life and his family. This book is sequel to East Side Dreams (Dream House, 2001, published in Spanish as Sueños del Lado Este. In this second autobiographical book, he writes about childhood pranks and misdeeds, his mother's near fatal illness, his parent's divorce, the birth of his first child, and how his parents even eventually became friends.
   The writing here is unpolished but sincere in true, and the reminiscences and descriptions are vivid and true to life. Neither how he grew to understand his father and other relatives whom he loved despite their flaws. His message for young readers is clear. It is possible to survived and overcome injustices and hardships. Rodriguez maintains a Web site at www EastSideDreams. com and invites readers to visit, view his picture alum, and perhaps send him an e-message. He will answer.-Sherry York Voice of Youth Advocates Magazine

No comments about Extraordinary Hispanic Americans (Extraordinary People (Paperback)).

No comments about Christina Aguilera (Latinos in the Limelight).

No comments about Freddie Prinze (Latinos in the Limelight).

No comments about Contemporary Hispanic Biography, Vol. 4.

No comments about Conversations with Ilan Stavans (La Plaza).

No comments about Luis Restrepo: working hard to help others.(New America Alliance)(Interview)(Biography): An article from: Latino Leaders.

No comments about La Reina Es La Rumba.

No comments about Harvest of Hope: The Pilgrimage of a Mexican-American Physician.