Book Description
A rising star of the Democratic Party tells the fascinating story of the ways his multicultural heritage and political education have shaped his dreams for America and given him vital lessons in the art of successful negotiating.
Bill Richardson, the governor of New Mexico, may be the most charismatic figure in the Democratic Party today and one of its best natural politicians whose name isn't Bill Clinton. He is the man Colin Powell has called for advice, and the man George Stephanopoulos once called the Red Adair of diplomacy in homage to his ability to put out international fires. He has been nominated four times for the Nobel Peace Prize and is counted as one of our most knowledgeable politicians on Iraq and Saddam Hussein; on Afghanistan, the Taliban, and Al-Qaeda; on North Korea; on energy policy; on Latin American affairs; on domestic politics; and on Hispanic America.
Richardson's background as the son of an American businessman father and a Mexican mother has offered him an unusual starting point from which to seek a life in public service, but one of his most interesting roles has been that of global troubleshooter. What he has to say about how to negotiate to get what you want shows his true colors: He can be blunt, but charming; tough, but respectful; realistic, but hopeful. Through his work as a hostage negotiator sitting across the table from the likes of Saddam Hussein, Fidel Castro, and many others-as well as his toil on Capitol Hill, in the United Nations, and New Mexico's state government-he has learned the vital importance of preparation: know as much as possible about your adversary; test your partner's truthfulness; know how much you can concede; never lie and always be direct.
Between Worlds is the surprising story of one of our most seasoned and captivating national figures.
Customer Reviews:
Personalizing of History.......2007-09-08
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.
What a man! .......2007-09-03
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.
What Makes Bill Tick.......2007-08-12
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.
A Career Politician: The Good & The Bad.......2007-07-11
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.
Bill Richardson, the book, the lite version.......2007-05-22
I have been interested in Bill Richardson as a potential presidential candidate for some time so I wanted to read his story to get some more information on what he might bring to the Democratic race. So should you read this book to learn about Richardson? Sure but you may be left wanting to know more as I did after finishing it.
This book, true to its subtitle "The Making of an American Life", chronicles Richardson's life, his childhood in Mexico, his high school and college years in the US and the major turning points in his life. The book is very good at this and more interesting than I thought but it does not have much detail of proposals to solve many of the national problems we are facing today. There was a list of highlighted important sayings called "Richardson's List". This I thought might be a list of what he thought would help steer the country to a better position in diplomacy, health care, environment, and the economy but was a synopsis of what he had learned in his career on how to be a successful politician, diplomat and negotiator. Hopefully if his campaign goes well we will have the opportunity to hear more from this very accomplished statesman.
Book Description
Cesar Chavez is known as one of America's greatest civil rights leaders. When he led a 340-mile peaceful protest march through California, he ignited a cause and improved the lives of thousands of migrant farmworkers. But Cesar wasn't always a leader. As a boy, he was shy and teased at school. His family slaved in the fields for barely enough money to survive.
Cesar knew things had to change, and he thought that--maybe--he could help change them. So he took charge. He spoke up. And an entire country listened.
An author's note provides historical context for the story of Cesar Chavez's life.
Customer Reviews:
A beautiful children's book with an illustrated personal story and a larger message.......2006-09-09
Harvesting Hope tells the tale of Cesar Chavez, but more than that, it reveals the power of collective bargaining and fighting for what is just in the world. As a children's book, it has appeal as a well-illustrated biography, an important history lesson, a story of family and personal triumph, and a book with a message. Chavez's crusade took place several decades ago, but the plight of migrant farm workers remains, despite the tremendous inroads Chavez made with La Causa. The story of Chavez's childhood, hard days of labor, and fight for worker's rights is timeless, and Kathleen Krull's award-nominated book deserves a place on every child's bookshelf.
The story of a lesser known American Hero.......2006-02-22
This is a great picture book for all ages. The heroic story of Cesar Chavez is left out of most U.S. history classrooms, save those in California. This book would be an enlightening addition to any classroom or children's library.
Si Se Puede.......2005-06-08
Let's begin by saying that the drawings are super and captivating. Yuyi Morales creates characters that show emotion and the result is a drawing of emotion from the young reader. As the title implies this is the story of Cesar Chavez who many adults came to know about from his work with the farmworkers in California. This story humanizes the man by beginning in his childhood. The roots of the farmworker leader are explored as a young person traveling from crop to crop , from state to state. A drought in Arizona began the family oddyssey that would result in Caser Chavez becoming familiar first hand with the troubles of the farmworkers. Life on the road became a harsh reality. The treatment he encountered in school forced him to drop out in eighth grade but the treatment in the fields wasn't much better, at times it was much worse. This is simple story about a complex problem that one man was determined to overcome. He wanted justice for farmworkers and organized. He became to Mexicans what MLK was for civil rights, for Mexicans it was an extension of civil rights. This is a beautiful book for young readers or those not so young that are learning to read in English if they have a reading foundation in another language. Although it is recommended for children ages 6-9, middle school students, ages 9-12, especially those with limited English proficiency can benefit from this story well told. For the teacher or parent this book can help instill pride and understanding as to how determination, perseverance and hard work can overcome even the greatest odds.
Beautiful, educational, brought tears to my eyes!.......2004-11-25
I recommend this book for anyone 4 and up (adults included!) Beautiful illustrations and a wonderful telling of an important part of history.
Harvesting Hope is Hopeful.......2004-08-02
This story is a wonderful way to teach children about the people who have made a difference in our world. People like Cesar Chavez. The story beautifully illustrates how Cesar did not use violence to solve problems but rather he used his mind, as his mother had taught him. The illustartions are vivid and real. The story is well written and teaches an important part of California history in a wonderful way. It reaches the heart of all ages. This is a great book for any elementary school classroom library, even High School.
Book Description
Hunger of Memory is the story of Mexican-American Richard Rodriguez, who begins his schooling in Sacramento, California, knowing just 50 words of English, and concludes his university studies in the stately quiet of the reading room of the British Museum.
Here is the poignant journey of a “minority student” who pays the cost of his social assimilation and academic success with a painful alienation — from his past, his parents, his culture — and so describes the high price of “making it” in middle-class America.
Provocative in its positions on affirmative action and bilingual education,
Hunger of Memory is a powerful political statement, a profound study of the importance of language ... and the moving, intimate portrait of a boy struggling to become a man.
From the Paperback edition.
Download Description
Hunger of Memory is the story of Mexican-American Richard Rodriguez, who begins his schooling in Sacramento, California, knowing just 50 words of English, and concludes his university studies in the stately quiet of the reading room of the British Museum.
Here is the poignant journey of a "minority student" who pays the cost of his social assimilation and academic success with a painful alienation -- from his past, his parents, his culture -- and so describes the high price of "making it" in middle-class America.
Provocative in its positions on affirmative action and bilingual education, Hunger of Memory is a powerful political statement, a profound study of the importance of language... and the moving, intimate portrait of a boy struggling to become a man.
"Arresting... Splendidly written intellectual autobiography."
THE BOSTON GLOBE
"Superb autobiographical essay... Mr. Rodriguez offers himself as an example of the long labor of change: its costs, about which he is movingly frank, its loneliness, but also its triumph."
THE NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW
Customer Reviews:
Among the Educated.......2007-07-18
Esteemed a classic, this work has the merit, upon first reading, of making the reader feel he has been initiated into the long lost tribe of truth tellers, something akin to the book readers of Fahrenheit 451. We meet somebody for whom education is a real thing, something that is life changing, enlightening, and it estranges him from his family, and of course from all people, because the sophistication he gains from his education makes him an enemy to the ignorant. Much is lost, but what is gained far outweighs that loss. He knows it, and we get the message. Bravo, Richard Rodriguez.
Whine, whine, whine.......2007-04-09
I read this book as a part of a college class on marginalized/minority writers. Out of a class of eight, I and another girl both thought this fellow was an unmitigated whiner and the book was terrible. The rest of the class thought it was compelling and thought provoking (or else they just wanted a good grade that week.) It seems to me that it is almost forbidden to express dislike of a minority writer in a classroom environment these days for fear of being branded a racist. I did not like this book. I was in the minority--read it and decide for yourself.
not exactly a great autobiographical read.......2007-02-28
*Hunger of Memory* was an ok read. There was nothing unforgettable in the book. So, that left me somewhat disappointed. Rodriguez provided his personal accounts on some topics, such as assimilation, language, bi-bi education, Catholicism, affirmative action, etc.
I enjoyed reading about his views and experiences with assimilating with American values and whatnots. For those of us who are minorities, I believe that we can relate to that. His personal accounts kind of became reminders of my childhood and helped me re-evaluate how I was assimilated.
The other thing I enjoyed reading was about his college education and "moving up" as a minority in regards to scholarships and job offers. As a minority, you never really know if you're being sought after due to your minority status or your expertise/specialty. Rodriguez was honest about his feelings and views on such things.
His portrayal of his mother reminded me so much of my mother. I had to laugh and groan in memory. It is interesting to see how he portrays a separation between him and his family due to his being an academician. It as if his family expect him to know everything because he's educated. Yet, when he gives answers, those answers are "over the top" for them. They just dismiss him and move on. At the same time, they still encourage him for further achievements...as long as he leaves out the family because it is a private matter.
What I didn't like about the book was that he droned on and on about language (Spanish & English). I'm guess I was bored with this as I had just finished reading *Breaking Through* and *Growing Up Latino*. Both of these books mentioned this. I realize it is a common experience by Hispanics in regards to Spanish and English. But in Rodriguez, he dwells on language forever.
Overall, I have mixed feelings about this book. I liked half of it and hated the other half. It was like he wrote about himself but at the same time, he didn't. This book was more of his views on things rather than getting to know him.
I was born in Mexico and faced similar issues. This is awful........2006-08-03
Richard Rodriguez whines and complains in his book. I have similar experiences. I was born in Mexico. I was reared in America and went to Catholic schools. I have a darker than average complexion. People often ask me what country I was born in just by looking at me, but that did not warp my wife like it seemed to for Rodriguez. I have a friend who went to Stanford, like Rodriguez, on scholarship, but he did not whine about it. I googled Rodriguez and found a published speech where he continues to show weak character. Here is a quote from one of his speeches: "... if you really want to scare the United States of America, all you would have to say to the United States of America is "I'm going to marry you. I'm going to start dating your son." " This is pretty sad and tasteless. Besides showing weak character, Rodriguez is a poor writer. I have never seen so many sentence fragments. At one point in his book he admits he never liked writing when he was in school. It shows. This book is an insult to the Latin-American community from a condescending publisher. We deserve better.
Going beyond his weakness as a writer and as a person, I would say Rodriguez realized his life was inauthentic (re: Heidegger). He was thrown into his life and rebelled at the life he was given (a degree from Stanford, many job offers in spite of incomplete and inferior creditials). He rejected the life for which he was prepared, but he sunk into an unending cycle of complaining instead of creating an authentic life for himself. He needed to find some way of creating a meaningful life for himself. There are many ways to create for yourself a meaningful life. "Achieve Lasting Happiness" by Robert Canright is good book based on the principals of self-cultivation. If Rodriguez had success in creating for himself an authentic life, this book might have had some merit. As it is, it is just sad.
I hate this book........2006-06-16
This is one of the worst books I have ever read. I understand that is fine writing, but the book is tasteless. I find Rodriguez arrogant and lonely. Is he trying to say that the turning point of his life was when the nun's came to his parents home. I hate this book it is one of my worst reads ever.
Book Description
In his dazzling new memoir, Richard Rodriguez reflects on the color brown and the meaning of Hispanics to the life of America today. Rodriguez argues that America has been brown since its inception-since the moment the African and the European met within the Indian eye. But more than simply a book about race, Brown is about America in the broadest sense-a look at what our country is, full of surprising observations by a writer who is a marvelous stylist as well as a trenchant observer and thinker.
Customer Reviews:
Rodriguez - Brown is All Cultures.......2007-01-08
Rodriguez has written an ambitious book: who else would be willing to take on the idea of "brown" and all it involves, from the many perspectives from which this writer sees? I teach a university course on Biography and Memoir and his is one of my favorite books to include. I love his attention to the role of the public library, schools, how religion divides and unites us. Increasingly we all live in a "brown" world and Rodriguez shows us how books and culture help us explore that world in its origins and awesome potential for good and for ill. His riffs are right-on target: Malcolm X as latter-day Puritan, Frederick Douglass on the same shelf with Benjamin Franklin in terms of writing memoirs that tell us how to live honestly in This America of Ours. The poetry of Rodriguez's language is not at all what we might come to expect from an analytical writer. His work is closer to poetry that looks back to the multiple historical origins of these Americas, asks about the originary moments of various races, cultures, religions coming together, and what has happened since. By writing evocatively, rather than cut-and-dry rants or analyses, Rodriguez does much to explore the structures that pervade and are promised in present-day America. Rodriguez is worth, will pay back in insights every bit of time you put into reading him. Maybe his identity isn't yours, maybe you will want to dismiss him, but if you read through, stay with this book, I promise - he will get under your skin.
Bullsh*t.......2006-06-01
This guy is full of it and full of himself. Wants to sound sooooooooooooooooo educated. Comes off sounding like a pretentious overcompensating guy with a real inferiority complex. Obviously has not come to a point of self-acceptance. It is a pity. I got the book in hopes of finding some help with my own Mexican-American son's struggles to fit in to either the Mexican or the "white" sides of his heritage. This book is NOT one I will leave around for him to read. I wonder how he got published.
Brown.......2006-04-28
Brown is an interesting read and by no means is it an easy read. Rodriguez alludes to many different things, so a reader, such as myself, may not always be able to pick up on these allusions. This is a story, rather a collection of stories that highlights race, ethnicity, and identity in American culture. This is a dense read, not a quick and easy read. At first, I did not understand many of the things Rodriguez was saying, but as I progressed farther in the book, his writing became much more clear and understandable to me. In the end, I cannot say that I enjoyed the book but that I did find it an interesting read and worth my time.
Feel free to step back and let some of it slide by.......2005-11-10
"Brown" is really a collection of disparate essays and personal musings that make no effort to come together at the end in any sort of traditional conclusion or overriding point. Not surprisingly the only truly linking theme is this idea, this social construction of "Brown," the book being simply a transcription of the world through the eyes of a man that has been brown his entire 50 or so years. While some find this style of writing important to the messsage of the book I find it confusing and often tiring ot read.
The book is full of lengthy explorations into terms and ideals, including "Hispanic," and when these complicated topics are combined with Rodriguez's contradicting and incongruent style it makes for a difficult read. "Brown" has a lot to say so be prepared to not only look deeply into the writer's true meanings but also to step back and allow some of his asides and obscure references to pass by without much attention.
It's OK to be lost in the text..........2005-11-09
Rodriguez shows how some social conventions, such as the use of "Hispanic" and the wilderness connotation of "West," are in reality much more complicated, and he uses rich supplementary evidence to reflect the complexity of his topics.
Take the chapter "Gone West" as an example, to show how the "real West" is more than the traditional "wilderness," Rodriguez points out how Californians move eastwards to the "West," how the "gateway to West" has never been determined, how Ralph Lauren's interpretation of "Original Sin" used totally inaccurate Indian theme, how Adam and Eve were driven to the "east" of Eden where they "assume[d] the burden of time", how Asians moved "east" and Hispanics moved "north" to the American "West"...the list could go on. Rodriguez presents numerous "facts," including many personal experiences, to add more meanings to the idea of "West," and therefore breaks the conventional oversimplification of the phrase, "gone west."
You can be in awe of Rodriguez for how knowledgeable he sounds in the book, or you can be like me and get mad at him for making a simple thing extremely confusing.
Average customer rating:
- Kansas
- Correction
- First Impressions
- Sex, Drugs, and Politics
- An awareness that should be taught to todays young Chicanos
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The Revolt of the Cockroach People
Oscar Zeta Acosta
Manufacturer: Vintage
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Autobiography of a Brown Buffalo
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Zoot Suit and Other Plays
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Oscar "Zeta" Acosta: The Uncollected Works
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George Washington Gomez: A Mexicotexan Novel
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...y no se lo tragó la tierra / ...And the Earth Did Not Devour Him
ASIN: 0679722122
Release Date: 1989-08-28 |
Book Description
The further adventures of "Dr. Gonzo" as he defends the "cucarachas" -- the Chicanos of East Los Angeles.
Before his mysterious disappearance and probable death in 1971, Oscar Zeta Acosta was famous as a Robin Hood Chicano lawyer and notorious as the real-life model for Hunter S. Thompson's "Dr. Gonzo" a fat, pugnacious attorney with a gargantuan appetite for food, drugs, and life on the edge.
In this exhilarating sequel to The Autobiography of a Brown Buffalo, Acosta takes us behind the front lines of the militant Chicano movement of the late sixties and early seventies, a movement he served both in the courtroom and on the barricades. Here are the brazen games of "chicken" Acosta played against the Anglo legal establishment; battles fought with bombs as well as writs; and a reluctant hero who faces danger not only from the police but from the vatos locos he champions. What emerges is at once an important political document of a genuine popular uprising and a revealing, hilarious, and moving personal saga.
Customer Reviews:
Kansas.......2003-03-01
Re-Saturday Review of Literature
Oscar Acosta disappeared in Mexico in 1974, not 1971 (the year of his trip to Las Vegas with Dr. Thompson).
Correction.......2003-03-01
Re-Saturday Review of Literature
Oscar Acosta disappeared in Mexico in 1974, not 1971 (the year of his trip to Las Vegas with Dr. Thompson).
First Impressions.......2001-12-05
This is the most realistic book I have ever seen about Mexican American hippies in Aztlan, the Chicanos of the 1960's neo-freedom movements. It will surely become a collector's item worth saving in this era of gung-ho Americanism which does not know the kind of objectivity Acosta displays with regard to how we think and why we believe as we do. Hunter S. Thompson described the author better than I can in his introduction to the book, highlighting his uniqueness while lamenting his untimely passing. I will write more after I give the book a more thorough second reading.
Sex, Drugs, and Politics.......1999-06-17
I read this book after finding out that Oscar Zeta Acosta was the fat Samoan lawyer from "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas." Acosta's style is similar, with a lot of drugs and sex with minors. The differences are that Acosta isn't tripping the whole time and he has time to incite political rallies. I love when they protest the Catholic church, or when he pleasures himself with some nubile young high schoolers under a blanket during a sit-in.... For those interested in the turbulent times that was the 60s, this is a must-read.
An awareness that should be taught to todays young Chicanos.......1999-04-12
After reading this book, and actually living through those turbulent times of the 60's and 70' s , it was refreshing to read and feel the burning frustration and love that this man was experiencing and the way he expressed his anger against the machine. This type of awareness has been lost , due to us the forefathers of the Chicano Movement, to teach our own and other's children of how important those actions were, so that we may emphasize education, political power and family values. We have implemented a course in Chicano Studies in schools, we now have political representation in our governments, and many more success stories that are due to the work of such people as Cesar Chavez, Ruben Salazar and Corky Gonzales. Oscar Zeta was a man amongst his own that was afraid of nothing and no one.My thanks to him for fighting the powers that be and for creating an example for all of us, regardless of race. You have to stand up for what you believe and Acosta is atrue testament to that.
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Pablo Neruda : Nobel Prize-Winning Poet (Hispanic Biographies)
David Goodnough
Manufacturer: Enslow Publishers
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Binding: Library Binding
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ASIN: 0766010422 |
Customer Reviews:
The Spanish heritage of the Southwest........2003-12-29
This is the second Marrin book I have read. This author does a good job summarizing the important aspects of this history. Along the way, he brings some interesting stories into the overall historical summation. I like his writing style as it can be understood by a teenager or an adult. The overall message in this book was how the Southwest was first lost by the Spaniards, then the Mexicans, and won by the United States. The Southwest is defined as Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, Utah, and California.
As mentioned, Marrin always brings interesting stories into his narration. You find out the origin of Texas, how Ps and Qs became a phrase, Taylor's reaction to a self important Lietenant, and others. These stories liven up the historical summation. They are a joy to read.
This is a good read for both teenagers and adults. Although the history is not covered in depth, it gives the reader a base from where to go.
Average customer rating:
- Read this and watch Fear and Loathing in Vegas again
- A good story at heart
- Overhyped, Formless And Dull
- A superb book
- Good saga from a good writer
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Autobiography of a Brown Buffalo
Oscar Zeta Acosta
Manufacturer: Vintage
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The Revolt of the Cockroach People
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Oscar "Zeta" Acosta: The Uncollected Works
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Pocho
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...y no se lo tragó la tierra / ...And the Earth Did Not Devour Him
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Screwjack: A Short Story
ASIN: 0679722130
Release Date: 1989-07-17 |
Book Description
Before his mysterious disappearance and probable death in 1971, Oscar Zeta Acosta was famous as a Robin Hood Chicano layer and notorious as the real-life model for Hunter S. Thompson's "Dr. Gonzo," a fat, pugnacious attorney with a gargantuan appetite for food, drugs, and life on the edge.
Written with uninhibited candor and manic energy, this book is Acosta's own account of coming of age as a Chicano in the psychedelic sixties, of taking on impossible cases while breaking all tile rules of courtroom conduct, and of scrambling headlong in search of a personal and cultural identity. It is a landmark of contemporary Hispanic-American literature, at once ribald, surreal, and unmistakably authentic.
Customer Reviews:
Read this and watch Fear and Loathing in Vegas again.......2004-12-18
By reading this book before watching the movie, you will see what Dr. Gonzo's life was like right before he decides to become a lawyer. If you have ever felt alienated by American ideals, regardless of your race, you will relate to this book. Acosta's writing is good and he does a great job of describing what the character is feeling when he encounters life, drugs, and ulcers.
A good story at heart.......2004-04-10
It is easy to dismiss this book. The hallucinations and drug-induced rants become a little exaggerated and tedious. Although, his friend and partner in crime, Hunter S. Thompson, would detail similar bizarre experiences in Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, their intent seemed different. Whereas HST played with fantasy in social satire as a form of comic relief, OZA seems to want you to believe it to be fact...or at least for you to trust that he believed it.
With that said, the story is one of the most self-deprecating, odd, and entertaining autobiographies I have ever read. It can easily stand alone as study of a Mexican-American struggle for the American Dream, as well as companion book to Hunter S. Thompson enthusiasts. Regardless of your intent on picking this book up, OZA will amuse, disgust, and surprise you...making this a worthwhile read.
On a sidenote: This book truly makes you wonder, when HST and OZA joined up, who influenced who more.
Overhyped, Formless And Dull.......2004-03-31
Strong writing in places, but Acosta's style is sometimes hard to follow. Overall, I found the book to be meandering, formless, and kind of dull. The "Chicano in search of his identity" stuff is pure marketing hype. "A Chicano in search of beer, chicks and drugs" would be more like it--but there isn't much of that here, either, in case you're looking for a story of epic debauchery by Hunter Thompson's Samoan attorney. Acosta comes off as a fairly conservative character--he was a Christian missionary in Panama at one time--and basically apolitical at this point in his life. He wanders around the country, goes to bars, tries peyote, smokes some weed, drinks a lot of beer, but it's all pretty low key and, personally, I never thought this kind of thing was very interesting to begin with. Still, Acosta is a fairly sympathetic character and he's a better writer than most. This isn't a bad book, but it isn't that great, either--read Hunter Thompson instead
A superb book.......2003-07-09
This book is one of the most memorable I have read in many years. Oscar lived an incredible life, and his ability to render it in this book is consistently amazing. I've read this book about three times, and I reflect on the trajectory of Oscar's life often.
Good saga from a good writer.......2002-12-07
I heard about Oscar'Zeta' Acosta basically from reading Hunter S. Thompson's book but became quickly fascinated by Dr. Gonzo and wanted to know more about him. I was pleased to find out he had also written some books and was even more pleased to find out he was(is?) a very good writer. Truly an inspiration to anyone who has ever felt their identity as an american is something that they have had to come to grips with. Apart from that serious subtext, it also a very entertaining and amusing story that rolls along, introducing some interesting and memorable characters and situations. A passionate human being wrote this book and it is filled with all the honesty and humanity of someone bearing his soul to achieve a greater sense of genuine self which for Oscar Acosta means being "A Brown Buffalo"
Average customer rating:
- Living up the Street
- Book Review
- Don't judge a book by it's cover, fools!
- A Really Great Book
- Living up the Sreet
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Living Up The Street
Gary Soto
Manufacturer: Laurel Leaf
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 0440211700
Release Date: 1992-02-01 |
Book Description
In a prose that is so beautiful it is poetry, we see the world of growing up and going somewhere through the dust and heat of Fresno's industrial side and beyond: It is a boy's coming of age in the barrio, parochial school, attending church, public summer school, and trying to fall out of love so he can join in a Little League baseball team.
His is a clarity that rings constantly through the warmth and wry reality of these sometimes humorous, sometimes tragic, always human remembrances.
Customer Reviews:
Living up the Street.......2006-10-20
Living up the Street (Book Review)
A boy growing up without a father. The only thing Gary knew was violence. By the age of five he was already stealing, beating people up, and trying to set houses on fire. He'd get into fights with his brother just for the fun of it. Gary lives in a bad neighborhood with a lot of Mexicans. He's always getting into trouble by his mom and never listens to anybody. His Family have been living here for a long time ever since their mom and dad was a little girl. After a while Gary, surprisingly, tries to look for work. He doesn't really earn that much money but he still does it for a long time. Then his mom decides to send Gary to a catholic school because she said he was a little devil and needed to go to church. At first it didn't change him but slowly but surely he began to change. He became less mischievous and more polite. He didn't get into much trouble anymore and instead just entered in arts and crafts at the park where a coach taught them. Gary liked sports and he and his brother tried out for the little league baseball team. They tried out three times and never had they made the team. They thought they were going to make it but unfortunately they didn't. Gary eventually got on a baseball team but it wasn't little league. It was a recreation al league that only had two teams. Gary's team always lost to the same opponent over and over. Gary was a growing boy so eventually the hormones of puberty started to kick in. One week he would like one girl and the next week he would like another. When he was about sixteen he volunteered to help little kids at the playground kind of like a new coach. Even though he was a teenager he made lots of friends. The kids played with him like he was one of them. In high school Gary joined the wrestling team. He wasn't that bad at wrestling but he wasn't the best. During the summer he decided to work at his moms work that actually paid very well even though they were harvesting crops in the fields. His brothers and sister eventually joined him because they needed money for school clothes. One day Gary and his friend were being stupid and decided to rob a house. They did but had to leave town to not get caught. Their own guilt eventually lead them to return all of the valuable merchandise. Some while later Gary got married to a girl named Carolyn. They moved to Mexico and didn't make very much money. They still lived happily and that's the thing that counts. I recommend this book to people who like autobiographies and like adventure. This book is a fun to read book that a lot of people can relate to.
The first reason I enjoyed this book was because of the detail in all of the events. For example when Gary tried to set the house on fire. It explained how all the kids were fascinated with fire and how fire basically hypnotized them. How the angry fire made them crazy and want to set everything on fire. The TV did the same thing. They would just sit there as lifeless that anybody could be when they're alive. The book explained how they would bring a bowl of chips to eat during the movie and by the time they finished watching the bowl was untouched. Last example is during the arts and crafts session. The book told how Gary enjoyed doing arts and crafts for the coach and how he wanted to win badly. Gary also thought he was the best of the best of arts and crafts.
The next reason why I liked the book was the suspense. When Gary and his friend robbed the place they stayed longer than they expected. The whole time I thought they were going to get found out but noone came. They even left blood at the crime scene so I definitely thought they were going to get found out then. Even when they left something had to go wrong. A branch got caught under the car and made a whole lot of noise. Another time the book was suspenseful was when Gary's mom heated a fork red hot and threatened to poke them with it. I thought she was actually going to do it because of all the bad things that Gary had already done. She sounded like she was pretty close to doing it because she already whooped all the others for trying to burn the house down. The final example would be when Gary was about to ask a girl out. He was walking back and forth because someone had told him that she liked him. He was walking up to her to ask her out but then his friend came up to him and told him that she liked another Gary.
Last but not least the final reason I liked the book was because of the action. One day when Jimmy was at the playground the playground bully told Gary to play with him or else. So they got into a fight that Gary lost and received a bloody nose. Surprisingly afterwards they made friends with each other even after the huge fight. Next would have to be when Gary was in the sixth grade. He created a gang called the "Mexicans" that consisted obviously all of them were Mexican. They lived by a code that was that you had to hate the "surfer" people. The "surfers" consisted of seventh grade wannabe surfers who probably have never seen the ocean before. One day both groups got into a huge fight that was only stopped because teachers were spotted. The "Mexicans" lost because they were way smaller and a lot weaker than a lot of the seventh graders. Finally the last event was when Gary tried out for the baseball team. He messed up a lot and didn't play his best but there was still action. Whenever he tried to catch the he'd have to dive or jump to get it. When it was his turn to bat he hit several fly balls but a lot of them were foul balls.
People who like autobiographies will love this book. It's fun to read and very exciting. Even though Gary's life wasn't perfect he got around obstacles big and small. This book can teach a lot people out there to appreciate their own life because they are very lucky. Gary didn't turn out perfect but he tried as best as he could and that's better than most people out there. Gary didn't even have a father when he was young and he still turned out to be a very polite and honorable gentleman. So enjoy life because if Gary can do it then you can.
D. Bennett
Book Review.......2006-03-10
Living Up the Street is one of many autobiographies written by Gary Soto. It tells of the ups and downs throughout his childhood, adolescence, and even adult life. This realistic book is enjoyable to read because many people can relate to one of his experiences one way or another. Though the book it without plot, sequence, or continuity, it is interesting from the very first chapter you read. This autobiography is mainly about Gary Soto, and his poor Mexican family, growing up in Fresno, California, in the 60's and 70s'. It is fun to read because it is as if you are reading and viewing someone as they grow up and mature. Through Gary's mistakes, he's learns valuable lessons for life on his own. To give you a better understanding of the book, knowing some events that occurred in the beginning will help you know how interesting it is. In the introduction, the three main characters are presents, who also happen to be all siblings. Rick, who is 6, Gary 5, and Debra 4. Most of the beginning shows the everyday family struggles they had growing up and how when the Mom, when she was angry enough, hit them with a belt after they acted up. One of the first events which happened, is when the Mom had somewhere to go and left the children home alone unattended accidentally. Since the kids loved playing with fire, they managed to burn a few items on fire inside the house and have fun with a tomato fight also, ruining the entire living room and kitchen. This is just one of many events that took place in this novel.
Don't judge a book by it's cover, fools!.......2005-11-02
I had to read this nutjob of a book with the class as a freshman this year and the cover and plot review on the back of the book made it look like bird scratch but right when you start reading you'd notice it's pretty damn good. This is on of those rare books that start o be interesting from the very beginning chapter and have small chapters so you feel optimistic about reading alot of sections of the book and feel a sense of almost finished.
A Really Great Book.......2005-09-07
Hey peoples, the name of this story that I am going to explain to you is called Living up the Street by Gary Soto. This story is an auto - biography about Gary who grows up on the streets near Fresno, California. The story starts when he is five years old until he is married and is visiting Mexico City. This book is funny and cool because there is one part where Gary, Ronnie, and his friend Scott, decide to steal from his sister. Scott's sister went on vacation to Yosemite National Park. That is why they decided to steal at that time. What I thought was funny is that his Scott's sister works for the government. Well after they stole everything, they went back to their apartment. Gary and Scott decided to leave town taking a train to San Francisco because they were all freaked out. Ronnie just stayed at the apartment and started freaking out. Gary and Scott bought tickets for the train ride to San Francisco and when they were in the train, they decided to return their tickets because they were broke and that's when they were certain to return all the stuff they stolen. Anyways, there is a lot of drama in the book, so you should read this masterpiece.
This book has 167 pages, which is great because this story is not that boring. The thickness of this story is somewhat small, buts it is not that hard to read, so do not worry. If you like to read high and low reading level books then you will like this book because it is probably just right for you. If you also like reading auto - biography books like this one then you will definitely like this book. Once you start reading this story, you will not put it down unless you have to because it is compelling. Before I started to read the book, I was thinking that it was going to be the worse auto - biography book I have ever read because of the way the book looks and the thickness of the book. Actually, this story turned out to be better then I thought. Do not judge a book by its cover. Those are the reasons why I like to read Living up the Street. As a whole, this book is not going to take a long time to read, but make sure you read the book slowly so you will not miss out important information.
The rest of the story, I do not want to ruin it for you. Well I hope that you would like reading the book Living up the Street by Gary Soto. See you later!
Living up the Sreet.......2005-09-06
Living up the Street
by Gary Soto
Peer Review
Living up the Street is an autobiography by Gary Soto. Those who love autobiographies will love this novel. One of the reasons I liked this book is because Gary has some very interesting events that occur in his life. Sometimes those events can be quite hilarious, and other times he makes you wonder why he was doing the crazy things he did. Gary not only learns from his mistakes, he also applies what he learns to other problems he encounters throughout his life.
I generally like reading autobiographies because I get to see what another person's life was like and I get to see what problems they faced in life. Then I try to figure out how I can use their problem and solution to make my life better. Another thing I like about reading autobiographies is that it can be fun learning what happened on another person's life. For those of you who hate autobiographies, I think you will still like this novel because Gary's life is very interesting.
The difficulty level was not very high at all because he rarely used highly sophisticated words in his writing. He randomly used Spanish words throughout the book. That increased the length of the book for me because there were some words I did not know the meaning to. Overall, I would say that the novel is not very long and it is very intriguing.
Book Description
bilingual, 1st full translation (Manuel Tellechea)
Customer Reviews:
An important achievement in Cuban literature.......2001-07-23
"Simple Verses" is a collection of poems by Jose Marti (1853-1895), the 19th century Cuban poet and revolutionary who spent many years in exile in the United States. This is a bilingual edition, with the Spanish originals and English versions on facing pages. The translation into English is by Manuel A. Tellechea. Tellechea also contributes an excellent introduction which includes fascinating biographical information about Marti. The poems are untitled; each is assigned a Roman numeral.
Marti writes about romance, nature, family, and other subjects. Many of his poems are political and revolutionary in nature: he condemns Spanish colonial violence in Cuba, expresses his anti-slavery position, and identifies with the oppressed: "With the earth's poor everywhere, / I shall cast my lot" (poem III). In his marriage of poetry with politics and social justice, Marti foreshadows many of Latin America's 20th century poets: Gioconda Belli of Nicaragua, Roberto Sosa of Honduras, Juan Gelman of Argentina, and others, especially especially Pablo Neruda of Chile.
Many of Marti's poems appear to be autobiographical in nature. Some of his poems are dark and macabre in tone, others prophetic and even ecstatic. He sometimes reflects on his own poetic work: "My verse is like a dagger / At whose hilt a flower grows" (poem V). His best work, as interpreted by Tellechea, has a compelling freshness and beauty.
I only found one aspect of the book troublesome. Most of Marti's poems are written in four line stanzas, and in each poem he generally sticks to a constant rhyme scheme from stanza to stanza: ABBA or ABAB. But in his English versions, Tellechea sometimes mixes up the ABBA and ABAB schemes within poems, without any logical pattern and contradictory to Marti's originals; I found these switches very distracting.
Still, this is an excellent volume by a significant figure in Latin American literary history. And the rhyme scheme issue aside, I commend and thank Tellechea for making these "Simple Verses" available in English.
A founder of Modernism.......2000-10-18
Although Marti is known as the apostle of the Cuban revolution against Spain, what is not usually known was that he was a man of great heart and fully committed to what is best in the human spirit. It is not usually known that some Cubans criticized him because while those in the field were spilling their blood on the ground the others, including Marti, were only raising funds and politicking in the safety of the tobacco factories in the US. Marti galloped in his white horse toward the Spanish formations during his first encounter after the landing. He was shot in the heart and died in an act of self inmolation.
Jose Marti was always concerned with the poor, the downtrodden and all cases of inhumanity. He has been accused of communist leanings which is probably correct and was used effectively by Fidel Castro. Many of us who have known him long rather think of him as a Christian Socialist.
Marti left a large body of literature behind him. While in the US he met many of our literary figures and was very active in Journalism. Along with Ruben Dario and a few others he was a precursor of Modernism which discarded previous affected and unnatural poetic forms in favor of simpler direct and concised expressions of something deeply felt. When Marti wrote Versos Sencillos he meant exactly that. Some of his verses found their way into the lyrics of Guantanamera. They have a simple and direct beauty.
A New Side of Jose Marti.......2000-09-17
The thing that struck me about this book is that i always thought of Jose Marti as a sort of revolutionary firebrand. Reading this book, however, I realized what a strong spiritual connection he had with the universe. The poetry is what you would expect from a spiritual teacher like the Dalai Lama. This poetry demonstrates an aspect of Jose Marti's character I never before appreciated.
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