Named one of "The Best Memoirs of a Generation" by Oprah's Book Club.Esmeralda Santiago's story begins in rural Puerto Rico; where her childhood was full of both tenderness and domestic strife; tropical sounds and sights as well as poverty. Growing up; she learned the proper way to eat a guava; the sound of tree frogs in the mango groves at night; the taste of the delectable sausage called morcilla; and the formula for ushering a dead baby's soul to heaven. As she enters school we see the clash; both hilarious and fierce; of Puerto Rican and Yankee culture. When her mother; Mami; a force of nature; takes off to New York with her seven; soon to be eleven children; Esmeralda; the oldest; must learn new rules; a new language; and eventually take on a new identity. In this first volume of her much-praised; bestselling trilogy; Santiago brilliantly recreates the idyllic landscape and tumultuous family life of her earliest years and her tremendous journey from the barrio to Brooklyn; from translating for her mother at the welfare office to high honors at Harvard.
#63105 in Books 2000-04-07 2000-04-04Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x 2.00 x 6.00l; 1.98 #File Name: 0306809427792 pages
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Ever wondered why Texans are Texans FIRST? This book tells you why...By OldSoldierSixThe first 90% of this book comprises one of the most detailed and thorough histories of Texas from it's earliest days through annexation; the Civil War and its aftermath to the post-World War II period. It is in my opinion fascinating reading. The final ten percent; though the author strives to make it interesting; is pure political history - as though that's all that's left. If you're interested in the who-screws-who of modern politics; even that may be of interest to you.But - that first 90% is OUTSTANDING.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. The Best Texas History book; by farBy randy wardWant to read the most real history of Texas that can be read? Buy this book.The "Texas History" books that are in the schools today are "history rewritten"; not real history.This is a classic that every school age Texan should read; buy it for your kids and make them read it. It will serve them well in their future lives.8 of 9 people found the following review helpful. Arguably the best book on the subject!By DSquaredIn my opinion; this book is THE one to read if you want a comprehensive history of Texas; and Fehrenbach has a wonderful writing style with plenty of wry wit thrown in. Very interesting; not dry or boring at all. I highly recommend this for all lovers of Texas; and anyone else who values the history of the country. I originally was looking for a book that would give me a history of the Alamo; and after reading reviews of many books on the subject; settled on this one....and I got so much more than I even realized I wanted.I also knew this was a great book when (after I bought this) I saw an old copy of it in my father-in-law's library...his family has been in Texas for generations and they are all Texas buffs...in fact; my husband minored in Texas history at UT. So if they valued this book; it's worth having.
