Re: Re: [ranchos] Juan v. Juan Jose v. Jose Francisco

[Alicia Carrillo <alliecar@...>]

Peggy,

 

Another great book I had mentioned a few weeks ago is Rain of Gold in English or Lluvia de Oro in Spanish by Victor Villaseñor, I read both the Spanish and English versions and I have to say that they were both great. Not only will you learn the language but you will get a lot of history and cultural information which is essential to get a feel for what our ancestors lived and experienced.

 

If you just want to get comfortable with the Spanish language and don't necessarily want to delve into the Mexican culture and history you can go to either Barnes & Noble.com or Amazon.com and look for books written by most English language authors that have been translated into Spanish. See the reviews below of Rain of Gold, written not by professional book critics but by two passionate readers.

 

One family' s history, September 7, 2004

Reviewer:

Rogina Ruiz "Gina Ruiz" (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews

The first time I read Rain of Gold, I thought to myself, "My God this is my family!" Victor Villasenor has the ability to draw in the reader and make he or she feel that they are living the story. This is particularly true in Rain of Gold.

The book follows two people and their families very different journeys through the hard times of the Mexican Revolution and into the U.S. and the very different life waiting for them there. They meet new challenges in and find each other as they adjust and learn to make a life in this new country.

The book abounds with the mystical love of spirits, nature and God that is so commonplace for us Mexicanos. I believe it is hard for people not of our culture to understand just how real the spirits are to us. This is not magical realism, but daily life to us. Mr. Villasenor shows that aspect of our culture, that old wisdom of our grandmothers so well that it brought tears to my eyes as I remembered my own mystical, wise and wonderful grandmother.


The fact that Victor Villasenor is extremely dyslexic and encountered myriad problems in school at a very young age makes this book all the more astounding. He writes with pathos, humor and his love for his beautiful family shines through it all. His simple style of storytelling makes you feel you're sitting on the floor listening to an uncle or other family member and you are completely enraptured and caught up in his spell.

 

Humbeling , May 23, 2005

Reviewer:

M. L. Rojas (Southern California) - See all my reviews

I bought "Rain of Gold" in hopes of learning more about Mexican history. I will admit that I had to make an effort to open the book, but once I started reading, I found it difficult to put it down. My family would watch me while I read "Rain of Gold" and ask me if everything was OK because my face would get so twisted up in disgust at some of the events. Throughout the book, I felt like I was living through the families hardships and I did not realize how caught up in the story I was until I was done reading it. I plan to read "Thirteen Senses" so I can follow up on Lupe and Salvador. I recommend "Rain of Gold" to anyone who is curious about Mexican heritage, but not sure where to start. This book will get your wheels turning and motivate you to continue learning. Enjoy!

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Buena suerte/Good luck..............Alicia Avelar de Carrillo

                                                 De, San Jose' Calif

peggydee@... wrote:

> Emilie,
> Thanks so much for you message.  I think I will try your suggestion about reading books in Spanish. I've read, "Like Water for Chocolate" already, the english version and I have it.  So I'll be it in Spanish, as well as my other favorite, "Caramelo" which is also sold in Spanish.  
>
> My mother told me that she learned by watching the novelas with her mother-in-law and that helped a lot.
>
> I also do belong to a group where I get articles and posting from Zacatecas, but you're right.  Youngsters just post their pictures looking to "hook up" with one another *laugh*.
> Thanks for your help....and your advice.