By Frederico Wilson

Publisher:TheBookPatch – Wilshire Press

It’s rare that you pick up a book, which makes you take a look at yourself and how you view the world. This book provides a view through a different lens. The author, coming from a multicultural mix (Mexican, Indian (Yaqui) and Euro-Iberian and Cornish ancestry provides the reader with an insight into the world that is unusual; therefore, creating thought provoking ideas and different possibilities.

What is appealing is that the author discusses culture and self awareness through snippets of his life and family. Throughout each chapter he provides interesting anecdotes and then gives the reader insight into his thought process and surroundings. He doesn’t take a stereotyped path view of his life just simply because of his culture – or then again, maybe he does. That will be for the reader to decide. Read more ›

By Mary A. Pérez

Publisher: Chart House Press, LLC

This book describes the life of the author in raw detail. The author tells her life story leaving little out. She nicely characterizes the disruptive interaction with her mother and her life with an abusive and alcoholic husband twice her age. Not only is the story descriptive, but it is sad to see that as a small child the author was given much responsibility because her mother’s focus was more on entertaining men than taking care of her children. I won’t go further into details of the story as I wouldn’t want to spoil it for you.

It appears that in writing this story the author has gone through much detail and pain to illustrate to the reader how difficult her life was, but yet she shows courage and rarely gives up hope. Her will of survival is eminent throughout the story and it will make you want to continue reading because it captures the essence of a dysfunctional family in true form, and yet there are some happy moments. Ms. Pérez does a magnificent job of illustrating her story with memorable snippets in a difficult journey. Read more ›

By Yolanda Arroyo Puzarro
Publisher: Independently Published

The slave trade is nothing short of a holocaust.  Many people’s lives were stolen, uprooted, and destroyed for the greed of the more ‘civilized’ white man. Though, when it comes to slavery in general, we often think about Africans taken from West Africa and brought directly to Europe or America; particularly the South. In fact, the term slavery conjures up many images such as plantations, cotton picking, ships, whippings, death, injustice, etc. I could list so many more images of this dark time of slavery in our history and this saddens me; however, these raw and thought provoking things are what make this book stand out because it captures the atrocities of slavery overall. Read more ›

By Lydia Gil
Publisher: Arte Publico Press

Most of us have wonderful memories of our family and food get togethers. In fact, I’m sure we can all remember these special parties, BBQ’s, or holidays whereby the food was the highlight of the event along with the presence of those we loved. For instance, in the Mexican culture, Tamales are a much sought after food dish during the Christmas holiday. That being said, the book Letters from Heaven is a magical book in that the central theme is centered on the Cuban culture and their food. Read more ›

By Daniel A. Olivas
Publisher: San Diego State University Press

This book is a collection of personal essays and interviews conducted by the author. It provides a glimpse into a ‘Who’s Who’ list of Latino/a authors that have managed to break barriers and have begun to transform Chicano-Hispanic-Latino literature in a way not possible decades ago. In addition, Mr. Olivas provides insight of how he sees the craft of writing and its moral implications on society – a reflective perspective. Read more ›

By Sergio Troncoso
Publisher: Arte Público Press – Houston, Texas

This is a story set within the walls of Yale.  It is a novel deep with suspense, sex, murder, and brings to light hidden holocaust lies deep within campus walls. From the moment that the story begins, the author captures the reader. It is a book that can’t be put down. Once you begin you are hooked. Read more ›

By Gloria DeLaTorre-Wycoff
Publisher: DeLaTorre Publishing

The book begins with the story of Ms. DeLaTorre-Wycoff’s mother who is born in 1906 and shortly the family becomes separated due to life circumstances. Maria, the author’s mother, is sent to live with her aunt – her father’s sister Adalberta. The Aunt is strict, but Maria is brought up in an upper middle class environment and learns to survive. Read more ›

By Luis R. Ruan
Publisher: Independently Published

This book is a motivating read in that the focus is on spiritual guidance and healing for the afflicted youth of America. So did the book deliver on its purpose and information? Most definitely! Read more ›

By Estela Bernal
Publisher: Piñata Books – An Imprint of Arte Público Press – University of Houston

This is a wonderful story that will capture your heart as you follow Amanda through her ordeal of losing her father who was killed by a drunk driver, and also trying to cope with a mother who retreats into her own world. Read more ›

By Ronnie Stich
Publisher: Independently Published

Although this book was written for a young adult audience, I found the book appealing and read it in one day. The author incorporated page turners throughout the story, which made me want to keep reading . The story definitely delivered on its element of possible ghosts and the plot had several twists and turns.  There was just enough ‘bumps in the night’ sort of things that gave it that creepy element, but yet made the story plausible. Read more ›