Spanish Books Books

out of the struggle of my own life:
I am a 50 year old man, STILL FIGHTING TO RAISE MY SLEF ESTEEM!
Why?
Because it has to be taught since the crib !!! AND MY PARENTS DIDN'T KNOW !!!

PLEASE, PLEASE: learn how to plant the seed in your babies and save them misery

CUANDO NOS QUEJAMOS DE QUE NUESTRO ADOLESCENTE ES TÌMIDO, O DE QUE NUESTRA CHIQUILLA DE QUINCE AÑOS SE SIENTE TONTA, FEA O INADECUADA..

La autoestima se siembra en los hjijos desde que son muy pequeñitos..
Y ESTE LIBRO ES LA MEJOR GUÌA PARA HACERLO!
Si el niño crece seguro de que vale mucho, SENTIRÁ LO MISMO CUANDO SEA ADULTO Y SE CONVERTIRÀ EN UN TRIUNFADFOR FELIZ !

DE NUESTRA PAZ MENTAL
¿Para que te servirìa el mayor de los èxitos econòmicos si no te apreciasd a ti mismo ?
Es vital enseñar la autoestima y promoverla en nuestros pequeños..Serà el cimiento de su vida y nuestra felicidad de viejos !

Y ESTE LIBRO ES LA MEJOR GUÌA PARA HACERLO!
Si el niño crece seguro de que vale mucho, SENTIRÁ LO MISMO CUANDO SEA ADULTO Y SE CONVERTIRÀ EN UN TRIUNFADFOR FELIZ !

Unlike in his novels, García Márquez uses a straight-forward journalistic tone to tell the story of Miguel Littin, exiled from his native Chile and brave enough to infiltrate his country in the mid 80's to film the consequences of the Pinochet dictatorship. The story has its tense moments and I recommend it for those interested in military dictatorships in Latin American. Of course, you should see Littin's film, too!

The book chronicles the experiences of a Chilean political exile who returns to film a clandestine documentary during the years ot the Pinochet regime. Marquez masterfully captures the essence of Santiago during the dictatorship, and manages to depict the complex and difficult emotions political exiles experience when faced with the return to a homeland that has changed. Beautifully written.

First of all, I've read this book in the original Spanish version, I recommend you do the same. The book is pretty good, I read it in two days, could not put it down!

My first impression was a "spy" story of guy in exile infiltrating his own country to take out the actual truth to the World (I wonder if it ever really happened!!!)

This is an absolute thriller that reminded me somehow of the John LeCarre stories. Highly recommended to any student of modern South American political affairs and history.

Five stars.

The book chronicles the experiences of a Chilean political exile who returns to film a clandestine documentary during the years of the Pinochet regime. Marquez masterfully captures the essence of Santiago during the dictatorship, and manages to depict the complex and difficult emotions political exiles experience when faced with the return to a homeland that has changed. Beautifully written.

The quality of the book is very good and what is nice as well is that it contains the preface by Juan Valera who wrote it for the second edition of the book.

Yo quisiera saber mucho mas de lo que dicen la palabras escritas
por el Maestro Dario en ese ensallo de (Azul)titulado "A una Estrella". Mi conocimiento literario en el idioma Espanol es muy
limitado y desafortunadamente no me codeo con gente que tengan
la menor idea de lo que estoy hablando. Yo tengo varias preguntas
acerca de este "Ensallo" del maestro Dario, por ejemplo unas de mis
preguntas es: Cuando el maestro Dario se dirige "A una Estrella"...es en realidad que el se esta dirigiendo a una mujer
cual cuyo amor es inalcansable?...tengo otras muchas mas preguntas pero quisiera que alguien erudito en la materia me
contactara. Gracias, Benjamin

"Azul" es una obra con la que facilmente podemos definir que tipo de escritor fue el célebre Rubén Darío. En este libro encontramos una puerta que nos hace ver mucho mas allá de lo que generalmente el ojo capta. Nos hace reconocer las realidades de nuestra sociedad y abrir la jaula en nuestra cabeza para que nuestros pensamientos vuelen...

Me gustaría encontrar las palabras exactas para definir este libro, pero no las tengo. La verdad, es que este es uno de esos pocos libros que de definen por si mismos. Es un pasaje a un mundo oculto, lejos de nuestras persepciones, además de ser uno de los mas dignos ejemplos de literatura hispanoamericana.

Muy bien, compren el libro y vean que tengo razón.

Edith Hope Fine's Under the Lemon Moon is a book with a big heart. Readers of all ages will enjoy this modern day folk tale. There is much to be learned, and even more to be felt from the pages of this book. The beautifully rendered illustrations are a lovely compliment to the book's poetic text. Under the Lemon Moon is a touching, beautiful and memorable read. This book would be a great addition to your library- and a great gift for kids of all ages.

AFter hearing "Under the Lemon Moon" read aloud to a group of 15 kindergarten students, I knew my original assessment was correct - kids will love this story! The illustrations so enhance the author's tale that it is hard to imagine one without the other. The glossary is vital, and helped the children recognize the Spanish words in context. The librarian/reader fielded such comments as: "That girl is really nice",and "the old man shouldn't have stolen the lemons, but he wasn't bad". Then they discussed how many of the class liked to eat lemons without sugar. Several asked if they could check the book out - always the clincher!

This engaging book is a wonderful tool to help young children gain brief insight into Mexican culture. With basic Spanish included in a glossary, reading Under the Lemon Moon to your children may be the perfect way to stimulate interest in and discussion of foreign language. Perhaps more significant than exposure to other cultures, this entertaining tale teaches initiative, principles, and respect. The harmonious blend of captivating artwork and thoughtful plot make this story a must for all children over the age of three.

I have been reading "Under The Lemon Moon" to four-year-old twins before bed every night this week. When we read, they become entranced by the story. They also enjoy searching for the characters in the beautiful illustrations. There are many lessons to be learned from this story, including forgiveness. I highly recommend this book!

Having seen the movie "Barry Lyndon" by Stanley Kubrick years ago, I was taken aback by this book which is so markedly different than the 1975 film. In the book, Lord Bullingdon is actually the hero, where Kubrick presented him merely as a cowardly cad. Redmond Barry (later as Barry Lyndon)deserves all the evils that befall him and his first person narrative is quite humorous especially when blaming everyone for his own shortcomings. Unfortunately, the ending leaves one a bit unsatisfied, quite like the dismal end of Mr. Lyndon himself. This novel is not on the level of Thackeray's "Vanity Fair", but fun to read nonetheless.

When one is about to take the big plunge and give oneself the trouble of making what is always -in our age of lighter reading, of course - the strenuous effort of reading a XIXth. Century novelist, one - at least me - must make the following question: What was this author's particular attitude, as a man (or woman) of the most bourgeois of all centuries, towards his/her preceding century, the most aristocratic and un-bourgeois XVIIIth. Century? If s/he scorns the XVIIIth. Century, or is indifferent to it, it's quite likely that the author in question is a bourgeois philistine regarding Victorian times as the undisputed acme of human civilization. If s/he is an admirer, than s/he is obviously starting out of a clear sense of alienation from his/her own society, and one should expect at least for this XIXth. Century _avis rara_, genuine sense of humor. Thackeray was one of such Victorians who realized the philisteism of his own society;Eça de Queiroz, his Portuguese disciple (who seems to have learned a lot from reading him) was another. Therefore: Read this book, QED.

Having seen the movie "Barry Lyndon" by Stanley Kubrick years ago, I was taken aback by this book which is so markedly different than the 1975 film. In the book, Lord Bullingdon is actually the hero, where Kubrick presented him merely as a cowardly cad. Redmond Barry (later as Barry Lyndon)deserves all the evils that befall him and his first person narrative is quite humorous especially when blaming everyone for his own shortcomings. Unfortunately, the ending leaves one a bit unsatisfied, quite like the dismal end of Mr. Lyndon himself. This novel is not on the level of Thackeray's "Vanity Fair", but fun to read nonetheless.

Here, in this relatively obscure work, Thackeray is at his ironic and satiric best. Modern critics lightly dismiss the book as a piece of journalistic hack work, but it is much more than that. Redmond Barry, later Barry Lyndon, chronicles in a fairly sophistocated and always lighthearted manner his rise from a poor Irish country boy to the astral heights of polite English society from 1750-1820. Mr. Barry is always Machievellian in his way, and is quick and efficient with his sword. He is Odysseus, Holden Caulfield, Don Juan, and Nabokov's Humbert Humbert merged. In a word, he is very, very entertaining and very, very good. The book's only glaring flaw is it's belabored and uninspired ending. But it is much worth reading to watch Redmond Barry when young

Don't be put off by the lame title, this is not a typical "for dummies" book, it's actually super-well-written and extremely practically useful. I've tried a few of the teach-yourself-spanish books now, and this is by far the best of those I've tried. Unfortunately it doesn't go past present tense - so still I'm waiting for "Intermediate Spanish for the Utterly Confused" ;)

I thought this was a great book. It has many excercises and drills and explained ideas well and clearly. It is very much a beginner's book but once I was done I felt accomplished and ready for a decent spanish 2 book (which are very hard to find). As a book without audio I totally recommend it.

This is the easiest way I have found to learn Spanish, it has made my transition much easier and I recomend it to anyone wanting to learn this language.

This is a great study book. It is easy to read and easy to follow.

We checked this book out from the library and my three year old daughter fell in love. :) We have had to check it out so frequently and my daughter asked so sweetly not to check it back in that we decided to buy it. It recently kept her occupied for over an hour on a long trip. She likes to help me cook so she really enjoys the cooking theme of the book. It has a nice message about sharing and is fairly pleasant to read over and over. My daughter now has it memorized and will "read" it to her younger brother.

My 5 year old daughter Loves this book, because she can read it by herself. Its a very good book for children just learning how to read. It is also very cute.

My 3 year old daughter loves this little book!

Strawberry Shortcake and her friends are planning a little picnic when each of them discovers that they are missing an ingredient to make their favorite treat. It teaches the value of sharing and has lovely, colorful graphics to make it a must have for little Strawberry Shortcake fans.

This little book is very cute with bright, colorful graphics; it teaches the value of sharing! My three-year-old daughter loves it!

A delightful story, not only bilingual, but perfect to teach children about Latino culture. A helpful tool for teachers to expand students' knowledge of the traditions of a vast minority in the United States and a way for Hispanic children to be proud of their heritage. The illustrations are also great and the writing style excellent!

The Dynami Duo strikes again! My seven year old boy, eight year-old girl and nieces and nephews have fallen in love with Chavi. The book is bilingual, in Spanish and English, and is set in a Latino Community. The writing is exhuberant and entertaining and the illustrations are vibrant and cartoon-like, something kids love. Our family can't wait till the next Chavi book in the series is out. Kids love this series!

Birthday In The Barrio/Cumpleanos en el Barrio is the collaborative bilingual picturebook by the Cuban/American team of author Mayra L. Dole and art critic/visual illustrator Tonel. Chavi is a young girl who proves that with a little determination and creativity she can do anything. Now she must find a way to throw a birthday party for her friend's sister. Lazarita is turning 15 and wants a special "quinces" party, but her family does not have enough money for such a fancy event. Chavi decides she can help by rallying together her neighborhood friends to donate food and decorations. Before long, the entire Cuban American community of Miami is working together to organize a birthday celebration.

I'm a librarian and read this book for review before its publication date. Chavi and Rosario (Drum, Chavi, Drum!) are back! Rosario's sister, Lazarita, is mad because she can't have a quinces after her Pipo lost his job. But don't think for a moment that Chavi can't mastermind the wildest, most fun quinces street party ever! She enlists the homeless, the mayor, and the entire community. But can she pull it through? How can a little girl possibly throw such a colossal fiesta? Mayra L. Dole's imaginative and exciting prose and Tonel's vivid illustrations make this a delight for readers of all ages. This is a gem of a book.

My wife got all of the Carolina books and asked me to read them. Now, I don't go for all this New Age stuff, and had a hard time understanding some of the Wicca, but I admit it was entertaining to read. This book had a good storyline. I liked the old lady.

I started reading the Carolina series to bone up on my Spanish, and because I enjoy women's spirituality based books. I was delighted when I read this one and actually found it to be helpful to me, when I suddenly found myself between jobs. They call this fiction, but it is also fact-based. The magic actually works and I now have a job! Speaking of magic, the author, herself weaves a magical storyline. I feel like Carolina and her family are my family! We share the same problems. I only wish I had a spirit guardian like Dona Carolina. What a crazy old gal!This was by far, my favorite in the series. I can't wait for the next book.

I have read all the Dona Carolina books written so far, and am absolutely enchanted by the characters and by the wealth of knowledge the author conveys. These books are fiction, but also nonfiction and talk about Celtic magic, but also magic for Hispanics. I've never read anything like them. This one talks about the nature of true prosperity and gives all sorts of spells. But it is more responsible than most of the junk that's out there. The characters in the fictional narrative are captivating. I highly recommend this book for readers of all ages.

This is the fourth book in a wonderful series about the adventures of a young, female Hispanic professor, who happens to also be a witch and her family and friends. In this volume, the true nature of prosperity and how to achieve it is explored. It seems that all of Carolina's friends and every member of her family is in need of money. Things come to a head when the local Latino mafia burn down Papi's restaurant and Mami suffers a heart attack. By using magick, spells, and rituals, and a large dollop of common sense and changes in attitude, and with some hints from her spirit ancestor, Carolina helps her friends and relatives overcome tremendous odds, and prosper. Very entertaining. Highly recommended.

Ms McCullough is a well known author since the publication of her very first novel: "The Thorn Birds" (El Pájaro Canta Hasta Morir) (1977). This kind of success is difficult to maintain in successive publications. Not for her!
Her second huge success was her "Roman Saga" started in 1990 with "The First Man in Rome" (El Primer Hombre de Roma) and followed by many interesting and documented volumes.
Editorial Planeta has wisely published the whole "Saga" and the present volume in Pocket Book format allowing a massive diffusion of these appealing works. Translation is very good and the book presentation solid.

"The Song of Troy" (La Canción de Troya) (1998) is a forceful retelling of the Trojan War Epic.
The author writes each chapter as told from a different main character: from Priam to Hector; from Achilles to Agamemnon and from Helen to Hecuba. Every side in conflict has his saying, allowing the reader to make up his own mind about justice, common sense, madness, love, hatred and stubbornness displayed by each subject.
For each Hero or Heroine Ms McCullough has constructed a very verisimilar persona based on classic texts material, personal intuition and literary sagacity.

This book reveals Ms McCullough has done a profound research in Classic texts such as Greek Tragedies "Iphigenia in Aulis", "Helen" and "Ajax" from Euripides and Sophocles; Epic Poems as "Iliad", "Little Iliad", "Odyssey" and "Aeneid" from Homer and Virgil.
She blends everything in a seamless coherent text with a modern and engaging prose giving the reader the possibility to get acquainted with the Trojan Drama from its start till the final scenes in only one volume.

There are two points of the novel that astounded and delighted me: the first is how the author avoids the direct appearance of Olympic Gods without eluding the influence of supernatural on human actions and the second is the very rational explanation she devices to clear the shocking conflict between Agamemnon and Achilles.

I strongly recommend this book to every reader interested in Trojan War, ancient Greece and historical novel.
Reviewed by Max Yofre.

A pesar de que este libro no es precisamente el estilo a que Ms. McCullough nos tiene acostumbrados y aunque se toma ciertas licencias históricas para darle forma a esta narrativa, las descripciones y los pocos diálogos que aparecen nos llevan de lleno a la Antigua Grecia en forma de imagenes vivas.
Una novela originalmente escrita donde la guerra de Troya es desgranada en forma de relatos narrados desde el punto de vista y las vivencias de sus protagonistas, así poco a poco nos vamos introduciendo en la epopeya de la mano del necio de Priamo, de la díscola Helena, del ambicioso Agamenón, del valiente de Hector, del zorro de Ulises, del sanguinario Aquiles y así subceptivamente hasta completar la historia.
Una excelente versión de la guerra de Troya, unos puntos de vista y razonamiento muy interesantes.

I have read this book in the english version. It provides a concise and vivid first-person narrative of the tale of Paris and Helen and the historical sack of the great city of Troy. Ms. McCullough again displayed her enormous skill in rejuvenating in her audience the interest in the classical myths told by the classical balladeers. Her characters are more or less the exact replicas of those presented in the classics. Ms. McCullough's effective presentation of human sentiments such as human pride, caprice, greed, secret motives, and the futility of vengeance will definitely ensure the novel's success. The "sad old man" Priam, the "mater dolorosa" Hacabe, the "self-indulgent" Helen, the "crafty" Odysseus, and the "tormented warrior prince" Achilles are but representations of the various people shaping the modern society. A wonderful insight into the Greek world is also evident in the pages such as the prominence of homosexuality (relations among men are generally accepted during that time) which is viewed in a negative outlook today. Nevertheless, the novel is a must-be-read. Five thumbs up!!!

After visiting Troya and looking for Troya history in National Geograpic Magacine and reading Heindrick Scheliemann books about Troya, and many other texts, I found McCullough book a extraordinary tale. Her ways of presenting each personage view of the troyan times and their view of the battle, produce images so clear that I couldn't put the book down. The images stay with me for days. The diferent characters came out so clearly (Ulises,Paris,Agamenon,Aquiles,Hector,Patroclo,Helena,Priamo, Nestor,Calcanto, Penelope,Didiamo etc..). To my taste it is extraordinary. It is amazing, but I question myself in How this writer women could do a male history so well.