Caribbean Books

This speech records a great moment in history the prosecution of Cuba's rectification process a struggle against the type of bureaucratism and corruption that led to Stalin's victory in the Soviet Union. Castro explains this is Cuba's part in the world struggle to build socialism. It also records another great result of Cuba's struggle" the victory of Cuban-Angolan-SWAPO forces against the South African army in southern Angola in early 1988 that led to the downfall of the Apartheid Regime in South Africa and independence for Angola and Namibia.

Fidel emphasizes all of this has been a result of the struggle against the narrow selfish outlook that Capitalism breeds. Fidel's message is really aimed at the discussions that led to the breakup of official Stalinism in the USSR and Eastern Europe. While some use this great opening for free political discussion and mass involvement to fall back to capitalism, Cuba's example and this speech by Castro shows the way forward is to socialism!

Some lump Cuba's government in with the wide assortment of progressive or populist regimes that have come and gone over the years. What makes Cuba different? Why has it been able to stand up to the U.S. so successfully? How has it been able to provide such an unmatched record of solidarity and service in behalf of oppressed peoples? The answer is to be found in this speech by Fidel Castro. Cuba had a socialist revolution and does not rely on capitalist methods.It does not rely on wealth, greed, corruption or cronyism to get things done. Cuba relies on the understanding and dedication of its workers and farmers. To take a current example, in Cuba, the government is able to mobilize its population and make sure that no one suffers or dies in a hurricane. Contrast this with the U.S. where capitalist methods are followed, leaving workers in New Orleans or Miami in the midst of an unending social disaster. In this speech, Castro outlines that it will not rest on its laurels or allow any of the corruption that marked the Stalinist regimes of the USSR. In the last part of this speech, Fidel provides a wonderful explanation of the Cuba-Angola victory over South African apartheid in 1988. Once again, Cuba mobilized its workers and farmers, sending tens of thousands of troops, saving Angola from conques,t and proving that apartheid was not invincible. This inspiring little book truly explains what makes Cuba different.

There is a revolution coming inthe USA, and it is interwined with the one in Cuba. Read this book and find out. . . . The Cuban revolution and especially the resistance and defeat of the US mercenary invasion at the Bay of Pigs is the starting point of this book. The author and tbe book's editor Mary Alice Waters were students at Carlton College in Minnesota in the early 1960s. This book discusses how the Cuban revolution, and building a student movement to fight for the truth about that revolution radicalize them and other students, and the lessons they learned building a movement to defend Cuba during the Bay of Pigs Invasion.

Barnes extends the Cuba experience to lay out a program for working people in the 21 Century accurately evaluating Bush and Gore as the same poison. He provides real a real program against both liberal and conservative probusiness politics. What I love about this book is the stream of history: the fighters of Cuba, the students and Black activists who defended the revolution, and going forward to fight for socialist in this world in the 21st Century


While this book may be listed as unavailable on Amazon from time to time, it is now always available on Amazon Marketplace seller Pathfinder's z-shop that you can find by clicking on new and used on the top of the page.

Este libro cuenta la historia de los jóvenes militantes socialistas norteamericanos que unieron con otros para realizar acciones en defensa de la soberanía cubana y de su revolución, tanto durante la invasión de la Playa Girón (llamada por acá la "Bahía de Cochinos") como durante la crisis de octubre de 1962 (acá "la crisis de los mísiles"). Lo más importante es que este libro plantea la experiencia de unos militantes proletarios que construyen un partido obrero como parte del movimiento laboral, con la perspectiva de ayudar a dirigir un movimiento de millones a hacer una revolución aquí. Sí, aquí, -en las entrañas de la bestia imperial-. Explica la etapa actual de la crisis económica mundial del capitalismo, entrado ya en depresión mundial, la guerra de los superricos en contra los trabajadores en los EE.UU. y en contra de los trabajadores y campesinos del mundo entero, el crecimiento permanente de resistencia. Plantea un programa de acción de aquí y ahora para unir los trabajadores y agricultores pequeños de los EE.UU. con nuestros hermanos y hermanas de clase en el dizque "Tercer Mundo". Por supuesto se trata de la necesidad del movimiento laboral norteamericano por ser el defensor de las nacionalidades oprimidas, los trabajadores inmigrantes y de las mujeres. Como dijo un líder socialista norteamericano: cuando se alza, la clase trabajadora norteamericana podrá levantar el mundo.

The newest addition to the ABC-CLIO 'Global Studies: Latin America & The Caribbean' series, "Cuba: A Global Studies Handbook", compiled and written by Ted Henken (a Fellow at the Bildner Center for Western Hemisphere Studies, CUNY Graduate Center, new York) and an academic specialist in Cuban Economics) provides a detailed overview of Cuba's geography and history, its economics and development, as well as its institutions, culture and society. Of special note is the Reference Section highlighting key events in Cuban history; significant people, places, and events; Cuban language, food, etiquette, and holidays; Cuba-related organizations, on-line publications, and websites. Enhanced with the inclusion of an extensive bibliography and a detailed index, "Cuba: A Global Studies Handbook" is an especially appropriate addition to academic and community library International Studies reference collections and supplemental reading lists.

Cuba: A Global Studies Handbook provides a clear, provocative, and up-to-date overview of Cuban historical, political, economic, and sociocultural development from the pre-Columbian period to the present day with an emphasis on the Cuban Revolution, U.S.-Cuban relations, and Cuba's current socio-economic reality.

This comprehensive reference/text book of almost 600 pages seeks to present the many diverse characteristics of Cuba (music and dance, literature, cinema, revolutionary politics, Cuban exile politics, sugar/tobacco/rum, U.S. policy, history of the Spanish conquest and African slavery, and state socialist economics), as a complex but integrated whole - without trying to over-simplify or trivialize any of these characteristics.

Moreover, this ambitious work is written by an author who has a broad expertise in a wide array of contemporary Cuban reality having traveled to the island more than a dozen times since 1997. As such, the book benefits from direct, first-hand knowledge of the everyday struggles and engaging, endearing characteristics of the Cuban people (both on the island and in exile).

This exposure and sensitivity allows the author to provide the reader with sympathetic, dignified, but critical-minded portrayals of both committed revolutionaries and ardent counter-revolutionaries, refusing to choose sides between those Cubans who left and those who have remained in their homeland.

The book also includes a critical assessment of U.S. policy toward Cuba since the beginnings of the 19th century with John Quincy Adams' "ripe fruit" policy, up to the imposition of the Platt Amendment on the newly independent Cuban nation in 1902, culminating with the U.S. embargo (1960 - Eisenhower/Kennedy) and its hardening into the Helms-Burton Act (1996 - Clinton) and the measures of the Commission for Assistance to a Free Cuba (2003 - Bush).

CONTENTS: Cuba: A Global Studies Handbook provides an overview of Cuban historical, political, economic, and socio-cultural development from the pre-Columbian period to the present day with an emphasis on the twentieth and twenty-first centuries.

The book contains four narrative chapters on (1) geography and history, (2) economics and development, (3) institutions, and (4) culture and society - each with its own bibliography.

This is followed by a reference section that provides fresh, detailed information on key historical events, important people, Cuban Spanish, etiquette (national habits and traditions, cuisine, and holidays), and leading institutions and organizations both in Cuba and abroad.

The book ends with an annotated bibliography that lists some of the most helpful resources used in preparing this volume (including books, newspapers, periodicals, films and documentaries, and websites).

Interspersed throughout the text are more than forty of the author's own photographs taken in Cuba since 1997, a timeline of Cuban history, a chart tracing the development of Cuban popular music, and a "discography" or listeners guide to some of Cuba's best music.

In sum, the book tells a critical yet sympathetic tale of Cuba's history and development, aimed at appealing especially to curious observers who want to add some historical weight and socio-cultural depth to what they already know about the island.

While the book is titled, Cuba: A Global Studies Handbook, it could well be subtitled, "Cuba: The Country that Dreamed It Was a Continent." That is, the island of Cuba has long had a political, strategic, and cultural importance that belied by its relatively small size, meager natural resource base, and scant population. Why is Cuba so BIG? Read this book to find out.

About the author: Ted A. Henken is an assistant professor of Black and Hispanic Studies and Sociology/Anthropology at Baruch College, City University of New York. He received a Ph.D. in Latin American Studies from the Stone Center for Latin American Studies, Tulane University, 2002. Dr. Henken has traveled to Cuba on numerous occasions since 1997 to lead educational exchanges for Tulane University's Cuban/Caribbean Studies Institute and the CubaNola Collective, to attend academic conferences, and to conduct research. His work on Cuba has appeared in the journals Cuban Studies, Encuentro de la cultura cubana, Latin American Research Review, Latino Studies, and Cuba in Transition. He is a member of the board of directors of the Association for the Study of the Cuban Economy (ASCE).

I was drawn to the book by the powerful and fun photographic images. Ledbetter does an outstanding job capturing the images of Cuban life in a way that allows you to both celebrate it and to empathise with the struggle of the Cuban people.

The Essays are an unexpected extra in a book of this nature that make the work a multi-dimensional experience. It appeals to those interested in both Photography and Cuba. I highly recommend it!

This magnificent collection of photographs captures the beauty, spirit and mystery of Cuba, the USA's often-overlooked neighbor... Ledbetter's clear, passionate and respectful eye has created a stunning work -- the book takes us far more deeply into the Cuban culture than the soundbites of recent news stories (Elian Gonzales, President Carter's visit) allow. Ledbetter's photographs and the accompanying essays make this book essential for anyone who wishes to understand Cuba more fully; the book also richly rewards the reader who simply appreciates great photography.

I bought nearly 20 cds just before my daughter was born and this quickly became our favorite. If you enjoy Cuban music, you will find this music enchanting and lovely. 13 mos. after her birth, my daughter now dances to the songs. I will cherish this cd and the memories it evokes for years to come.

If you enjoy expanding your cultural horizons, you'll enjoy this beautiful CD. Even if you are not Cuban or Spanish speaking the songs will relax and amuse you and your little one. I am so glad to be able to share the rich gift of Cuban music with my son - and this is a great addition to our collection. Although some of the same songs appear twice on the CD - the interpretation of the artists are unique and timeless in and of themselves. I'll be giving it to friends as gifts in the future.

Reviewer: luismendez@codetel.net.do from DOMINICAN REPUBLIC It is the first book that i have read which is written by an american who knows what he is talking about. very serious and concern treatment of topics. i like specially the part about latin american writers and their changing ideology

LUIS MENDEZ crazzyteacher@hotmail.com

It is the first book that i have read which is written by an american who knows what he is talking about. very serious and concern treatment of topics. i like specially the part about latin american writers and their changing ideology.

LUIS MENDEZ

I read a lot of books on Haiti, this is the best one I have seen on Haiti's history between 1990 and 2005. Well-written and researched, with strong analysis. It is important for anyone interested in understanding Haiti today, but it is equally important for understanding current U.S. foreign policy. The excellent explanation of how the U.S. undermined and overthrew Haiti's democracy in 2004 applies to similar U.S. efforts in Venezuela over the last 8 years, and current efforts to undermine democracy in Bolivia.

This is a great book to understand Haiti's recent turmoils. Hallward like a real forensic scholar dive deep into the
complex events that have shaped Haiti's last 20 years of political ups and downs. The book is honnest and well written. Hallward tried to go beyond partisan politics. After reading this book it is easy to understand why Aristide failed Haiti a second time.

Thomas and Witts tell the story of a week in May, 1902,when the Carrabean city of St. Pierre was obliterated by a volcanic eruption. When I first saw this book, I wondered how anyone could pen over 150 pages on a volcano that wiped a city out in seconds, leaving only two survivors. I thought there would not be much to write about. Boy was I wrong! It turns out that in the week prior to the eruption, St. Pierre was hit by landslides, a tsunami, and even a deadly snake infestation! Several hundred were killed before the great event itself. The final eruption is simply the climatic horror and can almost be seen as a blessing, putting people out of their misery. This book is probably hard to find now, but it is worth getting, and will interest just about everyone from the scientist to the casual reader.

To me this review does not do justice to the most compelling aspect of the book, which is how political pressure, and assurances of safety in the face of all evidence to the contrary, by governmental officials and other trusted leaders dissuaded the people of St. Pierre from evacuating the city in time to save their lives. I read this book many years ago and have forgotten some of the details, but this theme -- more popularly explored in "Jaws" and recently in "Isaac's Storm" -- has stayed in my mind. Most readers will never be threatened by a volcanic eruption, but this book is a somewhat grim reminder that our own leaders may be lying about impending natural disasters. Remember Pelee!

I was raised in Santo domingo and was 11 years old at the time of the revolution. We were also some of those "evacuated" by the U.S. Navy from the hotel. We lived at Avenida Independencia, esquina Wenceslao Alvarez avenue he speaks of in page #207 in the paperback book. We were also there when Trujillo was killed and we spent the following school year in San juan while things settled down. Dad of course stayed with house and business. The names and memories all cascade through my mind. My dad was the Volkswagen and Studebaker dealer in Santo Domingo, and he had to sell the dreaded black VW Beetles the secret police drove, which for a good period of time cost him a lot of business with the locals for obvious reasons. Sadly that same 1965 revolution took my father's life later that year from the stress of remaining in the island to guard house and business, while his wife and four children were away in Puerto Rico. He was only 46 years old. The book is written very well, and do not let him fool you, his spanish had to be good as he described the island and people expertly. It was hard for me to read as you might imagine. After 5-10 pages I would have to stop and let all the memories pass. I was last there three years ago, and much has changed, from the incredibly horrible traffic to the tall sky scrapers that dot the Capital city. One thing has not changed however, and that is the pervasive poverty and same crooked governments who line their and their friends pockets as the country continues to suffer. I have always been asked what it was like to grow there, so I am ordering 4-5 additional copies to give as gifts to those so inclined to read it, I will also send a copy to my extended "family" in Santo Domingo. These are friends I grew up with, and to this day I call them the brothers and sisters that they are to us.

This book is incredible. MacKinnon follows family history in this incredible piece of literary nonfiction. His uncle was a Catholic priest, murdered by police officers in the Dominican Republic in the 60s. The police were immediately shot by an army officer. Forty years later he tries to unravel what actually happened.

The thing that blew me away most was that I could feel him struggle with a foreign language in a different country. I have lived overseas as well, and his writing took me right back to the feeling of pressure inside my head, as I tried to understand. As the book progresses, the pressure diminishes. Truly spectacular writing.

I tried to take it slow, to savour the book, but I finally gave up and tore through it in a day and a half. I am going to reread it this winter.

The truth and beauty of these poems is unrivaled. The imagery, whether melancholy or humorous, captivates the reader. I bought the book because I read a review and went to high school with the author, not realizing my dog-eared copy would be filed firmly between Cisneros, Hass, Neruda and Snyder in my library. Exquisito. Read these poems.

Bear Star Press publishes the best poetry it can attract from the Mountain and Pacific time zones, as well as Alaska and Hawaii. Each year, the press awards the Dorothy Brunsman Poetry Prize ($1,000 and publication) to a writer from the region.

This year, the winner is Manuel Paul López of the border town of El Centro, Calif., for his debut collection, "Death of a Mexican and Other Poems" ($16 paperback).

And no wonder: López surprises and moves the reader with poems that are filled with great humor and playful imagery. All the while, he displays a deep understanding of our never-ending quest for self-invention.

López offers a prologue with "The Poet and the Tía," which sets the tone for the collection:

That boy of yours, Consuelo,
he sure is sensitive.
What's wrong with him?
Every time he leaves the house
he comes back wet:
puddles on the floor,
clothes a sopping mess,
tosiendo como un burro enfermo.
We live in a desert for godsakes!
How does he get so wet?
Where does he find
such sad-looking rain?

Many of the pieces that follow are prose poems, mini-stories with protagonists, no matter how silly and self-absorbed, fighting to assert themselves culturally, artistically and emotionally.

In "Mi Cantito," the teenage narrator suffers taunts from his peers because he cannot speak Spanish as well as they do. Even his family is embarrassed by this boy's tongue-tied attempts to articulate the simplest of Spanish phrases:

My nana used to massage my sluggish tongue with warm hands,
thumbing, pulling, wringing out the Spanish.
It was the antidote, she'd say, for Parkinson's, cancer, and
Tío Chuy's twelve-pack-a-day drinking problem.

López fearlessly plays with poetic form to tell his stories. For example, "Tres Generaciónes" begins with a section called "Discography of a Brown Boy" that delineates the music that made the narrator's heart sing: Abbey Road / Thriller / Bach / José Alfredo Jiménez / Marvin Gaye / Stevie Wonder / José Feliciano.

The poem's next section, "An Incomplete Chronology," covers the period of 1975 to 2002, and is a lament for his grandmother's ill health. Unable to relieve her suffering, he turns to the work of the late author of the classic "The Iceworker Sings and Other Poems" (Bilingual Press): I read Andrés Montoya's poems as if / his words from the other side could somehow soothe her pain like the nopal she used on my / childhood knee-scrape. From art comes comfort and maybe even healing.

López possesses an uncanny ability to create absurd characters who, nonetheless, invite us to share and even sympathize with their angst. In "Go, Nijinsky, Go," the narrator introduces us to his Tío Rally, a temperamental choreographer whose wife has abandoned him and their daughter, Lola. Tío Rally focuses on shaping Lola into a true dancer, an artist, frantically training both her body and mind:

'Así, así, así!' Tío spit out, as he rehearsed with his daughter, his movements a moving origami of limbs.

And again, the late Andrés Montoya offers solace, a sense of hope. Tío Rally writes a letter to the poet, first singing his praises (buttering him up, one might surmise), and then offering a little postscript revealing his true purpose: "Please pass on to God that Lola needs an extra lift in the second act."

"Death of a Mexican" is filled with sly humor and comes at the reader with a lyrical intensity usually not seen in debut collections. No doubt it is a book that Montoya, López's muse, would have joyously welcomed.

[This review first appeared in the El Paso Times.]