Puerto Rico Books

In a word, Wow! This is a superb "portrait" of this island. The photographs are absolutely stunning. But this isn't just a "postcard" view of Puerto Rico -- there's lots of coverage of the people, history, and culture, too. The author-photographer has been traveling to Puerto Rico for over three decades, and it shows both in his photographs and his extensive text, which gives a solid but concise presentation of Puerto Rico's history in a very readable way without being dry. (Kind of National Geographic style.) And the picture captions are in-depth, presenting little gems of info about the picture subject matter if you're in too much of hurry to read the whole text. I've lived in Puerto Rico, and this has the feel of an insider's view, not just someone who has breezed through the island and shot a few pictures.

I've been travelling to the islands of the Caribbean, including Puerto Rico, for over 25 years, and I have quite a collection of coffee-table books on the region. This author is a master of getting "inside" the county, the people, the culture, the history. Incredible pictures -- this man is a true artist. (The photo notes say he took over 15,000 pictures to put the book together!) The text is chock-full of info, for those who actually take the time to read this sort of book. Actually, I had not intended to read the text, but I started reading a bit here and there and ended up reading it cover-to-cover. This book covers it all -- I couldn't recommend it more highly.

This stunning book reflects pure professionalism and attention to detail as well as a love and devotion to the island and people of Puerto Rico. The more than 100 photographs are magnificent. There are aerial shots of pristine, remote regions of the island and startling close-ups of both plants and wildlife. Then there are the photos of the bustling metropolis of San Juan, including the narrow streets of beautiful Old San Juan, the noteworthy architecture of Ponce, and, of course, the burgeoning tourist resorts. Last but not least are the stars of the book -- the people of Puerto Rico in their great variety of personality, background, and station in life. An added feature is a substantial amount of historical material that accompanies the photos, thereby providing virtually two books in one. Certainly this work is both an enticement to visit Puerto Rico and a happy reminder of past visits.

This book was a gift from my brother for the holidays. Being a native from Puerto Rico, I believe this book is invaluable for those of us who have been raised in Puerto Rico and like many others, like Mr.Labrucherie expresses in his book chapter "Jibaro", have pursued a more progressive lifestyle in the mainland. Nowhere have I read a book about Puerto Rico, its history and culture, that illustrates the true essence of Puerto Rico and the Puerto Rican as this book does. The author has an amazing ability of providing insight about the Island not only for the tourist but particularly to us that have lived there and are away. In its own way an analytical review of the Island's background, the book has been written in such a way that not only you learn but mostly you navigate through the book. When you finish each chapter, you feel that you have become part of the story told. Of course, the photography is superb, taking you to the heart of the topic for an extraordinary display of the profound beauty of Puerto Rico. A real pleasure and joy to read. Thank you, Mr. Labrucherie, for making me fall in love with my Island all over again. Cheers, for a fantastic photojournalism and writing exceptional gift!

A great coffee table book. A good start to a quality conversation.

Anything I write here is redundant to the high praise other reviewers have all ready provided. I learned more about Puerto Rico and its people in 6 chapters of this book, then I did in my years of vacationing there. I view Puerto Rico with a deeper respect, awe and comprehension of the culture as a result of this book. I look forward to moving there even more enthusiastically. Do buy this book, you won't be disappointed!

WOW!!.... was my reaction after reading this book. Very well written, entertaining, romantic and truly filled with political reality.

Being a Puerto Rican, I was skeptical about reading a book with an American view on my "Isla del Encanto" (Island of Enchantment), and even more where politics were involved for fear of feeling offended. But, as they say, "curiosity killed the cat... and the information brought him back", so I decided to read it.

My hat goes off to Mr. Hoyt!. An American that not only shares his views on the island's political status, which he accomplishes in clear concise language and great knowledge through the eyes of Brad Fichton (one of his characters), but is also able to capture and understand with much insight the strong heart-felt sentiment that Puerto Ricans have toward their island.

No matter what political party you identify with you will truly relate with the emotions expressed by the Puerto Rican characters, and will have to agree with the opinions expressed by Brad Fichton. The book is very well documented with facts and the undeniable truth about our political status since the early 1960's. You will come across some great straight-to-the-point speeches made by one of the characters with questions and answers that will undoubtedly have you thinking about our political future.

I encourage every Puerto Rican, and for that matter every American, to engage in a romantic/political journey that will make you either question your identity - if you're a Puerto Rican or inspire curiosity and awareness about our "Isla Verde" - if you're an American.

It's a short book, so it's a quick read. I recommend it.

What a magnificent book! Even if its very light reading, it was just what I was looking for. A book you can read in one or two days by the pool on your Caribbean or Miami vacation. A little bit lopsided in his views, the central character believes that the relationship between PR and the US is unilaterally unfair and that the US is getting the worst part of the bargain.

The author is a little naive in those relative terms, especially when you look at the number of deaths of PuertoRicans in the last 60 years versus Americans in war or military situations. Nonetheless, the romance is there and at least the plot will wet your appetite to read a lot more or actually visit the little but complex Island. The author describes the Virgin Islands as I have experienced them and as your worst fears would materialize, adding suspense to the romance.

Buy this book and pass it along!!!

Say that ten times! This is a compelling American viewpoint of the tortuous lengths to which the Puerto Rican psyche has been affected by and contributed to this island's indecison over its ultimate political status. Don't let this initial description cause you to think this book is only or mostly about Puerto Rico's political landscape. It really explains the cultural ambivalence felt by most Puerto Ricans between their American citizenship and their need and pride in asserting their Puerto Rican culture. The story line deftly presents these conflicting feelings through the main characters who do justice to their respective points of view while engendering the reader with an almost schizophrenic understanding of what seem like mutually exclusive choices. The author has done a great job of using the lives and adventures of the characters to portray Puerto Rico's ongoing status dilemma for what it is ... a clash of cultures. Even if getting exposed to this island's politics is not of primary interest, you will still enjoy a good love story that is foremost at the heart of Isla Verde.

WOW!!.... was my reaction after reading this book. Very well written, entertaining, romantic and truly filled with political reality.

Being a Puerto Rican, I was skeptical about reading a book with an American view on my "Isla del Encanto" (Island of Enchantment), and even more where politics were involved for fear of feeling offended. But, as they say, "curiosity killed the cat... and the information brought him back", so I decided to read it.

My hat goes off to Mr. Hoyt!. An American that not only shares his views on the island's political status, which he accomplishes in clear concise language and great knowledge through the eyes of Brad Fichton (one of his characters), but is also able to capture and understand with much insight the strong heart-felt sentiment that Puerto Ricans have toward their island.

No matter what political party you identify with you will truly relate with the emotions expressed by the Puerto Rican characters, and will have to agree with the opinions expressed by Brad Fichton. The book is very well documented with facts and the undeniable truth about our political status since the early 1960's. You will come across some great straight-to-the-point speeches made by one of the characters with questions and answers that will undoubtedly have you thinking about our political future.

I encourage every Puerto Rican, and for that matter every American, to engage in a romantic/political journey that will make you either question your identity - if you're a Puerto Rican or inspire curiosity and awareness about our "Isla Verde" - if you're an American.

It's a short book, so it's a quick read. I recommend it.

I recommend this book to anyone who loves poetry. Mercado's use of imagery and music in her work is new and inspirational. She is one of the more exciting new Nuyorican voices on the scene. Honest, clear and down-to-earth, there's no pretention here. Buy this book, you won't be sorry.

In clear, passionate and moving poems Nancy Mercado brings us the full flavor of life. She speaks on a personal and universal level for people who are on the outside; people of all colors.

These are celebritory poems that affirm the ability of the human spirit to servive. As Piri Thomas has said of her work, "Nancy Mercado has learned that words can be bullets or butterflies, that one must say what one means and mean what one says."

Maria M. Gillan
Executive Director of Poetry Center

Passiac Community College

It concerns the madness was real. I lost myself behind the author's passion for poetry, and her fond memories of Puerto Rico. The rhythmic flow of expressions reached down into my soul and took me "home"....

I enjoyed reading It Concerns The Madness.It really brings you back to your roots. It made me remember a lot of things about my grandmother and grandfather. I feel Mrs.Mercado writes from her heart and life experiences. I recomend this book of poetry to everyone. I know everyone could relate to it one way or an other. To Mrs. Mercado keep up the good work.

This book was well written and interesting. The author has an understanding of the madness faced today. Latinas have come a long way and this author shows that we will continue to grow and prosper as women.

The book is as amazing as his restaurants. It is really nice to be able to share true and accurate recipes from my island. I bought the english version to be able to show my friends when they ask for the recipies. I had the pleasure of meeting the chef and get my copy autographed which makes it even more valuable to me. The pictures also make it a very nice table book, not just sitting in the shelves with the rest of the cookbooks. I love the way he portrais himself and how he explain certain tasts as making pasteles and alcapurrias. Amazing book!!

I've bought a few books just looking for the real Puertorican cooking & this is it. I am very happy to finally have found a book that would make me proud to say; this is my cooking. I have bought both in Spanish & English. Why? Well, it'll help me with the language. I am from Puerto Rico & I was looking for recipes that I've heard from my childhood. I can say that this is just the beginning because there is more that meets the eye in Puertorican food. For the money it's been my best investment, no regrets at all. I can't wait for Wilo Benet to make the second edition because I will be one of the hundreds waiting in line to buy it. I really recommend this book to all boricuas out there & to all of those that likes hispanic food.

This book is fantanstic! Recipes are very easy to follow and clear. Every recipe has a picture so you know what it looks like. Buy it, if you like Puerto Rican cuisine you will be very pleased.

This book is great. I went to the supermaket right away and started cooking from this book. I love it.
My favorite

This book is a real jewel of the very fine traditional Puerto Rican cookery. Its simple to follow and its photos certainly waters your mouth impulsing you to follow the recipes. Look at page 201 and find a very creative and awesome way of doing the " Chillo Frito " (Fried Red Snapper)In page 236 more details will surprise you in the step by step of this same plate.This is a unique book of Puerto Rican cuisine.Congratulations.

If you want to know more about architecture in the Caribbean, you have to read this book!

Through his work at la Marina, Casa de Campo, Gian Franco Fini captures the essence of refined architecture with a perfect air of Caribbean elegance.

This is a book about one of those magical places that once you get there you don't want to leave. It's in the path of boats coming from Miami to the West Indies and is the place to see in the Caribbean before you die. Casa de Campo is the Caribbean most complete resort by far where any possible hobby in the world could practiced at world renowned conditions -besides skiing, except if you change it for water-sky-. The book about the Casa de Campo's Marina is definitely a 5 start in class, quality and content. This is the real thing in Caribbean Elegance and Luxury where you'll be able to find some of the most exclusive houses in the region.

This is the only book available about Marinas from an architectural standpoint. Blueprints, sketches and more than 300 full-color pictures are a never ending source for one of the most luxurious approach to Caribbean Architecture. It's about the renowned Marina at Casa de Campo, La Romana, Dominican Republic and is a must for anyone willing see from the inside out as many options as possible to recreate a tropical paradise despite if it's and apartment or a houses under 2,000 sqf or a masterpiece above 20,000 sqf.
In contrast with W.R. Blain's book for "Marina Developments" -That is an excellent and maybe the only book about Marinas from a structural standpoint- this one is an architectural approach to Marinas and all the elements around it such as Yacht Club, Apartments, Houses, Restaurants and all related services. It's full of details and references in a text that is catchy and easy to read. My only concern was that I thought it was pricy in the first place despite that it was printed and bounded in Italy, but Blain's book is above the $250 and this one is more related to interior design and architecture so it's worth 5 out 5 starts.

I live in Canada, and was recently visiting the island of Culebra, Puerto Rico. There, at my late great uncle's weekend home, I saw a 1966 edition of this book.

I glanced at the book and fell in love with it! While the 1966 printing still used ingredients not so popular today (i.e. "manteca") in some recipes, I knew that I could adapt these recipes with more healthier choice of ingredients, and still keeping the "Criollo" essence of the recipe.

Thanks Adela! (my late great aunt, who owned the book)

I have the 1972 edition of this book. My mother gave it to me as a wedding present when I got married in 1973. Not having cooked anything in my life (let alone Puerto Rican food) I found it extremely helpful. I was able to prepare my favorite dishes without having to call my mother in Puerto Rico! To this day I enjoy it greatly. It contains many helpful cooking hints and tips. It's easy to follow and very basic.

I own a 1954 edition of this fantastic Puerto Rican cookbook. From the very basic to many extremely and complicated recipes are explained. My version of this book 'assumes' that the reader has a good grasp of the 'basic' ideas of Puerto Rican cooking, but it will help all cooks that have cooking imagination and have good 'cooking sense' expand their skills. So if you have been to Puerto Rico and loved the food, try YOUR hand at these tasty and fantastic cooking ventures, you'll be more than glad you did!

Un clásico del arte culinario puertorriqueño. Este libro contine una gran cantidad de recetas tradicionales, además de instrucciones para métodos, glosario términos culinarios, y conversión de medidas (por ejemplo, 1.24 tazas de yautia rayada hacen 1 libra). Algunas recetas parece omitir pasos que son obvios al cocinero de experiencia, pero puede confundir y arruinar la receta para personas menos experimentadas.

enjoyed reading it very much in fact i've read all four books and find them good till the last drop

Just like Elmore Leonard, Torres creates great believable characters that make the story flow. You won't put the book down until you're done, then you'll want to pick up the next part.

Another great book by Steven Torres. Just like the first book, it is very hard to put down after you start reading. He keeps you guessing throughout the book and keeps you in suspense to the very end. Very entertaining!!!!

Sheriff Luis Gonzalo of the small town of Angustias, Puerto Rico (pop. 9000) spends most of his time dealing with drunken brawls and domestic disputes. Elena Maldonado calls Luis asking for a lift home from the hospital for her and her newborn son, which he agrees to do though he worries about the twosome. Everyone in town knows that her husband is a drunk and a wife beater but Elena insists she can handle the situation.

He sends one of his officers to check on her, but the deputy finds Elena stabbed to death on her kitchen floor, her husband sitting on the couch and covered in blood holding the murder weapon. The sheriff thinks he has an open and shut case but then he discovers that Elena was cheating on her husband and planned to divorce him. Somebody tries to enter the Maldonado house that is being guarded by a police officer forcing the sheriff to place the perpetrator on the suspect list. By the time he is finished with the case, he has so many suspects that he has to hold some of them in the local church and the deputy mayor's office.

This is a first class police procedural but readers should be warned there is a lot of police brutality contained in this novel. The protagonist is an intelligent man who loves to solve puzzles and as the pieces of the conundrum come together he starts making the right connections. DEATH IN PRECINCT PUERTO RICO is a must read for fans who like a dark and gritty police thriller.

Harriet Klausner

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Harriet Klausner

Once the thesis that Santos are art "is established and proved, the word comes alive, the image reveals itself in all its splendor, its meanings and power amplified, and the reader, who now believes in the beauty and expressiveness of the Santos and is able to participate in the enjoyment of them, wants to continue the 'fiesta', to inhabit for a while longer the temple that the book has built for the carvings." (From comments by Antonio Martorell, artist and professor at the University of Puerto Rico, delivered at the Museum of Puerto Rican Art on June 25th, 2003.)

"Is it possible to take advantage of the extraordinary conceptual development of the euro-centric academic disciplines...in order to study...the 'art of the other' (be it in terms of civilizations such as non-european or in socioeconomic terms such as the rural or 'popular')? Irene Curbelo's book represents "the most important Puerto Rican contribution to this incandescent international debate." (From comments by A.G. Quintero Rivera, sociologist and professor at the University of Puerto Rico, delivered at the Museum of Puerto Rican Art on June 25th, 2003).

"In this bilingual edition, with magnificent illustrations, Irene Curbelo questions the way a work of art that obeys canons different from those accepted traditionally in european art is judged and evaluated...In Chapter V, titled Understanding the Santos, this scholar contributes powerfully to increase...the pleasure that contemporary art lovers feel when viewing the Santos...It offers a fascinating account of the whole artistic vocabulary constructed in terms of their function...The reading of this chapter offers an opportunity to observe the Santos more closely as it analyzes the elements that particularize them. It clarifies the ways in which the artists interpreted their world and utilized their artistic materials expressively...As a result, these pieces acquire an expressive value that places them on an artistic plane well beyond the mere artifact." (translated excerpts from the literary review by Carmen Dolores Hernandez published in San Juan by El Nuevo Dia, June 8, 2003, pg. 14).

For anyone interested in art (not only in Puerto Rican art, but in learning to read a work of art in general) this is a marvelous book. The language is straightforward and concise, managing to convey a complicated subject matter with refreshing clarity. The santos -- charming, colorful, whimsical -- make an interesting case study. They also grant us insight into the character, religious and otherwise, of the 18th and 19th century Puerto Rican. The historical background of the santos and the folklore surrounding them make for very engaging reading. The book is well-illustrated by many period photographs.

This book is a must.Two thumbs up!The author demostrate with scholar accuracy the colonial reality of the people of Puerto Rico.

A book that should be read by those who are interested in understanding Puerto Rico's present-day colonial reality.

A book that should be read by those who are interested in understanding Puerto Rico's present-day colonial reality.

"Legal Construction of Identity: The Judicial and Social Legacy of American Colonialism in Puerto Rico" by Efren Rivera Ramos is a fascinating book on the legal and historical analysis on the colonization of Puerto Rico.

This book is not for the casual reader on the topic of Puerto Rico. However, the book provides a wealth of knowledge for those interested in the colonization of Puerto Rico and its effects on its political, economical, and cultural identity. How the American colonization of Puerto Rico has affected the relationship between them ? a bond that has remained fragile from its very beginning is well depicted by the author. Ramos writes of the United States ideology of expansionism that was so prominent during the nineteenth and the twentieth century. As a professor of law, he examines how the American judicial system was utilized in the creation of colonial Puerto Rico and the subjection of its people.

Ramos examines the Foraker Act of 1900; the Jones Act of 1917; and the Insular Cases, whereby the Supreme Court of the United States instituted the framework for applying the US Constitution to the Philippines, Cuba, Guam, and Puerto Rico. The topic of American citizenship imposed on Puerto Ricans in 1917 is covered in detail along with both positive and negative consequences of that action. The struggles that Puerto Rico confronted after American colonization and the difficulties it continues to face today in maintaining its cultural identity are well emphasized by Ramos.

"Legal Construction of Identity: The Judicial and Social Legacy of American Colonialism in Puerto Rico" is an intensely written and convincing book. A worthy and welcome blend of judicial, political, and social history. It is intelligently researched and written - it's an eye-opening piece of work that entices the reader to think about the phrase "truth, justice and the American way". This book deserves its place on the shelves of the best of Puerto Rican historical literature.

A true work of the storyteller's art, On This Beautiful Island is written and beautifully illustrated by Edwin Fontanez. Adapted from his original video "Taino: Guanin's Story" which was in turn inspired by the ancient culture of the Tainos who were the first inhabitants of Puerto Rico. On This Beautiful Island shows young readers what it was like to live in a vibrant natural land five hundred years ago, and experience the wonders of nature from the soft lullaby of the ocean humming inside a shell to the fresh breeze whisking through the treetops to the song of a tiny frog no bigger than a thumb. On This Beautiful Language is filled with bright and ruddy colored illustrations of native Taino individuals going about day-to-day life, and a final page offers some additional information about the Taino culture, and influences that remain with us today through words like "barbecue", "tobacco", "canoe", and "hammock", all of which are derived from the Arawak language.

Guanín, our narrator, uses poetic verse to describe his family traditions and life in Puerto Rico. This is a pastoral book that celebrates and educates children about the Taíno history and culture. The illustrations are incredibly beautiful. It is difficult to tell, at times, whether this is to be a rhyming verse or descriptive poem. When reading aloud, sometimes the rhyming and/or alliterations works, at other times, though it is difficult reading. The intricate, colorful illustrations will brighten any day, even if you don't read the text. The story introduces readers to Puerto Rico in a way that they are not likely to find elsewhere. The parallels with Native American culture (i.e., Nature's role in our survival) also lend great opportunities to talk about conservation and caring for our world.

What a beautiful book! I want to use the book as a coffee table book, matter of fact, its on my coffee table now because the illustrations are striking and the book is informative, well researched and entertaining. Although classified for the 9 to 12 year old reader, a younger reader will enjoy looking at the pictures and, with instruction, can play the enclosed game. The author defines and provides pronunciation hints for unfamiliar words. An adult is guaranteed to expand their knowledge of an ancient culture and time period. This is truly a book to be enjoyed by the entire family.

On a Beautiful Island captures a day in the life of Taino, a Puerto Rican boy who lived some 500 years ago. His adventures bring to life a culture strong in family, faith and society. Each person in the tribe has a role and a responsibility to each other and to nature. The writing is lyrical, the illustrations are colorful while the overall tone is light and joyful.

On this Beautiful Island is a beautifully written and illustrated picture book. This book takes the child through a colourful exotic journey led by Guanín and his close-to-the-heart friend Tahite, a parrot. Guanín shows his new friends a little about his daily life and about his traditional Taíno culture. These traditions date back more than 2,000 years from the area known today as Puerto Rico. A video called Taíno: Guanín's Story and a companion activity book are also available for those interested in learning more about Guanín and his cultural traditions.

On this Beautiful Island is a story that entertains and teaches at the same time. The book illustrates a lifestyle that is likely very different from the young reader while also showing that some things about being a kid are universal. The story is charming and completely entertaining. However, it pales in comparison to the illustrations in this book which are completely breathtaking. Young readers will spend hours studying these colourful pictures looking for hidden coquíes.