New Mexico Books

I purchased this book originally to help me pass the time on a business trip in my hotel room - my mother grew up on a farm in Kansas traversed by trail and I had heard stories all of my life - mostly a lot of legends - I had occasion to visit northeast New Mexico several times over the past twenty years and now having read this book I have a deep respect and reverence for those persons whose dreams and visions made possible the taming of the American frontier - I became personally involved in the life story of Marian Russell and came away at the conclusion of the book feeling as if I had heard the story of a close family member - it was as if I were there with her living the story as well - wished there were more

Sharman Russell has returned to what she does best: write about the human condition in beautiful, poetic prose with humor, generosity, and a candor that makes you feel she was put on earth to express your thoughts for you. I wondered how she knew all my secrets as I read the story of an independent, though not stereotypical, woman in a tribe 12,000 years ago. She reveals a woman's perspective on her role in the group, her husbands, her children, her in-laws. Never saccharine-sweet, never a political diatribe; just clean, pure prose about a woman and her prehistoric neighborhood. I recommend this book especially to mothers, but I think men will appreciate it, too, for the light it sheds on "what women want". Whether you care about what happened to large land mammals or not, you will remember this book for its poetry and humanity.

Photographer Schreiber is a romanticist of the West, with an eye for the individuals who choose life and hard work in the outdoors. His deep-focus black and white photographs often find their subjects in the foreground against the vast landscape, an empty sky, or a large sparely furnished room. The strenuousness of the work can be seen in photos of men slouched in chairs or on the ground, staring blankly.

Some pictures have familiar subjects, such as branding calves and roping horses. Others are nice surprises: four men talking together and leaning across the hood of a Ford pickup, a backyard photo of a wedding party, the groom and two best men in big cowboy hats, a cowboy outside a liquor store holding a flat of six-packs. Schreiber in his introduction says the cowboys he's known embody the qualities of honesty, integrity, sincerity, and kindness. This collection of photographs is a celebration of those values.

Tracy Daugherty's distinctive and highly recommended fiction draws from the cultural and social forces that shape and influence the intimate behavior of otherwise ordinary people. Late In The Standoff comprises a novella and five short stories feature people caught up in conflicts where solutions and resolutions arise from unexpected quarters. In "Power Lines" a young man's sexual awakening in Midland, Texas, coincides with lessons about heroism and loyalty during one hot summer that is suddenly seared with violence. In "The Standoff", a retired politician and his asthmatic grandson rediscover their bond on a trip to a small Oklahoma town where the old man has been asked to settle an "Indian dispute". In "Cotton Flat Road", a brother and sister life the lid on their differences as he discovers her secret life across the tracks in the Texas oil town they grew up in. "Lamplighter", "City Codes", and "Anna Lia" round out this impressive and literate anthology showcasing a major talent by an author whose "day job" is directing the MFA Program in Creative Writing at Oregon State University and is on the MFA faculty at Warren Wilson College.

Many history coverages obscure or dilute the important roles played by Hispanic women in the U.S: Hedda Garza seeks to correct this lack through Latinas: Hispanic Women In The U. S.: a survey of the major contributions to this country provided by women leader, organizers and activists from diverse Hispanic backgrounds. Garza has long been a lecturer and an activist for social justice: the appearance of her study in paperwork is a recommended pick for college-level collections strong in Hispanic history and social issues.

I found the Spivey book entitled Maria to be a great asset to my library of books on Indian pottery. The multitude of close up pictures is very helpful in knowing the details of her pottery and that of her family. The easy to read narrative resulting from a personal relationship with Maria and others in the Pueblo make a very intimate kind of reading. The chapter of Maria's own statements certainly reveals the warmth of her spirit and generosity. I would recommend the book to anyone who is considering the purchase of the best in Pueblo pottery or anyone seeking identification of pottery they already have.

If you love the mystery that surrounds the southwest, then you will love this book. The Guadalupe mountains have always had a mystic about them. W.C. Jameson has interviewed people that have lived close to the Guadalupes and has retold their stories. He mentions the Apache Indians and these mountains were their last refuge before being sent to the reservation. He tells of strange things that have happened to hikers. After reading this book, you will want to explore the Guadalupe mountains.

This is a gem of a book. I must admit it's my first travel book I've ever bought. Normaly on my travels along with my duffel bag I only bring a map. I can't say how much invaluable info is crammed into this book. The authors give every kind of advise that a traveller should know. Like on a bus trip one should take a bottle of water & a roll of toilet paper. I bring a 6 pack and a pint instead. And when the need comes I just roll down the window & let it out. Regarding cheap housing I disagree with the authors. The best & cheapest rooms are those in the red light zone. This book gives a good flavor of Mexico. It lets the reader be a real mucho maucho Mexicano before ever stepping across the border. As for the best spot to head for again I must disagree with the authors. Skip Mexico City and head straight for Tampico. This town has everything: good food, cheap rooms, fast women and lots and lots of bars. Mention my name at the Culo Cantina & they'll fix you right.

"Leyendas Mexícanas" is a collection of eighteen Mexican legends. Each story is a delight to read. The legends reflect events from approximately 1,500 years of the country's history and folklore of Mexico. The tales introduce an array of memorable characters (from animals, gods, goddesses, ancient rulers and warriors) of the Mexican Republic.They are truly authenthic legends. One of my favorite is "El León y El Grillo." I love the way the little crickett outsmarts the lion. And "Atzima, la Princesa" it a legend of true love. Readers will learn how these characters resolved the dilemas that confronted them: some with great chourage, and others with remarkable ingenuity. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys the rich cultural heritage of Mexico like I do.

This charming gift item includes interesting historical, geographic, cultural and culinary information as well as over 80 recipes for tasty items such as Guacamole, Chili Bean Dip, Tamale Pie, Flan, and Margarita Pie. The book is illustrated with petroglyphs, and gives locations and phone numbers of New Mexico museums, pueblos and reservations-vital data for tourists. A timeline profiles the area's history, and a short essay clarifies the controversial spelling and pronunciation of "chile," then gives tips for "Chile Antidotes"! The reader will be certifiably enthusiastic about N.M.

This makes for a wonderful gift!