New Mexico Books

Gregg offers an accurate accounting of the emergence of plague in the American southwest during the period 1965-1983, as well as a brief but well summarized historical perspective on the three great pandemics. He presents real case senarios that deal with the many and varied modes of transmission as well as the complex clinical complications that often accompany this infection. Gregg avoids the sensationalism that often skews reports of this disease and presents an easy to read epidemiological drama punctuated with the suffering of real people. An education for laypersons as well as clinicians and epidemiologists. Cover to cover, I found no inaccuracies.

Platicas: Conversations With Hispano Writers Of New Mexico is a unique collection of interviews with six remarkable, contemporary Hispanic writers (Rudolfo A. Anaya, Denise E. Chavez, Erlinda Gonzales-Berry, E.A. "Tony" Mares, Orlando Romero, Sabine R. Ulibarri) that, taken together, represent a seminal and informative sketch of New Mexican Hispanic intellectual and artistic history. Nasario Garcia's interviews elicited candid commentary and spontaneous conversations that reveal much about life experiences, the creative process, and the unique role that culture, tradition, and geography play in the literature that these writers have produced. Platicas is an outstanding, highly recommended contribution to students of American literature, and Hispanic studies.

Silver, a 39 year old down and out poet doesn't have a lot to get excited about...until a letter arrives inviting him to speak at a literary conference in Spain. There's just one problem, Silver is broke, not to mention homeless, unemployed, semi-estranged from his mother, and trying hard to avoid the cops and past debtors hot on his trail. Oh yeah, and his last poetic "hit" was almost two decades ago.

The letter, however, has reawakened some old dreams. Silver's inner poet and lover have come back to life and are longing to express themselves. And they do, in an unsentimental, but hopeful and charming way. Is Silver named for the bright lining he detects behind every ominously dark cloud? Will his spirit help him survive in the face of depressing odds? Will love thrive even as friends and family pass away?

Silver's street philosophy and undaunted hope will engage the reader as will his love and lust for a former sweetheart - now middle aged, widowed and overweight. The less than perfect characters have flaws we can all identify with and Silver's self awareness, honesty and big heart will have readers rooting for him. I loved this book.

"Portrait of America" was a popular video documentary series in the mid-eighties, a product of collaboration between Superstation/Turner Broadcasting Corporation and Ambrose Home Video. Well-researched, each video is divided into 5 segments covering most unique historical, social, and cultural aspects of each state. Watching such an interesting documentary, each being roughly about 50 minutes long, without advertisements and other interruptions seems to be a privilege in these days!

Former elementary school teacher Linda Boyden presents Powwow's Coming, a picturebook that teaches young people about the Native American custom of the powwow dance. The colorful, paper-collage style illustrations and simple, rhyming text reflect the joy and enthusiasm inherent in a powwow celebration. "Powwows started / long ago, / but dances change, / powwows grow. // Still today the / steps and songs / bless the dancers, / make them strong." A wonderful read-aloud book ideal for introducing young people to Native American culture.

Practical Spoken Spanish by F.M. Kercheville is exactly what it purports to be: practical. Professor Kercheville, like Mario Pei, Robert Hall and others of his generation, were part of a movement towards teaching the common everyday language rather than starting from a lofty, literary approach.
Instead of discussing sunsets or philosophical questions, you dive right in with the things you need to know most: small talk, ordering food, the weather, where is the restroom?
Also, you learn basic communication before irregular verbs and exceptions to the exceptions, etc.
Despite having been published more than four decades ago, this book remains very practical and very useful for self-study or an adult education group. It is gratifying to see that this classic work is still in print. Kudos to the University of New Mexico Press.

Dr. Stuart has mastered the art of bringing ancient times to life. He details the beauty and splendor of the area in an extraordinary fashion. I recommend this book!

William J. Buchanan writes impressively about racism, misuse of political power, and the white supremacy bigots who seek and hold high offices, then use the office against US citizens and other citizens of the world. His title is honest, because he clearly indicates that much of the present day politicking involves people with special agenda.

Fascinating book by Forrest on a special place at a special time in southwestern history. Very well researched. Very well written. Wonderful foreword by acclaimed New Mexican writer, conservationist, and historian deBuys. A delight all around.