New Mexico Books

I am new to Santa Fe and bought this book to learn about some of the beautiful traditions here. It exceeded my expectations with lovely photographs and detailed explanations of many traditions you would expect from this wonderful city. I especially enjoyed the recipes! If you live in Santa Fe or dream of living here like I have for many years, this is a must have!

The book heavily relies on letters from men who fought in the war and goes much past the history of the military action. It goes into what happens behind the scenes such as the daily life of the soilders, their view of Mexico and its people and how they viewed each other. STRONGLY recommended for any history buff of the Mexcian American War and Civil War. The attitudes and beliefs are those of America going into the Civil War.

Climbing the Rainbow is a great story, and is a really fast read. The story takes place in Utah, which is where Dora Cookson has recently moved to from Mexico City. I really enjoyed this story, because I could relate to it so well. When I was fourteen years old my family moved to Idaho from Colorado, because my grandmother died. My family was the only family my grandfather had left, so we moved here to be with him. It was very hard for me to be a teenager, and move to a new town. Many people were very rude and not open to making friends with me. Dora had the same problem. Cora Beth noticed Dora's pain, and introduced herself. Katherine, who I am still best friends with today, did the same for me as Cora Beth did for Dora. Through this whole book I felt for Dora, because I have been in her shoes. It is hard to make new friends, especially during the teenage years. If you have ever been a new kid, or opened up to a new kid, this book would be great for you to read. You will be able to relate!

I am not a big fan of Romance Novels; however, Ms. Bechko may have changed my way of thinking. This Historical romance was so entertaining and enlightening that I read it practically in one sitting. The facts pertaining to the Spanish overrunning the Indian lands and the cruelty of that particular period of time were wonderfully balanced by the spirit and light of the heroine. Because I am a resident of that part of the world, I was especially appreciative of Ms. Bechko portraying her characters with great accuracy. They are not super-human. They are all just trying to survive the best way they know how.
I am looking forward to reading more of the author's works. Her dedication to facts, as well as her creative imagination, make for enjoyable reading.

Clovis Revisited brilliantly addresses a major concern for modern archeology-- the interpretation of old museum collections in light of new archeological evidence. Archeology is by its very nature an adventuresome out-of-doors endeavor that is seen as a somewhat rugged "back to nature" kind of science. Behind this thin veil, however, is the true nature of archeological discovery-- the lab work. Unfortunately, many of the world's greatest archeological discoveries were made fifty to one hundred years ago, before the advent of modern archeological lab methods. The Blackwater Draw site in New Mexico, the type site of the Clovis culture, is one such site. That problem, however, was solved by Drs. Boldurian and Cotter in Clovis Revisited. This text provides a reanalysis of all the materials collected from the Blackwater Draw in the 1930s and 40s and systematically describes all the Clovis type specimens. This book is a must have for anybody, professional or otherwise, who is interested in the Clovis culture and the first discovery of the Americas.

Coal Camp Days is of course a story about memories but also about hope, family and friends that make all those memories worth while. This fictionalized autobiography is a must-have for any serious reader of Chicano literature; especially those interested in northern New Mexico Hispano culture.

Following Matias, the fictionalized protagonist, Garcia weaves a tapestry of stories that blend local customs, traditions, and dialects as both the young boy and diverse community he lives in, grow together during one of the most chaotic times of United States history.

The textýs readability is an outreach from Garciaýs easy going style, attention to detail and ability to capture the moment in a language that is at once focused, yet relaxedýcolloquial even. The text also serves as an ethnohistory of a specific time and group, and is an uplifting recollection about a simpler time when people of distinct backgrounds learn to live, love and face sorrow together.

What was it like for young men, out of work and money, during the Great Depression? Professor Melzer has written a sensitive, very thorough, yet readable, book on the boys who worked the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in New Mexico, 1933-1942. It is obvious that Melzer interviewed many of the CCC boys (many have passed away by 2006), read the New Mexico newspapers, researched in the archives. I especially appreciate his liberal use of quotes from the men themselves, from their letters and the reports they wrote. Highly recommended.

The Compass American Guide series is excellent and I found the guide on New Mexico to be a great resource. New Mexico has a rich history of native peoples and Spanish exploration and colonization. The guide offers a brief but useful history of the area, including the chaotic period of struggle between Mexican and Anglos before statehood.

The book has a separate section on Albuquerque and the surrounding environs; a section on Santa Fe and Taos and then the rest of the book is divided into 5 large geographic areas. This was especially useful on our trip where we spent 3 days in Albuquerque, 3 in Santa Fe/Taos and then spent the rest of the time going to more remote sites to explore this beautiful state.

Albuquerque is a mixture of old and new and the guide helped us navigate in Old Town as well as find our way in the suburbs that move from downtown to the bottom of the Sandia Mountains. Old Town is a shopping delight, especially if you are shopping for Native American jewelry, weavings, masks, and pottery. I found the lay-out of the central square to be very pleasing and central park allowed a place to sit and watch.

We visited the Rio Grande Nature Center which offers shady walks along the river. We also visited the Petroglyph National Monument, which lays on the edge of town, and is a great hike with interesting rock drawings etched into the mountain.

There are two ways to reach the top of the Sandia Crest; either in a gondola lifting you high above the city, or you can drive around the mountain and take the twisty mountain road up through the evergreen forrest to the top. We selected to take our car and the drive around the base of the mountain and through the forrest was wonderful. The views from the top are spectacular, especially at sunset.

We drove the back roads between Albuquerque and Santa Fe which was very interesting. Santa Fe has a tremendous art market and there are 50 or more art galleries that represent nationally known artists. The downtown museum was informative regarding the history of New Mexico. There is a museum complex on the edge of the city however that should not be missed. First there is a museum of colonial Spanish history with beautiful furniture, carvings of saints, weapons, costumes, decorative arts, and paintings. The museum is elegant and serene in design. Second is a museum of folk art collections from around the world. This museum is a must see. There were collections of African American artists, Asian, South American, etc. The collection was extensive with thousands and thousands of items on display (I am not kidding - in one large display room with dolls from every country, there were over 10,000 items all on display). Third is a museum of the Native Americans of New Mexico. The museum was obviously designed and maintained by Native people, the displays were very respectful and educating. The restaurants in Santa Fe are superb.

We moved on to Taos where we visted the homes and studios of many of the artists who moved to New Mexico after World War I. The home of Oscar Blumenschien was built 250 years ago and the home contains many of his works. The Fechen museum was incredible containing many of his paintings and displaying the amazing home he built himself, carving doors throughout the home.

We took a side trip to Abiquiu to go to Ghost Ranch. The terrain gradually becomes more and more red as you drive from Santa Fe to Abiquiu. When we arrived at Ghost Ranch, a very polite lady told us that the vast area had been donated to the Presbyterians. When we asked to see Georgia O'Keefe's home,she told us that someone lived there and they did not give directions so as to preserve this person's privacy. She offered us maps to around 15 hiking trails. We hiked the Chimney Rock trial high above the Ghost Ranch valley. The view from atop the mountains was spectacular and worth the drive from Santa Fe.

We drove to the Jemez Muntains and Bandelier National Monument. This is another highlight of New Mexico. One trail in the park will allow you to see the cave dwellings of the early native people. The climb up the long wooden ladders into the shallow caves was great fun. We then decided to take a second hike after lunch and went down to the Rio Grande river, another enjoyable afternoon!

The Fodor guide was excellent, we did not have to buy other guides or books because so much of New Mexico was detailed in the guide. There are many maps, photographs, essays, and travel ideas.

Connecting Lines: New Poetry from Mexico is an anthology of contemporary poetry by a variety of Mexican authors. Each poem is presented in its original Spanish and in English translation, and cover a broad variety of themes in this compilation ideal for classroom study or private reading. Authors represented include Elsa Cross, Francisco Hernandez, Jose Luis Rivas, Alberto Blanco, and many more. Approximately four to six of each author's brief poems are showcased in this eclectic anthology that reflects the energetic spirit of Mexican poetry. "Dispersion": I rip off this Persian robe / and lots petals fly / around the room. // Nevertheless, the fallen colors, / my naked body, / shivering, / reminds me of dispersion. // The stars / pierce with anise the dark sky. / I see myself melt away in God's abyss / and not in your arms.

I have read this book and it is a diary of a woman who discovers herself while also becoming the first woman to complete this trek. She is an amazing spirit and everyone who meets her falls completely in love with that spirit. She is an inspiration to all who ever doubt themselves, to let go of the bad thoughts and go with the good in you and you shall succeed. Long story short ----- Worth the read.