Bell Books

Latin American literary and cultural criticism has produced in the past few years interesting and different approaches to posmodern problems. In this anthology, Bell, Le May and Orr compile a series of articles that are destined to be a must-read in the future. Frederic Jameson studies the exchanges between American and Latin American perceptions of each other in the context of Late Capitalism. This study is part of a wider Jameson work, and offers a wonderful and different insight of the cultural relation of the U.S. with the countries south of the Rio Grande. Coronil analyzes Fernando Ortiz's critical operation in the definition of the term transculturation, in an essay that estates the clear intentions of breaking with the writing from the center. In this same tone, Pratt discusses the concept of nation, while Kaminsky focuses in gender. Beverley and Mouat discuss Latin American postmodern conflicts through two important topics: testimonio and Boom experimental novel. Gonzalez Echeverría develops a part of his archive theory in a study of the relation between García Márquez and Bolívar. Finally, Luisa Valenzuela criticizes the concept of Latin American writing. The book is especialized, but constitutes an excellent selection of many current discussions regarding Latin American literature. Fully recommendable for students and interested readers.

I was increedibly pleased to find this book. I have used it with my elementary-school-age kids, whom I started teaching Spanish with the Pimsleur course. Pimsleur is excellent, but it is almost all audio. Cuentitos simpaticos is an excellent first reader for several reasons: (1) The stories are short enough that one can be completed in a single session. (2) They are really funny; that they are so entertaining helps motivate the student to continue, despite difficulty. (3) New words and expressions are translated in the margin. (This compares to Spanish story books, ostensibly for younger children, that have words and expressions I cannot even find in my dictionary.) My kids have not had the patience to do the execises, which reinforce vocabulary and patterns, but others may find them useful. The book was written by a high-school teacher; I think adults, as well as kids, would find the stories engaging.

Cuentos from the House on West Connecticut Avenue is filled with stories that allowed me to see the American experience through the eyes of a family new to this country, and it is written with enough skill to make it easy for me to feel at home with all of them. Recommended for anyone who enjoys remembering (or would like to be reminded of) why family is among the greatest blessings we have.

Written for African Americans who are in the early to middle stages of recovery, this pamphlet focuses on the importance of recognizing and discussing racial and cultural issues.

Emphasizing the critical need to be honest and open about racial and cultural identity, author Peter Bell addresses the emotional pain that often occurs when taking a personal view of yourself. Cultural Pain and African Americans helps you develop the emotional insight to see the hurt, the courage to verbalize feelings, and the maturity to respond to emotional distress.

Feelings of insecurity, confusion, uncertainty, and inadequacy are all examples of cultural pain. The history of slavery, racism, and segregation, added to today's conflicting expectations and pressure of being a minority and African American, all combine to create cultural pain. By addressing self-identity issues, you can begin to develop new coping skills that enhance your own recovery.
--- from book's back cover.

This book was given to my by my son while I was undergoing chemotherapy for Leukemia. It is a wonderful read, comforting, reassuring and helpful.

It confirmed my doctor's diagnosis and helped me not be so fearful of the myriad of symtoms I had at the time. I was diagnosed with Chronic Epstein-Barr Syndrome. Since then I have found other books, such as Dr. Isadore Rosenfeld's book "Doctor what Should I Eat" that have helped me take an active role in doing what I call, "Creating an environment that facilitates wellness." since there is no known cure. I went from severly disabled to someone who can now hold down a 40-hours-a-week job. Recovery takes time. Mine took many years. I just received another request from someone to share what has worked for me. This is one of the books that helped me along the way.

If you have any interest in Schroeder, Minnesota, you should buy this book. Schroeder has an interesting, but probably not unique history. If you've driven through on highway 61 you've seen Bob Silver's mill, the Cross River and other things mentioned in this book. Five stars for historic interest.

This book is a splendid combination of deft story-telling with solid historical information. The reader really gets a feel of what it would have been like to be a female slave in ancient Rome -- unable to control what happens to your body, your child. Lorcis, the main character, is determined to win her freedom, even though others tell her that slaves have a kind of security which free people lack. The novel combines historical characters with fictitious ones in such a way that both seem to be very much alive. The Christians in Rome in the late first century AD play a significant part in the book, although it is not a Christian novel. Every time I thought I knew where the plot was going, it took an unexpected turn, right up to the last page.

This was a great favorite of mine growing up as a kid. It features an American Indian girl growing up into womanhood, and she is well written. The narrative is fast-paced. Especially for young American Indian women, this story of an Alaskan native will be appreciated.

Allie, newly pregnant, recently single, and having just flunked three of her four classes, escapes from her problems and turbulent home life by going on the road with her friend, neighbor, and coincedently, National Skateboarding Champion Razz. Caught in a storm that escalates into a tornado on the way home, the teens become unlikely heroes.
Death Wind and Sticks is part of Orca's new Soundings series for reluctant readers. Penned by award-winning Canadian authors, the short themetic novels are designed for classroom use with special appeal for the reluctant reader. Large print type and simply constructed sentences combine with a flashy neon title and striking color photograph to hook. Characterization is a bit flat, perhaps because of the brevity of the novels, but the plot is strong (if not complex). Vivid action scenes in Death Wind include skating competition, a fistfight, and a major tornado. Based on real life events, the books are ideal for discussion and could even create a neat segway into current events. Highly recommended.