Caribbean Books

I can really only comment on two poems in this book because my Spanish is not very good. The two poems I speak of are I and II of "Two Enlgish Poems" and they are two of my favorite poems. They read almost like wedding vows only they are those of a dark poet to an unknown (probably not a single person.) If you can check this book out of a library, then do by all means and run on your way. Better yet, wait for a Borges fall night and stroll under the wet moonlight. Just don't miss it.

Jorge Luis Borges build up himself a Literary Man, he readed all books that worth to be readen, but Borges did not build up a Poet, his destiny was to become a poet, and he honour this destiny, Obra Poetica is a Boook of books -in the same way that El Cantar de los Cantares, really means-, and Borges Th Poet of poets. Obra Poetica holds the treasure of magic, of sadness,and often the gold of joy, this book teach what a Poet should be (verbigratia what a Man should be). A reader must deserve the privilege of piering into this book. (Spanish version) Jorge Luis Borges se erigió a si mismo como un hombre de letras, leyó asi mismo todos los libros que merecen ser leidos; pero lo que Borges no hizo fue erigirse poeta; su destino fue, ser un poeta y Borges honró ese destino. Obra Poética es el Libro de libros -a la manera del Cantar de los Cantares- y Borges el Poeta de poetas. Obra Poética encierra el tesoro de la magia, el tesoro de la tristeza y a menudo el oro de la dicha, este libro enseña lo que un poeta debe ser (verbigracia lo que un Hombre debe ser): El lector debe merecer el privilegio de asomarse a este libro.

I'm a big fan of children's picture books, and I am definitely adding this one to my collection. The illustrations are wonderful - they really convey a feeling of the tropics with their vibrant colors and bold shapes. My 4 year old son loves this one too!

I'm the illustrator of this book and would like to share the following reviews:

Children's Literature - Sylvia Firth
The folk tale of making soup from stones or "nothing" is found in many cultures. This version, set in the Caribbean, is vibrant, funny and clever. Poor Granny is very hungry but has no food or money. When fishing proves unsuccessful, she decides to use a shell as the basis for a pot of soup. At the outdoor market, Granny ingeniously manages to get everyone to contribute something to the soup by convincing them that her shell has magical powers. After the addition of the last ingredient, fungee, the crowd gleefully enjoys the free soup and gives a resounding cheer for Granny and her wonderful kallaloo. The strong, lively illustrations have the feel of the Caribbean and are a first-class addition to the story. As an added bonus, instructions for making kallaloo, either for a crowd or just two, are included on the last page. 2005, Marshall Cavendish, Ages 4 to 8.

School Library Journal
PreS-Gr 3-"`Lunchtime,' said Granny, `and me belly bawling.' But her cupboard was bare." So begins this West Indian version of the ever-popular "Stone Soup." In lilting language, Granny and her hungry stomach have a conversation about what they are going to do as she sits fishing, but not catching anything. Then she comes upon a shell and decides to make soup with it. She runs to the Market Square crying, `"I find it!'" Of course, everyone is curious, especially when she declares that the shell can make soup, and if someone brings her a pot of water, she'll prove it. As the people gather, they each contribute an ingredient until a big pot of savory kallaloo, a Caribbean gumbo, is ready to be shared by all. This humorous tale can be enjoyed alone, but is well suited to reading aloud. Greenseid's bright and vibrant acrylic illustrations are a perfect interpretation of the text and bring the setting to life. A well-written, engaging, and gentle story about sharing and the power of working together to achieve a goal.

Ok.. I am a travel book freak. This is the best travel guide around. I have about seven of them Barcelona,Rome,Naples,New York, Venice etc... Everything about this guide is great. Visually great ...Small fits in
your pocket or small purse Great maps.. hard to get lost even in Venice. Great recommends ,hotels, food and.. I am a shopper.. Absolutely great & unusual shops ..None of the bad tourist gear only the styling gear.. .I had five guides to Rome over two trips to Rome this is the one we used every day...Do not go anywhere without this guide if there is one available for the destination Im will be traveling to....

I had checked out a book from the local library and liked it so much I came on amazon to buy that book, Fodor's Rome's 25 Best, 6th Edition (25 Best). Amazon then recommended this book to me and after looking it over decided to give it a try.

My wife and I went on a 12 day cruise of the Med and ended that we 3 days in Rome right before Thanksgiving 2006 (Nov. 2006). This book more than paid for itself with all of the helpful reviews in it and suggestions. But the topper for me was the quality and size of the maps. We looked enough like tourists in the city, but this little book and it's fold out maps helped us look a little less so. They were more than details enough, and having suggestions on them we found a wonderful place to eat one night, it was great.

If you want something that is small and compact, yet still provides great details in terms of maps of a city this is the book for you. And there is no huge map to fold and unfold as you walk around a city. This book breaks the city in to sections and based on where you are you have only a small map to easily unfold and use.

I highly recommend this book.

Este es un discurso presentado por Fidel Castro en el 4 de febrero de 1962, en un mitin masivo en La Habana convocado para protestar la exclusión de Cuba de la Organización de Estados Americanos, la cual dominada por el gobierno estadounidense. El tema principal del discurso es el papel principal de Cuba en la revolución de los trabajadores y de los campesinos que viven en los países de América latina.

Castro comienza por señalar el papel del imperialismo estadounidense, que conquistó Cuba en la guerra Español-Americana e impuso su autoridad sobre Cuba. El control político sobre Cuba fue codificado en la enmienda de Platt, pasada por el Congreso de Estados Unidos en 1903, la cual incluyó el establecimiento de una base militar yanqui en Cuba (en Guantánamo).

Castro explica la verdad sobre la relación entre el imperialismo norteamericano y América latina, incluyendo Cuba. Esta realidad se pone muy simplemente: "del descubrimiento de América, que lanzó a los conquistadores europeos a través de los mares para ocupar y explotar las tierras y a los habitantes de otros países, el motivo fundamental para su conducta era el deseo por la riqueza." A continuación presenta un breve resumen de cómo el capitalismo desarrolló y de cómo la siguiente historia del mundo llegó a ser determinada por la creciente dominación de las naciones avanzadas capitalistas sobre el mundo subdesarrollado. El imperialismo significa control sobre los recursos naturales y humanos del mundo para maximizar la riqueza de los monopolios basados en los países capitalistas más poderosos y más avanzados.

¿Cuál es la respuesta a esta situación? La revolución. Otros países latinoamericanos seguirán la trayectoria cubano. Castro explica la razón por la cual los imperialistas odian Cuba: "lo que se explica es el miedo. No miedo de la revolución cubano sino miedo de la revolución latinoamericana . . . miedo que la gente pillada del continente agarre las armas de sus opresores y, como Cuba, se declare gente libre de América."

Castro explica la historia de Cuba y de sus revoluciones contra el imperialismo yanqui, entonces vuelve a su tema original: la revolución en América latina. Afirma que la revolución ya está en marcha: "ahora esta masa anónima, la América del color, sombría, taciturna América, que a través del continente canta con la misma tristeza y desilusión, ahora esta masa está comenzando a entrar decisivamente en su propia historia, está empezando a escribirla con su propia sangre, está comenzando a sufrir y a morir por ella."

Este folleto de 48 páginas también contiene la Primera Declaración de La Habana, otro discurso de Fidel Castro, de septiembre de 1960.

Two manifestos of the Cuban people to the oppressed and exploited throughout the Americas. The first declaration, proclaimed September 1960, calls for "the right of the peasants to the land; the right of the workers to the fruit of their labor; and the right of nations to nationalize the imperialist monopolies." The second declaration, February 1962, calls for continent-wide revolutionary struggle. "What does the Cuban revolution teach?" it asks. "That revolution is possible."
Some day this small book will be known like the declaration of Independence of the American Revolution, like the French Revolution's Declaration of the Rights of man. Some day this little book will not only be known as a manifesto of the revolutionary struggles of Latin American in the 1960s, but as demonstrating the lines of march and order of battle for liberation of Latin America in the 21 Century. Capitalism and imperialism cannot liberate Latin America from poverty, underdevelopment, and domination by Washington and its European and Japanese competitors. If anything, this is more obvious today with the total collapse of the Argentina's economy, the crowing delight of Washington-inspired neoliberalism, with the growing crisis in country like Mexico and Brazil, indeed with the near depression conditions and war inspired cut backs in the USA. This proclamation that the road to liberation lies in socialism, and the salvation for Cuba lies in internationalizing its struggle through the continent and the wor
It is truer today than in 1962 when it was written

While this book is not always available on Amazon, it is always available from BooksfromPathfinder, an Amazon Z store that you can get to by clicking on New and Used further up this page!

tengo la suerte de tener la primera edición de este libro, que es un solo tomo y no dos como la edicion actual. los maravillosos relatos de cortazar (quien los leyó, sabe) combinados con imagenes elegidas por él, hacen de este libro un placer para los sentidos. recomiendo la maquina para leer rayuela. (la nueva edición es un poco chica, teniendo en cuenta que el original era del tamaño de un disco de 10 pulgadas(.

En esta obra, Cortazar reveee parte de su obra y crea nuevos cuentos sobre temas que toco durante en otras obras suyas. En este libro intenta dar un punto de vista mas profundo a obras que se han vuelto clasicos y hacer una autocritica o una aclaracion que pudo haber sido mal interpretada. Sobresalen (a mi parecer) en este libro "Un julio habla de otro" y "Louis enormismo cronopio." Una novela destacable de Cortazar es "Rayuela" y los libros de cuentos "Bestiario" y "Historias de cronopios y Famas."

If these delectable guides' plentiful pix don't get you drooling to explore, you need to get your salivary glands checked. The text is also noteworthy

One of the best travel book series, with attention to detail, plus numerous color photographs and fine maps. Lots of instructions regarding practical travel matters. (Travel Books
Review)

Last Train From Mendrisio is an epic adventure novel set in the treacherous world of international finance and Offshore Trusts. With a colorful cast of characters and a fast-moving, inventive plot, it should appeal to a wide general readership. The labyrinthine logic of the international stock market has always been fertile territory for the thriller writer. In this case, the strength of the story lies in the time and trouble that the authors have evidently taken to establish an authentic backdrop. They also take great care not to swamp the narrative with superfluous information, incorporating enough financial material to provide the characters with credible motivation, without spoiling the flow of the plot. In this respect, as in most others, the authors prove themselves to be taut, economical writers--every line of prose is used to advance the narrative a little further and they exercise an impressive degree of control over character development and realization. Sam, the thoughtful, introspective history professor, is perhaps the most intriguing and fully-realized character. His obsessive dedication to discovering the truth about the shipwreck provides a nice counterpoint to the main action. By the same token, I felt that the sub-plot involving Charles Fountain and the Old Captain adds greatly to the sense of intrigue and danger that is always lurking below the surface. The story of an old-fashioned paternalistic entrepreneur who dies in mysterious circumstances, leaving a tangled financial legacy, is very much a parable for our times and over the course of the manuscript, the authors skillfully exploit this rich seam, making full use of dramatic possibilities that it undoubtedly contains. It is very tempting to talk about the authors' work in cinematic terms. They clearly have a highly visual imagination and a sense of timing that would stand them in good stead as screenwriters. The marvelously flamboyant set-piece finale is a case in point, with its clever religious symbolism and imaginative use of color and scenery. Equally, the taut, snappy dialogue that the authors give to the characters is very much in keeping with the bold, sweeping style of the piece. It would, clearly, translate into a first rate screenplay, combining a witty commentary on the foibles of the financial classes with a keenly observed portrait of social conditions in the Caribbean. On the whole, then, I found much to enjoy in Last Train From Mendrisio. It has a distinctly playful and tongue-in-cheek feel that makes it enormous fun to read but, at the same time, it is blessed with a solidly-constructed plot, and a range of credible and entertaining characters.

Though "Last Train from Mendrisio" succeeds in making strong moral arguments against greed, I value it most as a wonderful adventure/mystery story peopled by fascinating and memorable characters. The locales -- Santa Fe, the Caribbean, Switzerland -- are superbly drawn, the protagonists as colorful and interesting as any you're likely to meet in exotic backgrounds. The story is a page-turner, a book you may be tempted to re-read within days after finishing it. For me, it was most cinematic, evoking powerful images, and left me with the conviction that it'd make a great movie.

This book answers a lot of questions about the Latino culture, experience, past, present and future. Some essays tell stories, while others are plain facts. This book has about 670 pages, yet it is a fast and informative read where you can't put the book down. It is organized by section of topic and gives suggested reading lists at the end of each chapter. A good introductory to Latin American studies, historically, culturally, and sociologically. It gives a lot of information for the price, you will not regret buying this book.

Excellent book, but know in advance that this book is heavily skewed toward legal topics and lawyer authors. While much of the legal writing is dense for lay readers, it is often well worth the effort. The selections authored by Margaret Montoya, Kevin Johnson, editor Richard Delgado, and non-attorney Gloria Anzaldua were the very best of this remarkably well-written anthology.

My third grade students loved this book! Only a handful are English language Learners but all the kids got a kick out of the gorgeous illustrations and the fun poetry. We read the poems together in both English and Spanish and the kids had fun painting their own impressions of the poetry. I strongly recommend this book for any K - 6 classroom!

As a bilingual teacher I was thrilled to discover such a wonderful book. It can be compared to Carmen Lomas Garza's book, Family Pictures. The author, Francisco X. Alarcon weaves cultural, historical, spiritual and nature themes into poems that sing from the page, touch the soul and even inspire reflection. Each poem shares a snapshot of life - bringing back some of my personal memories. The bright, colorful illustrations by Maya Gonzalez complement the poems and further bring them to life with a Latin flair. My sixth grade students enjoyed this as well as my four year old nephew. I am sure it will become a timeless treasure in everyone's library.

This is good excitement drama that completes the transition from DeVilliers County Blues: 1972. The main character and his lady friend Connie leave the comparative safety (I say "comparative" because the main character got a taste of instability of his new island home there) of Miami Beach to St. Margaret's.

As the two watch a beautiful sunrise (ua lele lea le la!)from the Interisland Airbus wharf in Bridgetown, Barbados, they remark how this truly is the first day of the rest of their lifes. There then follows one of JC's best description sequence, as the reader enters into the cockpit of the seaplane as it makes its final approach and landing at Port Albert. The sound of the radio, the throb of powerful engines, the conversation both good and bad for the main character all is part of what the reader can expect. He is practically flying the plane!

In the tender you watch silently as their future home gets closer, and loadmaster Donovan explains all to Connie...the British military base, the freighter unloading the island's food...the yacht club which like our own in Amerika Samoa for many years is the hub of the island palagi community.

Donovan has made a date with Connie and John is jealous, but turns down Connie's offer not to go, instead accepting a chance to fly that evening with his friend Group Captain Hayes. As they arrive on shore you feel the social unrest and poverty of the horrible shanty town. Guns and men carrying them are everywhere. The poor people watch, waiting for the chance to rob and steal.

You cannot put this down and look forward to the unknown adventure that awaits the palagi couple from America in "One Fouled Up Mission of State"!

Please do take note that this entire adventure is now out in book form, and the Amazon short series is less expensive! Tasi

From the perspective of a second read of this series, I was fascinated to observe more closely the literary brilliance in the way Cassell (as author) developed the road fork, and it's increments of solidification, of Connie being taken out of his life (as the protagonist), seemingly to make way for him, over a very short period of intense situations, to immerse himself (as protagonist) fully into the island life and culture.

The opening in Part 3 pulled the reader into the plot immediately and easily, with John and Connie hand-in-hand at the Interisland Airbus Seaplane Terminal. I was impressed by how John was able to express some of his thoughts to Connie, yet avoid mentioning the Sybil parts he wanted to keep shrouded, and how Connie helped John renew self-esteem with a few simple, true statements:

"You fought them all you could. It was only when you'd done all you could do and were so helpless that your feelings ran away with you. That didn't happen in the barn. We were fighting there to the very last."

These last bits of sharing between Connie and John before Connie's disappearance, including their reactions and choices around her exploring a connection with Chuck Donovan, put a good cap onto the history of John and Connie's hit-and-miss timing with each other (which began in DeVilliers County Blues: 1972 (N/A)), dramatizing yet another unique, in-depth relationship John has developed with a woman. I still say Cassell's novels could be a "How To" relate to different people in different ways, according to circumstances, moods, and personalities of the parties involved.

As I reread this series, I continue to recall what Cassell mentioned about wanting an island small enough to allow an entertaining adventure, with danger at high levels, and problems of minimal solution potential. It's interesting to remember while reading, what his intents were there.

Cassell gradually developed the island itself with literary finesse, from first stepping foot on it in Part 3, with the description of the sunrise, and details like this:

"I was feeling a whole lot better, even as I was registering how infernally hot and humid it was in the tropics.... thrown into a steam room."

The plane ride from Barbados to the island was described with precise detail, establishing the fact that an island is intensely dependent upon means of travel to and from, for people and supplies. Dealing with Donovan on the smuggled money and weapons was interesting and realistically accomplished, as was John's jealousy toward the heating up between Connie and Chuck, expressed with an appropriately crisp term, "I thanked him, Connie exchanged electricity with him..."

Without those details it might have been difficult for the reader to understand why John made the series of choices he did. The resistance from Joe and Sean also fit well into that transition to island life with Connie's absence.

In all flying or driving scenes Cassell's experience shows well. I enjoyed observing the tidbits from chapter 1 (of Uncertain Paradise: 1973 which translated into Armageddon: 1973 - Part 1 and Armageddon: 1973 - Part 2) bleeding into the beginnings here of the personal focus of the novel... like the necessity for heavily armed accompaniment when going anywhere; the pointing out of the helicopters used in chapter 1; the few instances in which Hill stepped in; the references to Cubans and the island's military vulnerability.

Settling into the hotel and describing employee actions and clothing details was accomplished in a natural way, too, exposing yet more about the island's daily life.

The adventure scenes in Parts 3 and 4 of the "Leap into Darkness" series are absolutely realistic, with just the right amount of detail as to be mesmerizing and never dry. Those scenes included an unexpected flying lesson; the rescue of the airstrip and militia stationed there; John's mental/emotional process of moving from desires to escape from the island, into becoming involved, then into being committed to take a responsible part in the life on the island. I also felt John's sad difficulty of temporarily letting go of concerns about Connie's disappearance in order to do that, as the other edge of the sword.

The way John dealt with the first flight lesson, and the rapidly moving scenes evolving from the point of his being taken up in the plane the first time, provided action momentum of impeccable pacing, yet still exercised the author's signature ability to share his protagonist's thoughts through cozy scenes and speeding situations.

Every piece of the plot carries the reader along, seemingly effortlessly, though I'm getting a better and better picture (continuing to be immensely impressed) of how carefully Cassell thought through each action, choice, and situation.

John's reaction to stepping into the hotel room, feeling Connie's absence, was detailed exquisitely, and the concluding words of Part 4 (chapter 5 in UP) brought home the doubt and agony:

"What really plagued me, as Sean Kelly's words of reproach sounded over and over in my ears, is that she maybe thought by letting her go out like that... I just didn't care."

The balance was perfect between cozy (somewhat) scenes of daily routines and the intense action machinations, and as usual I enjoyed the uniquely creative, redemptive ways John dealt with political, military, and emotional issues... like the planned press spin on the airstrip skirmish to be used for advantage of the Good Guys, this time, including the redemption of the deserters (which gets us into the opening of Part 5 of this Shorts series, which is chapter 6 in UP, "The Morning Of Our Humiliation"). All that is definitely part of Cassell's signature of cheer worthy scenes and resolutions.

Extremely well done!

(I've posted this review on Parts 3 & 4. of "Leap into Darkness." In UNCERTAIN PARADISE, the novel, those parts played out in Chapter 4, "God And Donovan Willing," pg 95... and Chapter 5, "One Fouled-up Mission of State, pg 120.)

With continued appreciation of the skill of John Cassell as a true novelist,
Linda Shelnutt
Shelnutt has authored several Amazon Shorts and Kindle books, including:
Myrtle's Ultimate Mystery
Coal & Coca-Cola