Central America Books

"Hidden Tennessee" like all the other Hidden books are really great for the traveler looking for something different. In our travels, we always attempt to avoid the commonplace and crowds, and the Hidden guides help us find the unusual.

I purchased this book as a birthday gift for my son-in-law who is an avid hiker and prefers naturalist areas that are less traveled. He was very pleased with the content in this book

We used this book to tour the whole state of Tennessee for our Anniversary. Every time we went to a "hidden" recommendation, we found exactly what the book said. We were never disappointed. We also used the AAA book of Tennessee. "Hidden" gave us a better idea of things to do and see. It had general descriptions of areas in addition to city information. We only used the AAA book when we wanted to stay in a chain hotel. The "Hidden" book only suggest non-chain lodging

This is the best book I ever read! Marcos Breton is an amazing writer and historian. Usually, all you ever hear about is Babe Ruth and Mickey Mantle, but now we get to hear about Roberto Clemente, Fernando Valenzuela, and Jorge Posada too! Viva Baseball! This book is a valuable addition to any library.

In Home Is Everything, Marcos Breton presents story vignettes of Latinos involved in American Baseball, told in both English and Spanish, and enhanced with full-color photographs by Jose Luis Villegas. Slices of daily life training and competing in this great sport, as well as the names and brief profiles of remarkable and dedicated people, comprise this celebration of baseball which is enthusiastically recommended for the fans of Latino players.

This book is very well photographed and written. The photos are stunning and colorful as well as informative and narrative. Not your stanard picture book, this is much better and will have a longer shelf life as the players are legendary. A must have book for the photographer, the sports fan and the Latino communities around America.

This is a marvelous work of scholarship that exposes the dangerous myths powering the American worldview. Ought to be required reading in American political science curricula.

I am puzzled and very disappointed that this book is not being widely enough read and written about. I suspect its reputation is growing underground as people pass on copies and recount their experiences in reading it. Collins is a fine writer who brings an awsome command of history, Biblical scholarship, cultural appraisal, literary studies into focus such that the reader is made to see in startlingly new ways what a mess America has been brought to by its present leaders. This is not a superfical glance at the neocons, G W Bush, the Iraq war; it is rather a deeply thoughtful consideration of much that has gone into the long prehistory of the American nightmare -- ancient narratives, the structure of the language, the nature of metaphor, the inner workings of the evangelical mind. The book builds to a conclusion that will have you thinking in new ways about the recent past, not necessarily with bright hopes. Collins has a wonderful sense of humor, low-key, understated, sharp. I recommend this book.

Review of Homeland Mythology, by Christopher Collins (Penn State Press, 2007) 262 pp.


Christopher Collins' Homeland Mythology: Biblical Narratives in American Culture exposes layers of sediment that have occluded our view of what is American. To all those who love to quote one side of a coin, "In God We Trust," never turning it over to read "In Diversity United," this is essential reading. All cultures survive and perish on their stories, but the unexamined story, as Collins demonstrates, is a perverse lie, a tool for propagandists and tyrants. It is one thing to suspend disbelief when listening to a work of fiction, but if we carry our fairy tales into adulthood, then we risk delusional behavior on a collective level. Worse, we act on beliefs we believe are already ordained by God, with drastic consequences: imperialistic expansion, racism, disregard for human rights, disregard for the environment, war.

Collins traces a direct line from the Christian interpretations of Biblical stories from the beginning of European history and Anglo history in the New World right to the current White House and to a vast array of rhetorical givens in the media and collective consciousness. He shows that not all narratives assume the same idea of time or history. The Hebrew Bible looks to the past, embracing ancient traditions: Isaac "follows" Abraham. The Christian appropriation of The Hebrew Bible, much like the Islamic, imposes a tortured interpretation, declaring the Hebrew Bible to be a foreshadowing of the coming (and coming again) of Jesus Christ, a forward narrative movement.

Pointing out how politicians have scoured the Bible for fear-mongering language is pretty easy, but exposing how they have used Bible stories, already embedded in a collective psyche, to justify horrific acts requires insight and careful documentation, which Collins has achieved. Collins' work is to the study of the Judeo-Christian traditions what Bernard Lewis' works have been to our understanding of Islam. And Like Lewis, Collins is scholarly without ever being pedantic. Bringing together literary analysis, rhetorical theory, and cultural anthropology, Collins adeptly presents us with a book that is both profound and reader friendly.

Marlon L Fick

A great presentation of what I expected to be an unexciting topic. Examines the workings of the political system in a highly readable way. I was not only well-informed after I read the book, but entertained as well!

This is excellent material if you are conducting any kind of serious research on NAFTA and its negotiations' development and outcome. It provides with a huge theoretical framework, every step of the process. If your line of work is game theory, this book will really help you (or at least it worked wonders for me). This is mandatory reference material for anyone interested in studying NAFTA.

Mayer rivals Grisham. He enfolds the strategy of NAFTA like a good murder-mystery. More proof that reality is more entertaining than fiction. It's a thriller, a nail-biter. I couldn't put it down!

My husband and I wanted to do some time in "wine country" during our 1 year stay in France. We picked up this book at a local "english language library" and it was great! It really gives a lot of good information about the regions, the wineries, and the traveller's perspective on wine country in general. We've also used it extensively to document our pictures after the fact -- you know how you can forget the names of the 20 chateaux and 12 towns you visited! Well, this book provides enough information to put it back together when you are looking at a picture of a very pretty building which you cannot remember the name of.

It doesn't cover particular wines in detail (mentioning only a few), but for wineries, its a great guide.

The Wine Atlas of France by Hubrecht Duijker (with support from Hugh Johnson) is the best way to start exploring the various famous French wine regions by car. After presentation of the history and a description of a particular wine region, the book lists the address and describes the important wine estates of the region. Suggested routes for driving as well as listings of the top regional restaurants and hotels, in order to recover from the wine tasting. Besides excellent maps of different scales to find your way round the book has superb pictures so that you know what to expect. Alternatively, you may first want to use the book to browse through the various wine regions. Even without using the book as a travel guide it is very useful in locating wines and their vineyards.

This books contains informative descriptions, combined with detailed maps, and beautiful pictures, covering all the major wine producing regions of France. In addition, the author includes his favorite vineyards for each region. This book is a must for anyone travelling to France or just interested in learning more about the wine producing regions of France. Included in each section are a few selections on where to eat and where to stay as well. Having personally taken this book on my most recent trip, I can give it my hearty endorsement.

This wonderful picture book covers all the Americas: from A is for the Americas to Z is for Zuñi. The book explores the English alphabet as well as letters that the Spanish alphabet has in common with English, and it has informative entries for the Spanish Ch, Ll and ñ. Including the three letters the Spanish alphabet has but the Enlish does not is a nice touch;however, the text is only in English with excellent illustrations by Enrique O. Sánchez supporting the text. Spanish words and concepts are explained in English making this a good book for a child who is aquiring Spanish. A child who is acquiring English should also enjoy this text.

This wonderful picture book covers all the Americas: from A is for the Americas to Z is for Zuñi. The book explores the English alphabet as well as letters that the Spanish alphabet has in common with English, and it has informative entries for the Spanish Ch, Ll and ñ. Including the three letters the Spanish alphabet has but the Enlish does not is a nice touch;however, the text is only in English with excellent illustrations by Enrique O. Sánchez supporting the text. Spanish words and concepts are explained in English making this a good book for a child who is aquiring Spanish. A child who is acquiring English should also enjoy this text.

This wonderful picture book covers all the Americas: from A is for the Americas to Z is for Zuñi. The book explores the English alphabet as well as letters that the Spanish alphabet has in common with English, and it has informative entries for the Spanish Ch, Ll and ñ. Including the three letters the Spanish alphabet has but the Enlish does not is a nice touch;however, the text is only in English with excellent illustrations by Enrique O. Sánchez supporting the text. Spanish words and concepts are explained in English making this a good book for a child who is aquiring Spanish. A child who is acquiring English should also enjoy this text.

A Wish For Miguel was cool! In this book, Miguel, a worker on Isabella's rancho is called to work in the mines! Things are terrible in the mines! Workers often die and get hurt in rock slides, poisonous gasses soffocate the workers and many of them die of terrible diseases! Isabella must reach the Viceroy to tell him Miguel must be exused from the mines! To do that, she must play the guitar. Mama played the guitar and died last year. Isabella must find the courage to play the guitar.

Meet Isabella, the newest Girlhood Journeys character! Isabella is from Peru, in South America, in 1820. Her mother is no longer alive. She doesn't want to play music anymore since that's what her mother did. But now she found out her servant Miguel will have to go to a mine! The living conditions are horrible there! Isabella must never give up and go to the capital herself! And she does what she truly loves.

This was a great book. It is about Isabella, a young girl living on a rancho in 1820s Peru with her Papa. Mama died last year, and life hasn't been the same. Isabella can no longer play the guitar now that Mama has died. But now one of her father's employees, Miguel, is going to be sent to work in the mines, and Isabella must find the courage to play the guitar - for Miguel's life depends upon it.

In doing research for our Sunday School mission project on Haiti, I borrowed this book from the local library. I was so impressed with the story line and illustrations that I purchased a copy for the Church library. It brings awareness to the fact that education is a priceless gift and not a guarantee in many countries.

Set in rural Haiti, JOSIAS, HOLD THE BOOK provides a snapshot of life for children in a very different culture. Josias doesn't attend school, instead, it is his job to maintain the family garden. The garden is vital to the survival of his impoverished family because it provides them with food and some of the excess crops provide additional income. His parents work very hard, and have entrusted him with the care of the crops. Josias takes his responsibility seriously, and rises early in the morning to work. Each day he sees many of the children in the community walking to school. His friends often ask him when he will "hold the book," which refers to when he will begin attending school. Each day he waves them off, knowing his responsibilities at home take precedence over school.

One day Josias notices that the garden isn't thriving. After several attempts at remedying the problem, he decides to ask the friends if they can find the answer to the problem in a schoolbook. It is then he realizes the value of an education. After talking with his parents they all agree that sacrificing to send him to school now, may benefit the family more in the long run.

JOSIAS, HOLD THE BOOK is a warm and enlightening story. The muted tones in the illustrations mirror the warmth of the story and add considerable detail. I enjoyed the fact that Josias discovered the importance of education on his own, and then shared the realization with his family and convinced them he was right. He was truly an example of a child leading the family. I also appreciated the fact the author presented rural Haitian culture in a thoughtful way. The parents were not depicted as inadequate because they didn't send their son to school; even the youngest readers can recognize that the parents were doing the best they could under the circumstances. In addition, Josias and his family found a way to compromise; his going to school meant some sacrifice, but once he finished his school day he would still maintain some of his responsibilities in the garden. At the same time, he intended to use the things he learned in school to help his family, reinforcing his commitment to family. Josias is a wonderful example because he demonstrates persistence and the value of hard work. JOSIAS, HOLD THE BOOK is a thoughtfully written and beautifully illustrated book that teaches children about a life vastly different from their own and helps them appreciate education; something many children in the U.S. take for granted.

Reviewed by Stacey Seay
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

This is the story of Josias, a Haitian boy whose family depends on him to tend the garden, which is vital to their survival, instead of attending the local school. When the garden doesn't thrive, Josias and his family realize learning is vital to success with the garden and with life. Author's Note describes a schoolchild's day in Haiti.

I loved the simplicity of the writing. Yet any child that hears this tale will identify with the hero, who dutifully tries to help but fumbles every job. Truly an enjoyable book.

I always enjoy reading different versions of fairy and folk-tales. This a fun Puerto Rican version of the Lazy Jack stories. Actually, I like the ending better than in Lazy Jack. It bothered me that some poor girl would be stuck marrying a fool like Lazy Jack simply because he made her laugh. That could make for a very looooong, trying marriage! But a useful reward, that seems quite appropriate. Anyway, the illustrations are cheery and charming. A nice addition to a folktale collection!

I am a Spanish teacher at the elementary school level and have read this book to children from 5 to 9 years of age and they all adore the ridiculous Juan Bobo. Unlike any other books I've read to them, kids will look for Juan Bobo books in the library and ask to borrow mine. We call each other "silly vaca" like Juan calls the cow that he thinks has turned to stone but which is immobile because Juan has tied his legs together. He was just doing as he was told, tying up the cow before he milks it.

Ahora más que nunca, cuando Cuba aparenta cambios político/económicos en un futuro cercano, la importancia de conocer su historia es fundamental. Porque solo cuando las personas conocen la historia es que pueden aprender de ella para evitar los errores del pasado. El autor recoge con ejemplar claridad este panorama que se vivía en la Cuba desde principios de siglo hasta el año 1959. "La Semilla" nos muestra como todo hecho no ocurre espontáneamente sino que sus causas se pueden trazar a través del tiempo. Y es así que transcurre la trágica historia de nuestro país, ya destinado a fracasar desde que su semilla fue mal plantada y a través de los años aquellos con poder para remediarlo no lo hicieron, ya fuera por ignorancia o por beneficio propio. Este libro no es solo para aquellos interesados por Cuba sino para todo aquel interesado en el futuro de su propio país.

¿Qué relación tuvo la Guerra Fría con la prematura muerte de un líder azucarero y congresista cubano?¿Qué hizo el estudiante Fidel Castro el día que asesinaron a Manolo Castro, el ex presidente de la Federación Estudiantil Universitaria (FEU)? ¿Qué papel desempeñaba en el escenario político de Cuba el Ministro Plenipotenciario (y, más tarde, embajador) Benjamin Sumner Wells: el carismático estadounidense de trajes impecables confeccionados por un sastre londinense?

Las respuestas a esas preguntas (y a muchas otras) se encuentran en este libro cuyo tema es un análisis crítico que abarca desde 1902, año del nacimiento de la república cubana, hasta principios del año 1959, cuando triunfó la Revolución en ese país. Economía, política y sociedad en un devenir de medio siglo que conoceremos más y comprenderemos mejor gracias a esta obra.

Desarrollada con rigor, inteligencia y honestidad, La semilla (I) se destaca además por un sostenido interés narrativo que combina crónica, testimonio y reflexión analítica.

Escrito con un estilo fluido de novela de acción, este libro presenta una enorme cantidad de información de la historia de Cuba, combinando un enfoque detallado de eventos con el entorno político/social/económico de los mismos.