Mexican History-Light
350020
If you have never read a complete history of Mexico and are curious, this "Mexican History-Light" is excellent.  Slightly tongue in cheek, this "complete" history of Mexico will at least keep you interested while giving you a Mexican slant on the History of our southern neighbor that goes way beyond what our U.S. public school education has given us.  Even if you have read more extensively, "Gods, Gachupines and Gringos..." is a fun read.
3145346
This is an amazing account of Mexico City, stretching from the Aztecs to modern times.  It's a page turner, reads like a novel but imparts a profound sense of history. I first read it years ago when I was traveling to Mexico City regularly.  It gave me an insight and understanding into that enigma of a city that I couldn't have gotten anywhere else. A beautiful and fascinating book.
64828
Bonita historia sobre la realidad que viven los inmigrantes en los EUA. Muy recomendable. Solo debo mencionar que la familia estaba un tanto idealizada (la familia mexicana). Tal vez no sea exactamente as, pero en fin, el libro tiene la intencion de concientizar a la sociedad americana, asi que deben pintar a los mexicanos (y latinos en general) como gente impecable.

En conclusion, una buena lectura para sus nios. Saludos.
249962
Interesting slice of history from someone who was there
It's not literature, but is surprisingly readable and compelling for those of us interested in Mexican history and especially the Mexican Revolution. Written in the passive voice popular at the time, it bogs down and moves slowly sometimes, but given the author and circumstances, I was happily surprised and quite satisfied.
Essential reading for an understanding of the period and one man's involvement. A resource for the historian and student of history, and a fine yarn for the casual reader.
3293402
Elena Poniatowska's "Las Soldaderas: Women of the Mexican Revolution" (Cinco Puntos Press, $12.95 paperback) demonstrates the riveting, almost hypnotic power of photographs.

Poniatowska's text (translated from Spanish by David Dorado Romo) is wisely limited to about two dozen pages and acts as a frame for the remarkable black-and-white images of the brave women who fought on either side of the Mexican Revolution.

The term "soldadera" comes from "soldada," or salary. Poniatowska explains that "during all wars and invasions, soldiers used their 'soldada' (a word of Aragonese origin) to hire a female servant. The woman would go to the barracks to charge her salary, i.e., soldada." Thus, the term "soldadera" was coined.

The photographs are culled from the enormous Casasola Collection in the Fototeca Nacional of the National Institute of Anthropology and History in Mexico. The publisher tells us that the collection is based on the work of Agustn Casasola (1874-1938), one of the first photojournalists in Mexico and founder of the photo agency that carries his name.

It is difficult not to mull over these photographs of Mexican and indigenous women from the early part of the last century as they pose with their pistols, horses, children or husbands. These are women who played different roles, sometimes as brave soldiers, other times as helpmates (or even prostitutes without much choice) to the male warriors.

Poniatowska offers anecdotes to help us know these women, sometimes using their own words. Pancho Villa does not fair well here, nor do other men who took brutal advantage of -- or even murdered -- these women.

"Las Soldaderas" perfectly weds words with photographs as a poignant tribute to the brave women who were active participants in the Mexican Revolution.

[The full review first appeared in the El Paso Times.]
3293510
This book is one of the Great Journeys series.  This book begins with early Mexico and the discovery of Mexico by Cortes and follows through to current Mexican American presence.  The book appears geared for older elementary students and provides intriguing photos, fascinating artwork, and other illustrations.  This story may be helpful to give perspective when opening the unit on history.  The teacher also may want to use this book to teach making connections.
3992053
This is one of the best books I have ever read, Bernal Diaz provides in great depth the CONQUEST OF MEXICO and the fall of the Mexica(Aztecs). For anyone interested in Mexican History or the history of the Western Hemisphere in general, this is a must. The chapters are short and easy to read, as well as addicting, especially during the final siege of Mexico. This is a great book to read especially if you're from Zapotlanejo, Jalisco or from Norwalk, California. This book is a great stepping stone on the subject and one should also check out Letters from Mexico(letters from Cortes himself) and Broken Spears(the Aztec account of the Conquest). Orale!
1133740
This short history of Cortes conquest of Mexico is a quick but interesting read. While many modern historians have jumped on the bandwagon of political correctness that brands all Europeans who came to the New World as racist imperialists this book tries to remain neutral and give at least a glimpse of the perspective of both sides. Neither the Spanish nor the Aztecs were angels. The Aztecs were in fact major oppressors of the tribes they had conquered prior to the arrival of the Spanish. The Spanish were driven not by a desire to relieve those captive tribes of oppressive Aztec rule but rather a desire to gain riches. This book describes in fascinating detail the battles they fought until the incredibly-outnumbered Cortes eventually prevailed.
1077135
This was great fun to read about the lives of early New Mexicans and some strong and heroic characters.  A creative, fast read
3291402
This is an excellent book, great reading and an amazing insight to the Aztec Culture and what they went through went Mexico was invaded by the Spanish Conquistadors.
4664130
The best available study of a significant Mexican literary movement during the "Heroic Period" of the Mexican Revolution, which ended with the term of President Lazaro Cardenas, who served 1934-1940.  Also a major contribution to the history of the State of Veracruz when the Revolution was active in that entity.
1704442
El libro toca en su mayora pasajes mticos de la historia de la conquista y trata de explicarlos y desmitificarlos basndose en hechos conocidos y escritos rescatados de algunos de los conquistadores espaoles. Trata estos pasajes sin una relacin entre ellos. Puede verse como un libro de pequeos pasajes de la conquista de Amrica.
1494110
I enjoyed this book thoroughly. I am a current resident in Mexico and it is obvious that the author either spent a good amount of time on Mexican soil or is an excellent researcher. Her descriptions of Mexican cuisine and culture are spot on and made the book even more enjoyable in my opinion. If you enjoy reading about foreign places and love archaeology this series by Lyn Hamilton is a very good choice to pass your time. My only critique is that the book at times is a bit predictable although that did not distract me from enjoying the finale. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves archaeology mysteries and is looking for an enjoyable light read.
4744686
Es una historia divertida, interesante y hasta en veces increible, que te pone a pensar en la realidad que vivieron y que seguramente aun viven muchas familias mexicanas. Liduvina logro captar la escencia de su familia y los altos y bajos que esta tuvo, acompaado siempre de la comida!
496635
Esta historia me tuvo leyendo sin parar hasta el fin. Es un maravilloso engranaje entre el cuadro historico con unas vidas extraordinarias.
4746037
This book is a good supplement to Bernal-Diaz's book, "Conquest of New Spain". It combines the sparse records of the Aztec point-of-view concerning the conquest. This is a good book for those who wish to know the complete story of the conquest of Mexico.
2484909
Great book! A great leader whose story gives a lot of insights on Mexico today within the historical context.
Very well written and structured, a pleasure to read!