Burgos-Debray.
I, Rigoberta Menchu An Indian Woman in Guatemala
. Translated by Ann Wright. Verso and NLB, London, UK. 1984.
This book reflects the different influences on Rigoberta’s life. It tells the life of a Quiche Indian woman who is a member of one of the largest of the twenty-two ethnic groups in Guatemala. Her autobiography which was translated from Spanish by Ann Wright reveals that Rigoberta wants the reader to understand and react. It is an account of contemporary history rather than of Guatemala, itself. It is an account of all the Indians of the American continent.
You will understand as you read, that words are her only weapon against injustice. The book is revealing as well as shocking.
Iglesias, Cesar Andreu.
Memoirs of Bernardo Vega - A Contribution To The History of the Puerto Rican Community In New York
. Translated by Juan Flores. Monthly Review Press. 1984.
This is a great book to read, if you are curious about the Puerto Rican community in New York from 1916 to the aftermath of World War II. The book contains the most detailed and politically coherent account of Puerto Rican life in New York during this period. It demonstrates that Puerto Ricans are by no means “newcomers” to the United States.
It can be used as a resource for history classes. It is a hidden treasure of rare glimpses going back to the late nineteenth-century Caribbean, a time when Cuban and Puerto Rican revolutionary leaders converged in New York to plot their next steps against Spanish colonial rule. I found it ‘fascinating’.
Neruda, Pablo.
Neruda Memoirs confieso que he vivido—
Translated from Spanish by Farrar, Strauss and Giroux Inc. 1977.
This book was written by a 20th-century Nobel prize winner poet from Chile, Neruda. He writes his life from the lives of the poet. Much of the book is expressed by using poetry in prose—which appears to set the tone for what is ahead. The pages come alive with descriptions of the country...as only a poet can do. Throughout the book, Neruda reconstructs the years that are now so far away by immersing himself in memories.
Rodriguez, Richard.
Hunger of Memory The Education of Richard Rodriguez
. Bantam Book, Inc. New York, New York. 1983.
You will enjoy this wonderful autobiographical essay. Rodriguez offers himself as an example of the long labor of change, as a victim of two cultures (Mexican/ American). It is a history of his schooling. As he speaks of his humble past, he reminds himself of his separation from the past by bringing memory to silence He remembers what was grievously lost to define what was necessarily gained.
Tiedt, Pamela and Tiedt, Iris.
Multi-cultural Teaching: A Handbook of Activities, Information, and Resources
. Allyn and Bacon, Inc. Boston Mass. 1979.
This handbook offers teachers ideas that enable you to promote understanding in the classroom through varied learning experiences focusing on language and culture.
