December Reviews of the Latest Spanish-Language Books for Adults: Fiction, Nonfiction, and Also in Translation.
Edited by Aida Bardales -- Library Journal, 12/15/2009
FICTION | NONFICTION | ALSO IN TRANSLATION
Click here to order these titles:
FICTION
Luna llena.
(Full Moon)
Escobar, Carmela.
U.S.: Libros en red. 2009. 160p. ISBN 978-0-6153-1063-3. pap. $15.99. FICTION
Winner of the 2009 International Latino Book Award for Best Romantic Novel, this is the story of a lifelong affair between the aristocratic Emilia and Ignacio, the stable master at her cousin’s hacienda. Told from Emilia’s perspective, the narrative is dominated by her internal monolog; there is almost no dialog. Unfortunately, the attraction between Emilia and Ignacio is stated as fact but never quite felt; they’re not given an actual conversation until years into their affair. The setting is vague—Trujillo, a pueblo somewhere in South America, one supposes. And just as vague are the characters that populate the novel, as the author provides few clues regarding physical appearance or personalities. There are many potentially exciting subplots involving the other characters—for example, Emilia’s husband, Felipe; his lover, Marita; and Ronaldo, Emilia’s lover and Marita’s son—but Escobar fails to flesh them out. There is a lot going on in this short novel, but nothing remotely erotic or titillating. This easy read may appeal to some undemanding romance readers, but it’s otherwise not recommended.—Sara Martinez, Hispanic Resource Ctr., Tulsa City–Cty. Lib. Syst., OK
Después del derrumbe. Narrativa joven de Oaxaca.
(After the Collapse: Fiction by Young Oaxacan Writers)
Lobo, Fernando, ed.
Mexico: Almadía. 2009. 128p. ISBN 978-607-411-029-6. pap. $12.95. STORIES
Lobo, who teaches a youth writing workshop in an Oaxaca library, here presents 11 diverse stories by authors between the ages of 17 and 25. Theirs is a generation marked, Lobo posits in his foreword, by the fall of the 
Berlin Wall during their infancy and the collapse of the Twin Towers while they were in grade school. The six women and five men whose work makes up this collection do tend to offer shadowy visions: an intense, antagonistic lovers’ triangle; a precocious veterinarian’s child fascinated with collecting ears from dogs and, perhaps, from her playmate; a transvestite imitator of pop star Paulina Rubio who is determined to replace the famous singer for real; a bar where patrons place gruesome bets that require the losers to cut off lips, ears, and tongues. The pieces are artfully sequenced, carrying us along a path of stories that with few exceptions are subtly well-crafted and pack a surprising wallop. Recommended for connoisseurs of dark and ironic short fiction in the Chuck Palahniuk mold.—Bruce Jensen, Rohrbach Lib., Univ. of Pennsylvania, Kutztown
El día que Beaumont conoció a su dolor.
(The Day Beaumont Got Acquainted with His Pain)
Le Clézio, J.M.G.
tr. by Martín Solares. Mexico: Almadía. 2009. 64p. illus. ISBN 978-607-411-024-1. $25.95. FICTION
The 2008 Nobel laureate for literature, France’s Le Clézio has strong ties to Mexico, where he taught for many years; he has written extensively about its history and continues to be a part-time resident. This delightful quarto serves as a handsome tribute to the latest Mexican-at-heart 
Nobel. In this short story, first published in 1964 at the dawn of Le Clézio’s career, the eponymous protagonist wakes up with a monstrous toothache that leads him through existential agonies both terrifying and terrifically comical. Beaumont’s struggles to cope with his pain lead him up a twisted path toward an amusingly surreal climax. Solares’s translation deftly captures the author’s droll pathos. The highlight of this rendering of the story is Alejandro Magallanes’s bold, masterly design. With 24 pages of wry illustrations and tooth-themed patterns, together with a strikingly well-chosen large typeface on substantial paper, this work has the feel of a children’s book for adults, combining heavy themes with a light touch. Recommended especially for lovers of the book arts: Magallanes’s design is captivating.—Bruce Jensen, Rohrbach Lib., Univ. of Pennsylvania, Kutztown
Agua, Perro, Caballo, Cabeza.
(Water, Dog, Horse, Head).
Tavares, Gonçalo M.
tr. by Ana M. García Iglesias. Mexico: Almadía. 2009. 91p. ISBN 978-607-411-026-5. pap. $10.95. STORIES
Angolan Tavares is perhaps the most original author writing in Portuguese today. Winner of numerous prizes and high praise from Nobel laureate José Saramago, Tavares currently teaches epistemology at the University of Lisbon. In this collection of 25 stories, where the ordinary and unusual cross paths, Tavares employs a tender and delicate approach. Though clinical at times, he offers a variety of case histories concerning the mad, the feeble, and even the cruel. In “Napoleon and the Violin,” a character named D’Olivet is certain he is being stalked by Napoleon Bonaparte. The grandfather of an ugly six-year-old girl reflects on life’s unfairness and tries to shield her from what is to come in “The River’s Objects.” “The Fourth Kingdom” offers an unusual triple strand of tales and reflections initially based on the Richter scale and how the damage of an earthquake is comparable to the damage inflicted in other realms. These stories offer discriminating readers an introduction to a voice, rhythm, and style worth exploring; the translation is flawless. Every important library should have this book on their shelves; highly recommended. [See also Jerusalén, reviewed below.—Ed.]—Catherine Rendón, Savannah, GA
Jerusalén.
(Jerusalem).
Tavares, Gonçalo M.
tr. by Rita de Costa García. Mexico: Almadía. 2009. 225p. ISBN 978-607-411-028-9. pap. $21.95. FICTION
The author of novels, poetry, and short stories (see the collection Agua, Perro, Caballo, Cabeza, reviewed above), Tavares is poised for a long and distinguished literary career. It is not just the ease with which he writes but also his ability to weave deeper philosophical musings into the narrative that make him a master at his craft. This story brings together four individuals 
whose actions culminate on the dawn of one May 29 in an unnamed city. Dr. Theodor Busbeck, one of the protagonists, is obsessed with trying to make sense of evil and violence and the ultimate horror that results from a series of circumstances and choices. He is so intent on a sweeping historical view of his subject that he fails to see the concatenation of events around him. Tavares deftly moves through the labyrinths of philosophical inquiry, sounding out the mysteries of human behavior. The starkness of the scenes and the immediacy of the characters’ reactions and thoughts are reminiscent of Georg Büchner’s play, Woyzeck. Lovers of Joyce, Saramago, Lobo Antunes, and Banville will be mesmerized and want to reread this book, which is bound to become a classic and a keystone in the author’s oeuvre. Highly recommended for all libraries and bookstores.—Catherine Rendón, Savannah, GA
Jekyll & Hyde.
Marías, Fernando, ed.
Spain: 451 Editores. 2009. 233p. ISBN 978-84-96822-84-9. $40.95. STORIES
An ode to Robert Louis Stevenson’s terror classic, The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, this collection of short stories offers few thrills. One problem is that the seven young authors here showcased (all of them Spaniards) have taken the shortest, easiest approach: all the stories are set in Victorian London and are variations of or follow-ups to the original. Cristina Cerrada’s story is probably the most distinctive: in a cleverly constructed series of dialogs, an elderly Mr. Hyde is verbally abused by his son, who suspects his past wickedness. Most of the stories delve into the moral quandaries created by Dr. Jekyll’s split personalities. For instance, Vanessa Monfor envisions a friendship with Charles Darwin that influences Jekyll’s social thinking in evolutionary terms, while Lourdes Ortiz’s Jekyll develops a sense of guilt when a woman asks him for help for her daughter, who has been viciously raped by his double. Ricard Ruiz Garzón ends his tale with a hint at Jack the Ripper, and Alfredo Conde turns Dr. Jekyll’s potion into a potent sex booster. This is a reasonably enjoyable—if not memorable—read, probably suited for young adults, who seem receptive to similar themes (i.e., vampires) these days.—Carlos Rodríguez Martorell, East Elmhurst, NY
Ni chicha, ni limonada
Unger, David.
tr. by Hector Ortiz & others. Guatemala: F & G. 2009. 212p. ISBN 978-99939-84-02-3. pap. $20.95. STORIES
Set in either Guatemala or Florida, these stories follow the sons of a Guatemalan Jewish family in the United States. The first tale describes the family’s migration to this country, setting the tone for the rest of the book. Told in third person, Unger’s (Life in the Damn Tropics, Univ. of Wisconsin Pr.) stories delve into a child’s mind, helping us empathize with the character's feelings. For instance, in "Canillas de leche," when Danny and Henry step out to buy their favorite treat while 
their grandparents are taking a nap, Danny is beaten up by a group of homeless kids. And in "Shabbat Shalom," the brothers decide to spend their stipend gambling at the fair during Shabbat, the sacred day for Jews, and must later face the consequences. Unger effectively illustrates with humor and candor what it is like to grow up in two different countries (Danny and Henry spend vacations in their native land with their grandparents) and to be Jewish in Guatemala, a predominantly Catholic nation. Also included is a brief chronicle of the author's encounter with Nobel laureate Gabriel García Márquez. It is easy to forget that each piece was originally written in English; the translations are impeccable. Full of nostalgia and charm—and likely inspired by Unger’s own recollections—these stories will surely stir up readers’ own childhood memories. Highly recommended for libraries and bookstores, especially those serving migrant communities.—María Elena Cruz, Boston, MA
Cómo hablar de arte a los niños.
(How To Talk to Children About Art)
Barbe-Gall, Françoise.
tr. by Xabier Andonegi Santamaria. Spain: Nerea. 2009. 184p. illus. ISBN 978-84-96431-42-3. pap. $30. PARENTING/ART
Parents who take their children to museums so that they can develop an appreciation of the arts often find it challenging to help them understand what they see. Hence, this book, first published in French in 2005, fills a definite need. Barbe-Gall begins with general advice: think about why the paintings are meaningful and tell children your personal feelings rather than dry textbook information; let children participate by allowing them to choose the pieces that interest them and then give their impressions; finally, buy postcards after viewing the art. She also provides information about basic forms of painting, tips on how to look at a canvas, and pieces that will appeal to specific age groups. In addition, the author provides brief analysis of a selection of paintings by well-known artists from different time periods, such as Fra Angelico and Jackson Pollack. This is a unique and wonderful book for anyone interested in introducing children to the basics of art. Highly recommended for all library collections.—Barbara M. Bibel, Oakland P.L., CA
Antiimperialismo y noviolencia
(Anti-imperialism and Nonviolence)
D’Escoto, Miguel.
Mexico: Ocean Sur: Ocean Books. 2009. 484p. ISBN 978-1-921235-81-8. pap. $23.95. ESSAYS/HISTORY
A U.S.-born Maryknoll missionary priest, D’Escoto became a leader in Nicaragua’s Sandinista Revolution, serving as foreign minister from 1979 to 1990. He was also president of the 63d session of the United Nations (2008–2009). This collection of D’Escoto’s writings and speeches from the past three decades is divided 
according to political and religious themes, reflecting a life based on moral conscience and dedicated to social justice. Shortly after entering Nicaragua in the late Seventies, D’Escoto began writing in opposition to Anastasio Somoza’s dictatorial regime. Once in power, the Sandinistas confronted a leviathan of resistance from Ronald Reagan’s government, which mounted convoluted subterfuges of suppression through the Iran-Contra affair. Though D’Escoto was vituperative when countering this ideological and military subversion, his articles on religious topics concentrate on the love one must have for one’s enemies and warnings of the meretricious manipulations that can be made of religion. Liberation theology was the sustaining moral axis for him and his fellow clergy in their support of the Sandinistas. Recommended for collections with broad holdings on Latin America, particularly Central America.—Edward A. Riedinger, Ohio State Univ. Lib.
El jamón.
(The Ham)
Descalzi, Guillermo.
U.S.: Alfaguara: Santillana: Aguilar. 2009. 150p. ISBN 978-1-60396-614-6. pap. $15.99. SELF-HELP/RELIGION
A renowned Hispanic journalist, Descalzi jumped to notoriety with El príncipe de los mendigos (“The Prince of the Beggars”), a memoir detailing his longtime career as a White House correspondent and how it all vanished when he succumbed to alcoholism and drug addiction. The Peruvian-born author was homeless for two years before cleaning himself up and returning to journalism as a new man. Here, Descalzi continues to explore the philosophical ideas expressed in his first book. The title derives from an analogy that compares personal life to a very thin slice of ham: the way we cut the ham evokes the passing of time, and each slice is the fleeting present. The knowledge of our own pettiness, he argues, makes us feel deeply insecure and anxious; we look to possessions, power, and social status to give us a false sense of security. Descalzi’s ideas are rooted in his Christian faith—he cites passages from the Bible to illustrate his points—and he concludes with Max Ehrmann’s Desiderata, which seems to epitomize his philosophy. Though the author touches on interesting topics, such as the importance of forgiveness and love to becoming a more authentic human being, most of the abstract ideas (which are many and often disconnected) are neither fully developed nor illustrated with real-life events. This said, followers of Descalzi might find this title interesting.—Ximena Diego, Brooklyn, NY
Pensamientos. Palabras que iluminan el camino.
(Reflections: Words That Enlighten the Path)
Gómez-Bassols, Isabel.
U.S.: Vintage Español: Random House. 2009. 229p. ISBN 978-0-307-39082-0. pap. $14. SELF-HELP
Trained as a psychologist, educator, and domestic violence specialist, Gómez-Bassols is the hostess of a wildly
popular call-in self-help radio program on Univision Radio that receives thousands of calls every day. Dra. Isabel, as she is commonly known, answers questions on all the major issues of life, including parenting, divorce, sex, and marital relationships. This follow-up to her numerous best sellers is a compilation of the stories, poems, and anecdotes that she often shares at the end of her program to illustrate life’s lessons, arranged around some of life’s major themes—values, compassion, love, and renewal. In a comfortable and engaging manner, Dra. Isabel here reinforces the advice and beliefs she dispenses on her radio show. This book will appeal to her legions of listeners—mostly recent Hispanic immigrants who need help in adapting to a new life and a new way of doing things. Recommended for public libraries and general bookstores.—Yolanda J. Cuesta, Cuesta MultiCultural Consulting, Sacramento, CA
MST: Simiente de la vida y la esperanza.
(Latin America’s Movement Without Land: Seeds of Life and Hope)
Guevara, Aleida.
Mexico: Ocean Sur: Ocean Books. 2009. 186p. ISBN 978-1-921438-09-7. pap. $16.95. ESSAYS
This book provides basic background information about one of Latin America’s most important contemporary social movements, Movimiento Sin Tierra, which seeks land reform. Physician and social activist Guevara, daughter of the iconic Argentine “Che” Guevara, interviews Brazilian João Pedro Stédile, one of the movement’s leaders. The first part of the book consists mostly of her interview with Stédile and his account of the origins of this movement, its virtues, and its strengths, while the second part includes interviews with a variety of individuals who describe the impact this movement has had on them. Given that land—both its ownership and use—remains a source of conflict throughout Latin America and that squatting by the dispossessed continues, more information about this movement and its organization ought to be readily available. The subject is fascinating and relevant, but, unfortunately, this book fails to make it so. Lacking passion, style, and balance, it seems too much like a vehicle for propaganda. Any insight one can glean from its pages requires tedious work. Recommended only for large academic libraries.—Catherine Rendón, Savannah, GA
El arte del cuchiplancheo.
(The Art of Cuchiplancheo)
Menchaca, Penélope.
Mexico/U.S.: Aguilar: Santillana. 2009. 160p. ISBN 978-607-11-0281-2. pap. $16.99. SELF-HELP
Celebrity TV host Menchaca here offers an “A to Z” guide on most things related to the art of “cuchiplanchear,” 
as she refers to sex. The topics covered include attraction, experiments, fantasies, money, and vanity, among many others, and each is discussed quite superficially; this is by no means a thorough guide. Instead, it is a simple and playful book with jokes, tests, and ideas for sex games, using fun and friendly language that goes well with the graphic design. As in her TV shows, the author uses many euphemisms to refer to sexual organs, calling the penis “tamagochi,” for instance, and the vagina “picachu.” Some of Menchaca’s ideas will be controversial, e.g., she stresses the importance of a man’s wealth and seems to believe in certain “white magic” spells to make a man fall in love with you. Fun but superfluous; recommended for large bookstores where mass market books are popular.—María Elena Cruz, Boston, MA
Retazos de mi vida. Testimonio de una revolucionaria salvadoreña.
(Fragments from My Life: Testimony of a Salvadoran Revolutionary)
Peña, Lorena.
Mexico: Ocean Sur: Ocean Books. 2009. 253p. photogs. ISBN 978-1-921438-42-4. pap. $18.95. AUTOBIOGRAPHY
Autobiographies of Central American political leaders are plentiful, but their authors have mostly been established writers, such as Sergio Ramírez and Gioconda Belli. In contrast, this testimonial details the life of noted Salvadoran revolutionary Peña from her childhood to the present. Peña became active in clandestine leftist political movements in her late teens, eventually became a political and military leader, and founded a feminist organization in El Salvador in the 1990s. Built chronologically, her book is an important historical document about the tumultuous history of Peña’s country. More importantly, it is written from a personal perspective by a woman who lost relatives in combat and gave up the care of her son to fight for a larger political goal. Though one may wonder why the recollection of smaller incidents or a colleague’s alias is important, their inclusion here assures us that they will be remembered, which is important because some people have been “disappeared.” Noted Nicaraguan revolutionary Doris Tijerino and Roberto Lorenzana, a deputy from the recently elected Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front, both wrote prologs; the 16 pages of photos and reproductions help reconstruct the author’s life and give historical context. Recommended for all libraries and bookstores.—Sophie Lavoie, Univ. of New Brunswick, Fredericton
Rafael Nadal: Crónica de un fenómeno.
(Rafael Nadal: The Chronicle of a Prodigy)
Pujol-Galceran, Jaume & Manel Serras.
Spain: RBA, dist. by Santillana USA. 2009. 218p. photogs. ISBN 978-84-9867-514-6. pap. $11.95. BIOGRAPHY
As any tennis fan knows, 2008 was undisputedly Rafael Nadal’s year. Not only did the young Spaniard win 
two Grand Slams and a gold medal in the Olympics but he finally overcame Roger Federer to take the world number one ranking. Having first picked up a racquet at age three at the family home in Mallorca, Nadal had to choose between tennis and soccer, both of which he played at a high level. Despite injuries and drug allegations, he persevered, and his achievements are the culmination of years of hard work. The authors chart Nadal’s rise to fame during the period 2005–09, providing insight into the training of a tennis champion, as outlined in the prolog by Nadal’s uncle and coach, Toni Nadal. Readers get a good overview of Nadal’s career, plus a variety of photos and details of matches and rankings. Nevertheless, this book is a strange mix of whimsical imagination and concrete tennis scores, with little detail about the athlete’s life or sources used. Recommended only for sport or tennis fans.—Alison Hicks, Univ. of Colorado at Boulder
El Cuaderno.
(The Notebook)
Saramago, José.
Portugal/Spain: Alfaguara: Santillana. 2009. 229p. ISBN 978-987-04-1291-5. pap. $19.99. ESSAYS
This is a compilation of entries from Saramago’s blog from September 2008 to March 2009. That the 86-year-old Nobel laureate has a blog is remarkable in itself, but this selection also covers significant moments in his career: the publication of his novel El viaje del elefante and the 
release of Fernando Meirelles’s movie Blindness, based on Saramago’s book of the same title. As with all blogs, there is space for the minutiae of life (e.g., the perfunctory posting decrying airport security) and funny coincidences: Barack Obama’s dog is of the same Portuguese breed as Saramago’s. But, not surprisingly, most of these writings are purely political. The left-wing Portuguese author lashes out at Silvio Berlusconi and George Bush, whom he basically sees as a criminal and a liar. His most insistent target is probably Israel and its Palestinian policy, though he also condemns Arab countries for their mistreatment of women and, in general, any form of oppression against the disadvantaged. These views don’t differ much from what he has said in dozens of interviews and articles, but it’s interesting to share his boundless curiosity. There’s also space for literature, and a fascinating entry about Fernando Pessoa and his many nicknames—which prompted Saramago’s novel El año de la muerte de Ricardo Reis—shows why Saramago will be remembered more for his genius as a writer than as a political commentator.—Carlos Rodríguez Martorell, East Elmhurst, NY
Fiction
El símbolo perdido.
(The Lost Symbol)
Brown, Dan.
tr. by Claudia Conde & others. Spain: Planeta. 2009. 619p. ISBN 978-84-08-08925-4. pap. $24.95. FICTION
Brown has had the stroke of brilliance to set his new thriller not in some far-off exotic locale but 
right here in our own backyard. Returning hero Robert Langdon comes to Washington, DC, to give a lecture at the behest of his old mentor, Peter Solomon. When he arrives at the U.S. Capitol for his lecture, he finds, instead of an audience, Peter's severed hand mounted on a wooden base, fingers pointing skyward to the Rotunda ceiling fresco of George Washington dressed in white robes, ascending to heaven. Langdon teases out a plethora of clues from the tattooed hand that point toward a secret portal through which an intrepid seeker will find the wisdom known as the Ancient Mysteries, or the lost wisdom of the ages. Joining Langdon in his search is Peter's younger sister, Kathleen, who has been conducting experiments in a secret museum. … [R]eaders will rejoice: Dan Brown has done it again. [PW 9/16/09]
Desde mi cielo.
(The Lovely Bones)
Sebold, Alice.
tr. by Aurora Echevarría. U.S.: Vintage Español: Random House. 2009. 327p. ISBN 978-0-307-47534-3. pap. $15. FICTION
Sebold's first novel begins swiftly. In the second sentence, Sebold's narrator, Susie Salmon, announces, "I was fourteen when I was murdered on December 6, 1973." The description of the crime is chilling, but never vulgar, and Sebold maintains this delicate balance between homely and horrid as she depicts the progress of grief for Susie's family and friends. She captures the odd alliances forged and the relationships ruined: the shattered father who buries his sadness trying to gather evidence, the mother who escapes "her ruined heart, in merciful adultery." At the same time, Sebold brings to life an entire suburban community. Her most dazzling stroke is to narrate the story from Susie's heaven (a place where wishing is having), providing the warmth of a first-person narration and the freedom of an omniscient one. [This is a movie tie-in edition and will likely be in demand. The film is scheduled to premiere this month.] [PW 2/17/02]
Lolita. 
Nabokov, Vladimir.
tr. by Francesc Roca. U.S.: Vintage Español: Random House. 2009. 389p. ISBN 978-0-307-47467-4. pap. $15. FICTION
Nabokov's classic story about a middle-aged, expatriate European man's obsessive love for a 12-year-old girl. While Lolita continues to raise the hackles of would-be censors even today, most [readers] will marvel at the restraint and playful humor with which Nabokov limns his tale. [This is the first time the Spanish-language translation is readily available in the United States and a reasonable price.—Ed.] [LJ 4/15/97]
Nonfiction
¿Qué hacer con un diagnóstico de cancer? La información para atender, hacerse cargo, elegir tratamientos y lograr la sanación.
(Understanding Cancer: A Patient’s Guide to Diagnosis, Prognosis, and Treatment)
Coleman, Norman, M.D.
tr. by Christina Harari & Julieta Harari. Mexico: Pax. 2008. 194p. ISBN 978-968-860-876-0. pap. $16.95. HEALTH
Offering solid, straightforward information, Dr. Coleman assists the person who has received a diagnosis of cancer in sorting through all the confusing and possibly conflicting information coming from doctors, friends, and the media. First arming the patient with a checklist for recording significant data, Coleman goes step-by-step through the process of diagnosis, explaining the clinical and pathological tests that are needed to identify the cancer's type and stage. His goal is to help patients understand how risks and benefits are measured in order to work effectively with their doctors in choosing the most appropriate treatment. Cancer patients who want to be fully informed participants in their own health care will find this a valuable starting point. [PW 01/99]
50 cosas sencillas que tú puedes hacer para salvar la Tierra.
(50 Simple Things That You Can Do To Save the Earth)
Javna, John & others.
tr. by Helena Martin Milanés. Spain: Integral: RBA, dist. by Santillana USA. 2009. 138p. ISBN 978-84-9867-494-1. pap. $15.99. CURRENT AFFAIRS
Having originally published this book in 1988 in English, John Javna (along with teenaged children Sophie and 
Jesse) offers an update for the new millennium. After individual introductions by the authors, the text is broken down into 50 sections, each highlighting one “simple thing” to do for the environment and offering suggestions on how to learn more about saving Earth. The ideas presented here are common sense, most boiling down to becoming informed, using what you learn to make smarter decisions, and telling others. Because the issues surrounding “going green” are complex and do not often have a right or wrong answer, no one will agree with everything here, but reading this book with an open mind shows that one person can make a difference. The book does lack precise citations for quotes and figures throughout, which would have given it substantial credibility. A web page is cited as a supplement, but it is only in English. Recommended for large public libraries serving patrons with an interest in the environment, as well as young adults.—Marie St. Pierre, Thornton, CO
NEW TO THE MARKET
Nonfiction
Enciclopedia de México.
(Encyclopedia of Mexico)
Mexico: Planeta. 2008. 10v. illus. ISBN 978-968-9520-00-9. $1384.95 with DVD-ROM. REFERENCE
This lavish encyclopedia has long been a go-to source for students at many levels of education. The latest edition, which honors the 2010 Mexican bicentennial, improves on preceding editions in several important ways. Its scope is narrowly and sensibly defined: the only article you will find about France, for example, discusses Mexico’s war with that country. The books are handsomely designed with an easy-on-the-eyes sans serif font, comfortably accommodating more words per page, and the binding is sturdy. The ten volumes are illustrated with more than 5000 images. The accompanying DVD is a spectacular supplement: it holds the entire content of the print version while adding interactive maps, an image gallery, primary source documents, a statistics section, and an atlas. The electronic version, too, is well designed to be easily navigable. Anyone contemplating a purchase of this price might naturally wonder how much this encyclopedia has that Wikipedia does not. The answer, it appears, is a great deal. While less rich in detailed references to telenovelas, for example, it offers profiles and even pictures of actors ignored by Wikipedia. The articles do, however, lack authorship credits and bibliographic citations. Recommended for middle school to undergraduate libraries that can afford it.—Bruce Jensen, Rohrbach Lib., Univ. of Pennsylvania, Kutztown
Disciplina con amor para adolescentes. Guía para llevarte bien con tu adolescente para padres y maestros.
(Discipline with love for adolescents: A Guide for Getting Along With Your Adolescent for Parents and Teachers)
Barocio, Rosa.
Mexico: Pax. 2008. 210p. ISBN 978-968-860-924-8. pap. $13.95. PARENTING
Adolescence is a difficult time for both parents and children. Rapid change leads to a need for independence and a need for different parenting techniques. Barocio, a Montessori and Waldorf teacher with over 30 years’ experience, gives parents and teachers useful tools for dealing with adolescents. She points out that they are too old for the methods used with young children, but they still need guidance in order to develop into responsible young adults. Barocio suggests listening and guiding rather than lecturing and imposing strict rules, showing understanding and interest rather than being judgmental and critical, accepting and valuing rather than trying to change. Using the heart and appreciating the child will lead to growth and success. This is excellent advice for both parents and teachers. A very useful book for parenting collections.—Barbara M. Bibel, Oakland P.L., CA
Entra a mi mundo. 365 actividades y juegos creativos para niños desde recién nacidos y hasta los cinco años.
(Come into My World: 365 Activates and Games for Children from Newborns to Five-Year-Olds)
Cuartas, Lina María with Annabel Lugo Hoffman.
U.S.: Lunita Company, LLC. 2008. 133p. illus. ISBN 978-0-9817064-1-2. pap. $16.95. PARENTING
The authors, an artist and a lawyer, have created a book with activities for each day of the year. Each chapter (one per month) begins with a list of materials needed for the projects. It then lists an art project or game for each day, e.g., creating a barn with photographs of animals, walking barefoot on different surfaces, discussing feelings. A subject index classifies the activities by skill-intellectual development, physical development, art, music, etc. Unfortunately, the authors do not explain which skills these activities will enhance nor for which age group they are appropriate. This is a pretty book that lacks substance; the activities are simple and readily available anywhere, the illustrations nice-looking but seemingly irrelevant. An optional purchase.—Barbara M. Bibel, Oakland P.L., CA
Arte y feminismo.
(Art and Feminism)
Alario Trigueros, María Teresa.
Spain: Nerea (Arte Hoy). 2008. 120p. ISBN 978-84-96431-23-2. ART
The term feminist art can be tricky. Simply because an artwork has been created by a female artist does not necessarily mean that it has a feminist message. On the other hand, using the term has been necessary to give credence and historical significance to artworks produced by women. In this feminist artworks primer, Alario Trigueros—a professor specializing in the role of women in art—educates on early female painters, such as Mary Cassat, to illuminate just how far the trajectory of artworks created by women has become, and discusses how first-, second-, and third-generation feminists have influenced the way said works are received. The strength of the book lies in its analysis and introduction to self-identified feminist work beginning in the 1950s. The works featured include those by Georgia O’Keeffe, Eva Hesse, and Cindy Sherman. The author draws heavily from popular feminist theorists, such as Judith Butler and Laura Mulvey, who have been pivotal in shaping the work of many contemporary female artists today. This book is a good introduction to the feminist art canon and theory. Recommended for academic libraries—including upper-level high-school libraries—and bookstores.—Laura Torres, Arlington, MA
