1AnnieMod
Luis Alberto Urrea is a Mexican-American poet, novelist, and essayist and just like our October author was born in 1955
Another new author for me.
His most popular works in LT are the novel The Hummingbird's Daughter and his non-fiction, true story book about a horendous crossing of the Mexican-American border in the deserts of Arizona The Devil's Highway: A True Story
What do you plan to read?
Another new author for me.
His most popular works in LT are the novel The Hummingbird's Daughter and his non-fiction, true story book about a horendous crossing of the Mexican-American border in the deserts of Arizona The Devil's Highway: A True Story
What do you plan to read?
2MissWatson
I've got The Devil's Highway on my desk.
3dianelouise100
I’m hoping to read The House of Broken Angels and at least one other.
4BookConcierge
A bit early ... but recently finished:
Queen of America – Luis Alberto Urrea
4****
Urrea picks up where he left off in The Hummingbird’s Daughter and continues the story of his great aunt, Teresita Urrea, “The Saint of Cabora” or “Mexican Joan of Arc,” who fled the 1892 uprising in Mexico with her father, Tomas, to the relative safety of Arizona. But the Mexican government, fearing that she was still fomenting revolutions sent a series of assassins to kill her. And yet pilgrims continued to flock to her, for the tales of her healing powers would not abate.
Trying to find her way she travels across America, from Arizona to Texas, California, St Louis, and New York. She encounters physicians, journalists, famous politicians and tycoons, even European royalty. She also finds love … of a sort … sometimes with decidedly unworthy men. She begins as a naïve, sheltered young woman who wants nothing but to gather herbs and help the women of her area as a midwife / healer. Teresita is in turns sheltered and looked after, abused, taken advantage of, earning and taking charge of her celebrity, and finding peace. She is best served when she listens to the women around her.
As always, Urrea’s writing is full of the mystical and includes many references to indigenous culture (here the Yaqui). Set against the backdrop of historical events in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, he gives us a woman who has earned a place in history and legend.
Queen of America – Luis Alberto Urrea
4****
Urrea picks up where he left off in The Hummingbird’s Daughter and continues the story of his great aunt, Teresita Urrea, “The Saint of Cabora” or “Mexican Joan of Arc,” who fled the 1892 uprising in Mexico with her father, Tomas, to the relative safety of Arizona. But the Mexican government, fearing that she was still fomenting revolutions sent a series of assassins to kill her. And yet pilgrims continued to flock to her, for the tales of her healing powers would not abate.
Trying to find her way she travels across America, from Arizona to Texas, California, St Louis, and New York. She encounters physicians, journalists, famous politicians and tycoons, even European royalty. She also finds love … of a sort … sometimes with decidedly unworthy men. She begins as a naïve, sheltered young woman who wants nothing but to gather herbs and help the women of her area as a midwife / healer. Teresita is in turns sheltered and looked after, abused, taken advantage of, earning and taking charge of her celebrity, and finding peace. She is best served when she listens to the women around her.
As always, Urrea’s writing is full of the mystical and includes many references to indigenous culture (here the Yaqui). Set against the backdrop of historical events in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, he gives us a woman who has earned a place in history and legend.
5BookConcierge
I might try to fit in The Devil's Highway this month. I've read several of his works already. Love his writing.
6cindydavid4
oh my didn't realize this was happening. Heard him speak when hummingbirds daughter came out, and about his family's connection with the characters. Read that one along queen of america wasnt able to get into House of Broken Angels. And Ive read Devils Highway a book that needs to be read by anyone wanting to talk immigration and the border
7dianelouise100
I finished The Hummingbird’s Daughter and was very impressed by the story and by the writing. It’s great to see women in strong leading roles, and Urrea’s story of his great aunt, who became known as the Saint of Cabora, details the story of two fascinating women. I loved both Theresita (the Saint) and her mentor Huila. I’m looking forward to reading the sequel.
8cindydavid4
Now try queen of america the sequel. I tried to read the house of broken angelsbut it didn't grab me like the others. for this thread, I'll try it again. also I thought I had water museum his collection of short stories but I cant find it now
9dianelouise100
>8 cindydavid4: I have a copy of House of Broken Angels, so will probably be reading that next. Have you listened to Urrea’s readings of these books? I listened to his narration of Hummingbird, and it added so much. I often accompany a book with the audio, I find it helps tremendously. Urrea is a particularly fine narrator! And I have access to his narration of House of Broken Angels.
10cindydavid4
>9 dianelouise100: yes, he came to speak at our local indie,and you are so right about his narration; its what hooked me into the books. You know thats not a bad idea, let him tell me the story. Let me know how that goes for you
11MissWatson
I have finished The Devil's Highway and found it harrowing, but also very confusing.
12kac522
I finished The Devil's Highway: A True Story. Urrea's telling of 26 Mexican men crossing the border into the Arizona desert is fascinating, while at the same time awful. Indeed it is the highway of death. Urrea did much research and interviews for this book, but it is clear that the conversations and thoughts in the men's minds are as Urrea imagined them.
And yes, like >11 MissWatson: I found it confusing at times, and did many flips back to the map at the beginning of the book. Urrea also uses language that is not always easy to follow--many colloquialisms, Spanish phrases and references to pop culture of the time were not always easy to interpret. It is an important book, though, and it would be interesting for him to provide an update of sorts, that looks at the border situation today--in what ways is it better and/or worse.
The copy I read was my husband's. He purchased the book from Urrea at a reading by the author here in Chicago around 2007, and he left a fascinating signature, which I hope you can see:
And yes, like >11 MissWatson: I found it confusing at times, and did many flips back to the map at the beginning of the book. Urrea also uses language that is not always easy to follow--many colloquialisms, Spanish phrases and references to pop culture of the time were not always easy to interpret. It is an important book, though, and it would be interesting for him to provide an update of sorts, that looks at the border situation today--in what ways is it better and/or worse.
The copy I read was my husband's. He purchased the book from Urrea at a reading by the author here in Chicago around 2007, and he left a fascinating signature, which I hope you can see:
