March 2009: Rain of Gold

The Latino Book Club meets March 28th to discuss Victor Villaseñor's Rain of Gold.

March 31st, 2009
The Latino Book Club met this Saturday at Francesco’s Cafe to talk about Victor Villaseñor’s Rain of Gold. Thanks to Lizzy, Cathy, and Irene. I am sorry I could not make it this time, but I have received great reviews. Everyone enjoyed the book, and must I add that there is a cultural bias here, but I do agree with them that the “folksy” feeling makes it very appealing and inviting.
Irene writes:
Everyone agreed ,they enjoyed the book.Loved the folksy,family feeling of the book.How different from the Dominican,Puerto Rican,Cuban,experience.How important Dona Margarita and Dona Guadalupe were in the family...strong matriarchs..very religious(but,we all agreed that it was the Indian spiritualism,that entered into it)how loving and nurturing the mothers were,thru all of the tremendous challenges in their lives.The importance of education,Salvador and Lupe's love...Also,how Salvado's mother explains the prejudice regarding "color" and what we can do regarding this topic,that runs thru all of the stories we have read. There is just too much!!!!

Cathy writes:
"I LOVED this book! (but truth be told I have not finished it either) almost done though. Anyway I agree whole heartedly with "Irene". The love and respect each of the families had for one another was very touching. They all went through so much but never lost hope and even when things went bad they continued to pray! I think it was Lizzy who stated that the families did not just pray, they actually lived their beliefs - truly inspirational. Oh and the love between Salvador and Lupe - oh my goodness - it makes the heart pound! I can't wait to finish to see how everything turns out!! I give this one an A! "

Moving on to the next book. We will be reading Cristina Garcías, Dreaming in Cuban.
“Latino Book Club’s Book Drive” is the next project for our book club. I have already spoken to some of you of the idea, but would like to extend the idea to the whole group.(Read our e-newsletter) Please send your ideas and opinions. I would like to meet sometime this month to start work on this project.

As I had promised in my last email I am glad to let you all know that the Public Library has responded favorably to our request to acquire books read in our club. In spite of their budget restrictions they will work with us. I will get in touch with them soon. That would also mean that it will help us to plan out our future books. Please send suggestions.

I hope everybody enjoys reading Dreaming in Cuba, and it seems that traveling to Cuba without any restrictions will soon be a reality.
Amrita