When I Was Puerto Rican

Book Description

Selling over 16,000 copies in hardcover, this triumphant coming-of-age memoir is now available in paperback editions in both English and Spanish. In the tradition of Black Ice, Santiago writes lyrically of her childhood on her native island and of her bewildering years of transition in New York City.

Customer Reviews:

Oh please..........2007-05-30

I had to read this book for a class in college back when it was still fairly "new". I say "new" because it is the same tired formula of most contemporary Latin American authors.
I currently, previously and, as far as I can tell, will continue to BE Puerto Rican and the "charms" of this story fail to grab me.
Reading some of the glowing reviews for this book, I suspect I was never meant to be it's target audience.

Truly an Amazing Memoir.......2007-04-28

When I first saw the title I was a little anxious to see why she wasn't Peurto Rican anymore. I really enjoyed this book from start to finish. It was hard for me to put it down and I usually don't say that about many books I have read. Esmeralda Santiago is a brilliant writer and has beat the odds after all she's been through. I mean I'm not going to lie about anything in this review. The book did have it's boring moments, but the action pick back up again after you thought everything was back to normal. I truly enjoyed this book.

i guess my teacher liked it.......2007-03-09

i had to read this for a college class (urban development). this book really gives you the opportunity to reflect on how hard it is to get by in other cultures. the author of this book overcomes a lot of hardship and eventually obtains her phd in the u.s. it is powerful. i wouldnt have read it unless it was for class though. thats minus 1 star

A passionating story.......2006-08-03

The life of the young Esmeralda Santiago is interesting, well-written and full of colored details.

Loved this book!.......2006-07-12

My husband is Puerto Rican (I am not) and read this book years ago. He said that it reminded him of a combination of his mom and grandmother's childhoods. He lent it to his sister, mom and grandmother to read (they all loved it) and eventually to me. I just couldn't get enough of it. Then my mother-in-law lent us "Almost A Woman", which I just finished. Esmeralda Santiago is an amazing writer with a great story.

Average customer rating:

Had him as a teacher
A five rating, but with a footnote.
Not just for Puerto Ricans.....
A book that needs to be a major part of contemporary America

From Bomba to Hip-Hop
Juan Flores
Manufacturer: Columbia University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0231110774

Book Description

Neither immigrants nor ethnics, neither foreign nor "hyphenated Americans" in the usual sense of that term, Puerto Ricans in New York have created a distinct identity both on the island of Puerto Rico and in the cultural landscape of the United States. Juan Flores considers the uniqueness of Puerto Rican culture and identity in relation to that of other Latino groups in the United States -- as well as to other minority groups, especially African Americans. Architecture and urban space, literary traditions, musical styles, and cultural movements provide some of the sites and moments of a cultural world defined by the interplay of continuity and transformation, heritage and innovation, roots and fusion. Exploring this wide range of cultural expression -- both in the diaspora and in Puerto Rico -- Flores highlights the rich complexities and fertile contradictions of Latino identity.

Download Description

As the populations of Latin American and Caribbean background in the United States proliferate, it becomes all the more important to understand the distinctions among nationalities and regional groups. To this end, Juan Flores investigates the historical experience of Puerto Ricans in New York. He reflects on varied areas of cultural expression by Puerto Ricans in the diaspora against the background of contemporary debates in Puerto Rico and recent developments in cultural theory. Close studies of urban space and performance, popular musical styles, and Nuyorican literature highlight the complexities and contradictions of Latino identity.

Customer Reviews:

Had him as a teacher.......2007-01-12

If you're at all interested in Latin American culture you'll love this book and he's an amazing person. He'll tal kto you forever about the subject and he's highly intelligent.

A five rating, but with a footnote........2000-12-13

While Juan Flores is perceptive in his discussion of the Puerto Rican component of Latino culture, and discusses other major critics like Perez Firmat and Stavans, I was frankly surprised not to see any discussion of William Luis's Dance Between Two Cultures: Latino Caribbean Literature Written in the United States, which in my estimation is as important as those written by the critics Flores discusses. The value of Luis's study is that he addresses the same Puerto Rican community mentioned in Flores' book, but Luis also contextualizes this community by considering its relation to the Cuban and Dominican components of Latino culture. Anyone interested in understanding Latino literature and culture should also read Dance Between Two Cultures, which contains perceptive readings of Latino Caribbean literature unavailable in any other study.

Not just for Puerto Ricans............2000-10-28

The title of Mr. Flores' book might be a little deceiving for those who are not familiar with the subject matter. Mr. Flores uses music as a jumping off point for some very thought provoking themes that pertain (in my opinion) to all Latino's. Juan Flores goes from scholarly themes like colonialism to thoughts on the funeral of Cortijo and the history of the Boogaloo phenomena in New York City.

Mr. Flores makes you stop and think, then think again about issues you may have had preconceived notions about. I really enjoyed being challenged intellectually as I read this book.

I recently attended a lecture/performance (at the CUNY Graduate Center in New York City) of "From Bomba to Hip-Hop" conducted by Mr. Flores, music historian Rene Lopez and Mike Wallace (who won a Pulitzer Prize for his book, "Gotham.") True to form, it was a very unique, educational and entertaining experience.

A book that needs to be a major part of contemporary America.......2000-09-24

As a beginning graduate student in Latina/o Studies, I have been asking myself a simple question over and over: "Where have I been?" I have gone through public education in the United States for 17 years of my life, and have only recently found that there have been people writing since the start of the 1900s about the issues, experiences, struggles, and passions that I have thought were uniquely mine. Piri Thomas published _Down These Mean Streets_ in 1967. I just read it this past summer, my mother--right after I gave it to her. And the thought that has wondered in is, "why wasn't I told about his book earlier?" Is Piri Thomas' experience, a bond with African American culture that Juan Flores addresses in his book, such a marginal experience in American life, that it took a suggestion by Amazon.com for a man with 4 years of university education to be aware of the book? As the population of Latino/as in the United States grows to the levels of being the largest minority group in the country, there will have to be a shifting of Latina/o literature, theory, and any cultural products from the margins of American life to the center contemporary discussion. It is these products that Juan Flores probes and analyses with keen insight that places the Puerto Rican aspect of the Latino experience into mainstream intellectual thought. From "the Madonna incident" in Puerto Rico, to the ties that Puerto Ricans have with Hip-Hop, and the current status of Puerto Rico that he sadly calls a "Lite Colony," Flores' book is one that should be read by anyone interested in the affairs of American culture.

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Awesome
Questions for Xenia
Determined
This Is DEFINITELY The Right Choice!
Choose Me

Choose Me
Xenia Ruiz
Manufacturer: Walk Worthy Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0446576700

Book Description

Told in alternating voices, the debut novel CHOOSE ME is the tumultuous story of a Latina woman and an African American man whose search for true romance takes a detour through the perfect love of God. Eva has no desire for romance. She's a self-reliant, celibate Christian who, despite a truly bad marriage, has successfully raised two college-aged sons. Adam wouldn't mind being in love, but women seem to be too much trouble-they just have too many expectations. As a recent cancer survivor, he just wants time to heal, write his books and poetry, and work on his spirituality. But when Eva and Adam unexpectedly meet, their attraction to each other is immediate and undeniable. Struggling with their doubts and seemingly insurmountable pain, they will start to let down their guard-and share a love that only God would understand.

Customer Reviews:

Awesome.......2007-05-24

I can not tell you how awesome this book is. Its such an inspiration for single Christian women waiting for their "Boaz". It took me no time to read it - its a wonderful story. Im definitely encouraged!

Questions for Xenia.......2006-01-14

I agree with previous reviewers this book is worth reading, and I also read it fast! Engaging characters? Yes! The author did a good job creating a multitude of special worlds: Chicago (for those of us who don't live there); saved Christianity (for those of us who don't attend that type of church) an interracial church (rare outside of fiction) and even an interracial set of friends. Nicely done.

I was taken aback by comments from one reader who thought Eva's hip liberal lifestyle was a contradiction to her Christian values. Oh dear, that never occurred to me! Jesus was no conservative in his time, now that I think about it. Thanks, Ms. Ruiz, for highlighting this issue, even if it never crossed your mind that anyone would question whether God loves hip liberals too.

Oh well, I can't help it, there are some things I wish were just a little different. I was fascinated when we learned that Jade's suiter, Achille (can't remember how you spelled it)anyway he was a celibate Christian too. I was frustrated that Adam would not discuss this in more detail with Jade. Yes, they were brother and sister who don't talk about sexual details, but they seemed close and this could have been a chance to learn more about Achille and also a great discussion between Adam and Jade. For example, in Adam's POV he notices he thinks it's a great idea for his sister's suitor to be celibate, (as opposed to his girlfriend) but he doesn't explore this thought or seem to learn from it. A lot left on the table there.

The sexual encounter between Adam and Eva didn't need to be SUCH a bummer, after all that buildup. By that time they knew they both cared deeply for each other, much more than either had experienced in previous relationships, and they were too smart not to realize it, also too smart not to realize how precious it should have been. We all could have used a break from Eva's relentless determination not to enjoy anything, ever. She stopped having a good time way too soon.

By the end, I was starting to think she was so mean to Adam that maybe they would break up for good, after all. She made him wait nine days before she said "yes" to his proposal! I was mad at her by that time, and stopped being on her side. Or at least when she finally said yes, I wanted some indication that she had learned something about love between a man and a woman -- that God is not absent from their relationship, that God wants them to be happy, that God wants good things for us while we are here under the sun, and that sometimes it's our job to recognize something good - in fact I felt she was sinning when she turned away from Adam two or three or four times too many. She never learned this lesson. I hope she learns it in their couple's counseling. And why on earth would she want a long engagement? That was way too harsh!

Ms Ruiz, I enjoyed your writing and I can see you looking at me with a skeptical expression from your photo on the back flap of the book. These are only my comments, and I'm working on a novel myself, for whatever that is worth. Congratulations on your accomplishment and good luck with future projects.

Determined.......2005-12-11

The story of Eva, a staunch Latina Christian woman, who is celibate and meets Adam, who is recovering from cancer and he is at odds with God. They want to be together; however, they each are struggling with their own issues. Life happens and they try to make the best of it. They must come to grips with their love for each other and with their spirituality. A good mixing of spiritual beliefs and day-to-day issues. I enjoyed the way Ms. Ruiz handled God, spirituality and celibacy.

This Is DEFINITELY The Right Choice!.......2005-12-03

In Choose Me, Eva Clemente has survived a failed marriage and raised two sons on her own. With her sons away at college, she is not searching for Mr. Right but for a righteous man of God. Eva became celibate 5 years ago to refocus on herself and to prepare for what God wants her to do. Eva was about to give up hope on finding a good Christian man until she meets Adam Black. Adam has a strong Christian faith until he comes down with a serious illness. He's found something wonderful in Eva but can Adam be in a celibate relationship?

Choose Me is a moving debut novel by Xenia Ruiz. One of the things that makes this novel shine is the diverse background of the two main characters. Eva is Afro-Latino and Adam is African-American but it is not the main focus of this story. Ruiz showed great vision by showing how difficult choosing celibacy can be for someone who was once a sexually active adult. Choose Me is not a quick read, but that's what good about this novel. This story is told in a gradual, unhurried fashion that gives you time to appreciate the deep love that develops between Eva and Adam. Choose Me is beautiful and poetic, and Xenia Ruiz has the knack for telling a refreshing, emotional story that will hopefully be the start to a long career.

Choose Me.......2005-11-20

Choose Me is a love story about a Christian woman, Eva who has committed to remaining celibate. Eva, a 40-year old divorcee with two adult children, is tired of the lame stories that come with men who seem to be out for only one thing. Although her sister, Maya and and best friend, Simone mock her for not having sex, Eva is determined to focus on Jesus and live for Him whoheartedly.

However, she meets a tall, dark, and handsome man named Adam. Adam and Eva? Is this God or a mere coincidence? Adam and Eva get acquainted and their feelings for one another grow. Because of this, Eva begins to rethink her celibacy.

Will Eva hear the Lord's voice and avoid having sex with Adam or will she break her committment to the Lord?

Choose Me is the story for many Christian women who are striving to live for the Lord. Mr. Right seems to come along, but anytime he causes us to lose focus on God, it's time to draw closer to the Lord for wisdom and guidance.

Whenever there's a choice between a man or God, the voice of God will always say Choose Me.

Ms. Ruiz does a great job with this story. Her ability to tell the story in first person narrative is amazing! This is a must read for every woman who loves a good, clean, and realistic love story.

Can't wait to read your next book, Mr. Ruiz!

From Colonia to Community: The History of Puerto Ricans in New York City, 1917-1948 (Contributions in Ethnic Studies)

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From Colonia to Community: The History of Puerto Ricans in New York City, 1917-1948 (Contributions in Ethnic Studies)
Virginia E. Sanchez Korrol
Manufacturer: Greenwood Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Forever a classic
an exciting nonfiction book!
One of the best memoirs ever written
I will always love this book
We recommend this book

Down These Mean Streets
Piri Thomas
Manufacturer: Vintage
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0679781420
Release Date: 1997-11-25

Amazon.com

The 30th anniversary edition of this classic memoir about growing up in Spanish Harlem includes an afterword reminding us that its streets are even meaner now, thanks to crack cocaine and the dismantling of government poverty programs. As a dark-skinned Puerto Rican, born in 1928, Piri Thomas faced with painful immediacy the absurd contradictions of America's racial attitudes (among people of all colors) in a time of wrenching social change. Three decades have not dimmed the luster of his jazzy prose, rich in Hispanic rhythms and beat-generation slang.

Book Description

Thirty years ago Piri Thomas made literary history with this lacerating, lyrical memoir of his coming of age on the streets of Spanish Harlem. Here was the testament of a born outsider: a Puerto Rican in English-speaking America; a dark-skinned morenito in a family that refused to acknowledge its African blood. Here was an unsparing document of Thomas's plunge into the deadly consolations of drugs, street fighting, and armed robbery--a descent that ended when the twenty-two-year-old Piri was sent to prison for shooting a cop.

As he recounts the journey that took him from adolescence in El Barrio to a lock-up in Sing Sing to the freedom that comes of self-acceptance, faith, and inner confidence, Piri Thomas gives us a book that is as exultant as it is harrowing and whose every page bears the irrepressible rhythm of its author's voice. Thirty years after its first appearance, this classic of manhood, marginalization, survival, and transcendence is available in an anniversary edition with a new Introduction by the author.

Customer Reviews:

Forever a classic.......2007-08-12

Down These Mean Streets is the story of Piri Thomas' journey into adulthood. The book is set in Spanish Harlem in the 1940s. The author's writing style is refreshing and lyrical. He uses some Spanish words here and there(readers might find the glossary in the back of the book helpful), and kicks in a few slang words as well, which makes the dialogs that much more genuine.

Piri struggles through poverty, family troubles, and desperately wanting to belong. He fights with being a dark skinned Puerto Rican during a time when racism was strong, and trying to find his place as neither black nor white. Piri did some not-so-good things in his life, being in a gang, drug addiction, and armed robbery among other things, but throughout it all it is easy to tell that Piri is a good guy at heart.

Overall, this is a captivating story. You might find yourself wondering what you would have done faced with the same situations. I even found myself rooting for Piri at times. This book is still a very accurate depiction of "the hoods" of New York, despite being published for the first time about 40 years ago.

I was sad to have to finish the book, and in the end I felt like I knew Piri. I look forward to re-reading this book over the years. It is truly a classic. Everyone should read it. Anyone can find something in the story that they will be able to relate to.

an exciting nonfiction book!.......2007-06-28

This book really told me what it was like to live in Harlem in the 40s. The discrimination and racism is real and raw (although Mr Thomas does get a little jaded and think all white people are bad). The way he describes coming off heroin is realistic, colorful, and explosive. This whole book is very alive, as a memoir. It was funny to see the slang they used back then!

One of the best memoirs ever written.......2007-05-10

I've read this book more than a few times and have taught it to different level readers a few extra times. There was one high school student who came to me after the book was done and told me, "This is the first book I ever finished." Even if it's not the first book you've read, you'll find writing that is fearless, honest, and powerful. You won't forget it, and if you're really lucky, you'll get to share it with someone else.

I will always love this book.......2006-12-28

Grabbed it off my english teachers shelf junior year of high school, loved it so much I never gave it back. This is an amazingly wonderful book. Vivid writing style...I could see every last detail in my head. It was like a movie in my brain. Love it.

We recommend this book.......2006-12-07

Book Review: Down These Mean Streets

We recommend this book because Piri Thomas wrote the book in a way that you can visualize the story. This book is interesting because it talks about a young Latino's life growing up in the streets of Harlem New York in the 30's. However Piri the main character in the story gets discriminated throughout his young life for being a black Puerto Rican. We think this book has some strong scenes suitable for children under 13. Little by little the story gets interesting to the point where you don't want to stop reading. To conclude, this story is a good autobiography to learn from

Puerto Rican Cuisine in America: Nuyorican and Bodega Recipes

Average customer rating:

WOW!!!
my bible in the kitchen!!
pictures please
Basic recipes!
Autentico y sabroso

Puerto Rican Cuisine in America: Nuyorican and Bodega Recipes
Oswald Rivera
Manufacturer: Four Walls Eight Windows
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1568582447

Book Description

Puerto Rican cuisine, with its strong Spanish and African influences, holds a unique position in the world of Caribbean cooking. The food is spicy, hearty, healthy, sensuous, and adventurous. The 240-plus recipes included here range from traditional island dishes and drinks to the latest Nuyorican creations. Fully illustrated, this edition features a new preface by the author.

Customer Reviews:

WOW!!!.......2007-06-21

I am African American and I purchased this wonderful cookbook several years ago. The cover on my book was different than what's shown here, but all I can say is WOW!!! What a pleasure, there were always certain Puerto Rican recipes that I loved and whenever I would ask how to make it I would get "I don't know, I just make it, I don't use a recipe." I always loved the flavor in the beans and never knew how to accomplish the taste, now I know it's sofrito, I now make my own. The description on how to make pasteles is a big positive too. I have a Greek friend and she makes pasteles around the holidays and gives them as gifts. One Puerto Rican guy couldn't believe that a Greek girl made the pasteles. But thanks to Oswald Rivera's fine cookbook it's possible. I especially enjoy his humor and the stories, I feel he's right there in the kitchen with me. I feel contrary to what the other reviewer said about pictures I didn't miss them at all I just wanted these basic recipes for my friends and family to enjoy. BRAVO! Mr. Rivera, you've put a smile on my face.

my bible in the kitchen!!.......2007-04-04

I love this cookbook! It has so many recipes in it. I've tried a number of them and I loved them all. this book is so great. My mom never really taught me how to cook or my grandmom, and what they did show me, I never remembered, I have to use recipes and with this book at my side, I can make everything. My rice is fabulous. My kids love my cooking and they tell me all the time that I should be a chef! :) thanks Mr. Rivera.

pictures please.......2007-01-17

I purchased this book and the recipes sound great but there was no illustration to show you what the dish should look like (very dissappointing). I also found that a lot of the ingredients could only be purchased at "Bodegas" or spanish neighborhoods.

Basic recipes!.......2006-11-03

I was expecting to find more recipes of Puerto rican dishes. However, it does the job in providing you with basic recipes that you can do on a daily basis. I was expecting one for some fancy dish.

Autentico y sabroso.......2006-10-10

We decided we needed some Puerto Rican cookbooks in the house, and Puerto Rican Cuisine is one of them. It really looks like all our abuelitas worked on this great cookbook with Rivera. Quite a few recipes brought tears to my eyes since I haven't eaten them in over six years since my great-grandmother died. We look forward to recreating many of her dishes with the assistance of this book. If you want a simple, authentic Puerto Rican cookbook, this is for your culinary library.

None of the Above: Puerto Ricans in the Global Era (New Directions in Latino American Culture)

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None of the Above: Puerto Ricans in the Global Era (New Directions in Latino American Culture)

Manufacturer: Palgrave Macmillan
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1403962464
Release Date: 2007-04-17

Book Description

None of the Above is a state-of-the-art volume about current debates regarding Puerto Rico and Puerto Ricans, both in the United States and on the Island. The title simultaneously refers to the results of a non-binding 1998 plebiscite held in San Juan to determine the Island's political status, the ambiguities that have historically characterized Puerto Rican political agency, and the complexities of Puerto Rican ethnic, national, and cultural identifications.

Average customer rating:

A must read for all of Puerto Rican descent
THE AMERICAN DREAM...

When I Was Puerto Rican: A Memoir
Esmeralda Santiago
Manufacturer: Da Capo Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0306814528

Book Description

"The American story of immigration, this time with a unique Latin flavor." (Los Angeles Times Book Review)

Esmeralda Santiago's story begins in rural Puerto Rico, where her childhood was full of both tenderness and domestic strife, tropical sounds and sights as well as poverty. Growing up, she learned the proper way to eat a guava, the sound of tree frogs in the mango groves at night, the taste of the delectable sausage called morcilla, and the formula for ushering a dead baby's soul to heaven. As she enters school we see the clash, both hilarious and fierce, of Puerto Rican and Yankee culture. When her mother, Mami, a force of nature, takes off to New York with her seven, soon to be eleven children, Esmeralda, the oldest, must learn new rules, a new language, and eventually take on a new identity.

In this first volume of her much-praised, bestselling trilogy, Santiago brilliantly recreates the idyllic landscape and tumultuous family life of her earliest years and her tremendous journey from the barrio to Brooklyn, from translating for her mother at the welfare office to high honors at Harvard.

Customer Reviews:

A must read for all of Puerto Rican descent.......2006-07-05

This book was absolutely wonderful! My mother never wanted to talk about her youth because of all the bad memories associated but the little bits and pieces that filtered through over the years were captured in these too few pages. Ms. Santiago has given those of us of Puerto Rican descent an opportunity to better understand the hardships endured by our mothers both in their patrias and here in the States. Thank you Esmeralda for filling in the gaps. You go Boriqua!!

THE AMERICAN DREAM..........2006-02-27

This is a rich and evocative memoir of the author's chaotic childhood. Growing up in rural Puerto Rico, while often living in primitive conditions, the author's lush and lyrical prose paints a vivid picture her early life. The flavor and rythms of her island home come alive under her expert hand, creating an unforgettable picture of her early childhood.

The author grew up in a poor family. During her childhood, she lived in Puerto Rico with her unmarried parents, who were always at war with each other, as her father was a somewhat irresponsible philanderer. It was her mother who centered the family and who always sought a better life for all of her children. When an irrevocable break occurred between her parents, her mother moved to New York during the nineteen sixties, eventually settling with her seven children in the mean streets of Williamsburg, Brooklyn in New York City.

The author details her life's journey from rural Puerto Rico to Brooklyn. The author was transplanted to Brooklyn at the age of thirteen, and her description of her life in Brooklyn is every bit as interesting as that of her life in Puerto Rico. Her oftentimes bewildering transition from her native, Spanish speaking Puerto Rico to an English speaking environment is engagingly chronicled. The author takes the reader on her journey through Brooklyn's public school system to the prestigious High School of Performing Arts, where she graduated and went on to attend Harvard University on a scholarship.

This coming of age memoir is so engagingly written that I was left with the desire of wanting to know more about the life of this remarkable woman. I was also very taken with her writing style. So, I went ahead and bought every book that this author has ever written and look forward to reading each and every one.

The Puerto Rican Diaspora: Historical Perspectives

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Boricua Author

The Puerto Rican Diaspora: Historical Perspectives

Manufacturer: Temple University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1592134130

Book Description

Puerto Ricans have a long history of migrating to and building communities in various parts of the United States in search of a better life. From their arrival in Hawai'i in 1900 to the post-World War II era—during which communities flourished throughout the Midwest and New England—the Puerto Rican diaspora has been growing steadily. In fact, the 2000 census shows that almost as many Puerto Ricans live in the United States as in Puerto Rico itself.

The contributors to this volume provide an overview of the Puerto Rican experience in America, delving into particular aspects of colonization and citizenship, migration and community building. Each chapter bridges the historical past with contemporary issues. Throughout the text, personal narratives and photographs bring these histories to life, while grappling with underlying causes and critical issues such as racism and employment that shape Puerto Rican life in America.

Customer Reviews:

Boricua Author.......2007-01-04

An outstanding collection of stories covering an incredible spectrum of
Boricua life throughout the Continent bolstered by no nonsense research.
A must for every boricua writer, student, or researcher. Kudos to Carmen
Whalen.

A Taste of Puerto Rico: Traditional and New Dishes from the Puerto Rican Community

Average customer rating:

Great spanish cook book in English
Newyurican cookbook
Puerto Rican Cooking
Very Authentic
This book brought a taste of home to Kansas

A Taste of Puerto Rico: Traditional and New Dishes from the Puerto Rican Community
Yvonne Ortiz
Manufacturer: Plume
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0452275482

Customer Reviews:

Great spanish cook book in English.......2007-05-14

Great book for anyone wanting to learn how to cook Puerto Rican Food

Newyurican cookbook.......2007-02-07

Good Book for all your basic cooking,To many refer on other pages of this book .

Puerto Rican Cooking.......2007-01-29

Wonderful book to own. I love Latin inspired recipes, and they are all in here. I also own "Daisy Cooks", and between these two books I can entertain my Puerto Rican friends here in South Florida as if I was Hispanic myself (which I am not). The ingredients are easy to get in ethnic and Supermarkets, so are the spices, herbs, the meats, the fish etc. Many storebought, premixed "Spanish" meals in bags or in the freezer section can be incorporated, so as to appear as made from scratch. Yummy either way!

Very Authentic.......2006-12-06

I have owned this book for several years. Everytime I use it my home takes on the aroma of my Grandmother's house. I highly recommend this book for your yourself and your friends.

This book brought a taste of home to Kansas.......2006-05-14

I live in Kansas and am very familiar with Mexican cuisine, my boyfriend is from New york City and grew up with Puerto Rican cuisine at home, he has asked me for years to make different things for him, things his mother made (I quickly discovered Mexican food was not similar at all, besides I am not Mexican, a homestyle meal for me would have mashed potatoes and gravy, Roast beef and green beans). She makes her recipes from memory and has not been a good resource, this book has all of the foods that remind him of home, things that he considers traditional. The recipes are titled in English and Spanish so I can search the book for a recipe that sounds similar to what he has described and he can see the title in Spanish and knows exactly what it is. There are recipes for Traditinal Chicken and Rice, Pasteles, Fried pork chops and Salchichas con Arroz. All things he missed very much I can hardly keep him out of the food before it is done. There are also recipes which appeal to me that include fruit and tend to be lighter dishes that sound more Caribbean to me. At the very beginning of this book there is a section covering the Puerto Rican pantry that describes exotic ingredients and gives recipes to make many of them if you cannot find them in the store and substitution ideas. When I first bought this book I had a very hard time finding the ingredients, I have since become familiar with the Mexican markets that carry many of the specialty items and discovered the Asian market has been a very important resource. I may not always enjoy the traditional food but he insists that it tastes almost as good as his mother's so the author definitely used traditional flavors and recipes and added some updated ones to appeal to a wider audience, we've both been happy with this book it was an invaluable find.

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