Reviews

• A captivating and powerful journey of discovery

  Memoirs of people who have lived interesting lives are one of my favorite types of literature, and this is one of the best. Luis Alberto Urrea is a fantastic storyteller who recounts vignettes from his life that shed light on his writing career and his bicultural heritage. He writes candidly about his family--the good, the bad, and everything in between. Many of his tales are delightfully funny - made more so by his conversational style. One of the most captivating parts of the story is his affection for his caretakers Abelino and Rosario, and how their love was shared with everyone in their home. Interestingly, it's the small observations that create closeness in the story, as when he describes Quela & Fina's underpants on the clothesline, in all their colorful glory. But the brutal reality of much of his life is part of the story as well. Seeing the experiences that shaped the early years of this author will give you a greater appreciation of his work, his life, and his character. I would highly recommend this book.

• Class assignment book

  I enjoyed reading this book because I learned lots of new vocabulary words.

• The Angels of Words

  Luis Alberto Urrea's memoir is complex, profoundly moving, and beautiful in the most real of ways. The author doesn't simplify what identity is and what being an American is. Although he writes specifically about his own family and how and where he grew up, conveying place and spirit of place and influence on character, his book is for everyone. At one point he says, "I am lucky. I have the angels of words beside me. So many of us are silent." This is a story that can liberate others from their silence and help them fly.

• An amazing, powerful book

  Mr. Urrea tells his own story with a blunt honesty you rarely see. His unique life circumstances, being born into and raised in a racially mixed family create the kind of "natural" tension that writers can only dream of. I doubt he envisioned conveying that tension while he was living it. Still, he shares it so well and candidly that one is almost embarrassed to read it. I felt almost like a voyeur, but in a good way! I have read most of Mr. Urrea's books and only accidentally stumbled onto this one. I must say, it is now my favorite.

• Book that's hard to find

  This book is a little bit rare, not valuable but hard to find. I bought it for a friend who wanted it. It arrived promptly in good condition.

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