Rating: 
Summary: The Masterful Victor Villasenor does it again!
Review: I am an avid reader. There are few books that can lead me into a matrix of wisdom and forever change my world. Villasenor has a universe of wisdom to share through his captivating stories. I have read Rain of Gold which is superb and now Thirteen Senses which is every bit as marvelous. I just found out about Wild Steps of Heaven and
plan on partaking in yet another masterpiece. Everyone I have loaned one of his books to has become a true fan. I would highly reccommend Thirteen Senses! For that matter you can't go wrong with any of his books.
Rating:
Summary: The Masterful Victor Villasenor does it again!
Review: I am an avid reader. There are few books that can lead me into a matrix of wisdom and forever change my world. Villasenor has a universe of wisdom to share through his captivating stories. I have read Rain of Gold which is superb and now Thirteen Senses which is every bit as marvelous. I just found out about Wild Steps of Heaven and
plan on partaking in yet another masterpiece. Everyone I have loaned one of his books to has become a true fan. I would highly reccommend Thirteen Senses! For that matter you can't go wrong with any of his books.
Rating: 
Summary: A Sore and Lacking Disappointment
Review: I passionately read this book because I listened to an interview about this book on PBS radio, featuring Mr. Villasenor.I found it disgraceful that una mama (mother) condoned and supported the distasteful actions of Salvador, and then lectured Lupe about how to live her life. I am glad Lupe became much stronger than that. The author portrays the mother as a wise woman, yet she only managed to solve the problems of strangers. She couldn't even begin to solve the problems of her own hapless family and all of their misguided conduct. Hopefully, most Americans of Mexican descent believe in the notion that to get ahead means not to flagrantly break just some of the rules. There are generations of Americans of Mexican descent, with whom possess incredible virtues and have done incredible acts of heroism for their families. They easily surpass the achievements of Salvador's and Lupe's family. They are the stories to be told. Attempting to exemplify and characterize these two families as a representation of things to come for the Mexicans in California is simply another gesture of humiliation and embarrassment for me. The book has some value in that it explains more clearly the need for Mexicans in California to get educated and to, as hard as it seems, play 'smart' (by the rules) to get ahead. There is a message that is not clearly delivered by the author. It is not "who you are" that counts, it is "what you are" that makes the person. So, whether you are a professional with a college degree or a migrant worker, keep your head up high, acquire knowledge and make great decisions. It boggles the mind to ascertain the reasons for publishing this book. It is not clearly written. The poor description of certain leading characters, the hyperbole and the metaphors get absorbed, sooner or later, into illusory abstracts. Had the author given more thought about the impact and the influence he is making to the reader, particularly Americans of Mexican descent, I believe his reasons for preparing and writing the book would have been poignant. I am an American, of Mexican descent and, regrettably, this book does not support my aspirations in life. I want Mr. Villasenor to succeed, along with his family. I want Americans of Mexican descent to flourish. This is not the way to reach me.
Rating: 
Summary: Mucho Macho
Review: I read "Rain of Gold" in 2 days and *RAN* to Barnes & Noble to buy Thirteen Senses. However, it's been nearly two weeks since I opened Thirteen Senses and have only managed to complete 3/4 of it. I find myself sighing (heavily) and gritting my teeth through each and every chapter because it's LOADED with underlying male chauvinist concepts like "men are weak therefore women must be strong" crap. See page 407 where Dona Margarita sums it all up for her "daughter in love": " . . . but, -- desgraciadamente, he is a man and so he will drift away from you with dreams of power and riches and maybe other--" (women, of course)." "Oh, no, mi hijita, men have been men for millions of years! What they are, they are already! So we, women, must face this and--". Although Villasenor attempts to characterize Dona Margarita as an enlightened, independent, progressive, and strong woman for her era, he ultimately insults her and all women by placing her in the role of the clean-up lady. Lupe's role is even worse! She is portrayed as a pure and innocent virgin . . . which of course is what ALL men naturally seek. I found it insulting that any attempts by Lupe to step into adulthood were characterized as "cute" and "innocent". Was I the only person who thought it a bit strange Villasenor chose to include explicit details of his mother's honeymoon? Don't get me wrong, it was an entertaining book and I don't want to downplay the much deserved success of a fellow Latino. When a book elicits this type of response it is only because it has succeeded in stirring up emotions. Toward that end, bravo Villasenor. But, let's edit out the virgin and the clean-up lady images. Roxanne Ocampo
Rating:
Summary: Mucho Macho
Review: I read "Rain of Gold" in 2 days and *RAN* to Barnes & Noble to buy Thirteen Senses. However, it's been nearly two weeks since I opened Thirteen Senses and have only managed to complete 3/4 of it. I find myself sighing (heavily) and gritting my teeth through each and every chapter because it's LOADED with underlying male chauvinist concepts like "men are weak therefore women must be strong" crap. See page 407 where Dona Margarita sums it all up for her "daughter in love": " . . . but, -- desgraciadamente, he is a man and so he will drift away from you with dreams of power and riches and maybe other--" (women, of course)." "Oh, no, mi hijita, men have been men for millions of years! What they are, they are already! So we, women, must face this and--". Although Villasenor attempts to characterize Dona Margarita as an enlightened, independent, progressive, and strong woman for her era, he ultimately insults her and all women by placing her in the role of the clean-up lady. Lupe's role is even worse! She is portrayed as a pure and innocent virgin . . . which of course is what ALL men naturally seek. I found it insulting that any attempts by Lupe to step into adulthood were characterized as "cute" and "innocent". Was I the only person who thought it a bit strange Villasenor chose to include explicit details of his mother's honeymoon? Don't get me wrong, it was an entertaining book and I don't want to downplay the much deserved success of a fellow Latino. When a book elicits this type of response it is only because it has succeeded in stirring up emotions. Toward that end, bravo Villasenor. But, let's edit out the virgin and the clean-up lady images. Roxanne Ocampo
Rating:
Summary: Mucho Macho
Review: I read "Rain of Gold" in 2 days and *RAN* to Barnes & Noble to buy Thirteen Senses. However, it's been nearly two weeks since I opened Thirteen Senses and have only managed to complete 3/4 of it. I find myself sighing (heavily) and gritting my teeth through each and every chapter because it's LOADED with underlying male chauvinist concepts like "men are weak therefore women must be strong" crap. See page 407 where Dona Margarita sums it all up for her "daughter in love": " . . . but, -- desgraciadamente, he is a man and so he will drift away from you with dreams of power and riches and maybe other--" (women, of course)." "Oh, no, mi hijita, men have been men for millions of years! What they are, they are already! So we, women, must face this and--". Although Villasenor attempts to characterize Dona Margarita as an enlightened, independent, progressive, and strong woman for her era, he ultimately insults her and all women by placing her in the role of the clean-up lady. Lupe's role is even worse! She is portrayed as a pure and innocent virgin . . . which of course is what ALL men naturally seek. I found it insulting that any attempts by Lupe to step into adulthood were characterized as "cute" and "innocent". Was I the only person who thought it a bit strange Villasenor chose to include explicit details of his mother's honeymoon? Don't get me wrong, it was an entertaining book and I don't want to downplay the much deserved success of a fellow Latino. When a book elicits this type of response it is only because it has succeeded in stirring up emotions. Toward that end, bravo Villasenor. But, let's edit out the virgin and the clean-up lady images. Roxanne Ocampo
Rating:
Summary: frantic and disappointing
Review: I really looked forward to reading this book. I had read Rain of Gold in Spanish, and actually I read this one in Spanish too. Mamma mia! I have never read a book with so many exclamation marks. All the bolded phrases about Papito Dios etc became quite annoying as time went on. The story related in this book was also tedious and silly. I'm sure his parents were great- the photos are the best part of the book- but I began skimming about halfway through because I couldn't bear the hysterical and preachy tone anymore. Sorry!
Rating:
Summary: Daughter-in-Love
Review: I think the sequence where Lupe is talking with her mother-in-law an Idigeneous Mexican Indian was very moving. Finished the book on our way to San Francisco were we visited our daughter-in-love" and our son and grandchild. Have been struggleing with the "Thirteenth Sense" all my life, and if I can't make it on a beautiful barrier island on the Gulf of Mexico, with my husband of 37 years, there is no hope for the rest of us. Buying the book for Christmas gifts to give all the people who give meaning to my life. Beautifully written and with such sensitivity it makes you want to invite Victor for dinner.
Rating:
Summary: Had not read "Rain of Gold"
Review: I too was moved to read "13 Senses" by a PBS radio interview. What a great story. I apreciated the fact that Victor Villasenor did not list the thirteen senses but uses the story to illustrate what they are. An extremely mature writing style that I enjoyed. After reading "13 Senses" I then read "Rain of Gold". Thirteen Senses is to me by far the better book. It is not just reporting facts and dates; it is reporting life and feelings. Victor Villasenor in this book believes, not just reports. The many years between the two books reflexes his attained maturity and sureness.
Rating:
Summary: Had not read "Rain of Gold"
Review: I too was moved to read "13 Senses" by a PBS radio interview. What a great story. I apreciated the fact that Victor Villasenor did not list the thirteen senses but uses the story to illustrate what they are. An extremely mature writing style that I enjoyed. After reading "13 Senses" I then read "Rain of Gold". Thirteen Senses is to me by far the better book. It is not just reporting facts and dates; it is reporting life and feelings. Victor Villasenor in this book believes, not just reports. The many years between the two books reflexes his attained maturity and sureness.
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