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Summary: Still the Best Biography on Selena in Print!
Review: Although it's an unauthorized biography, "Selena: Como La Flor" remains the definitive book about the life and death of Selena. Patoski does a good job of explaining the history and development of Tejano, or Tex-Mex, music prior to Selena y los Dinos' arrival on the scene. Patoski also covers in detail, much of what the 1997 film bio skipped over: primarily the decade between Selena's beginnings as a regional performer, and her signing with EMI Latin/Capitol Records. Patoski also covers the rather strange goings-on during the final months of Selena's life: her relationship to her fan club president and murderer Yolanda Salvidar; her possible infatuation with a doctor in Mexico; and the possibility that Selena may have been ready to ditch her singing career to persue her interest in selling fashion. Of course, Selena's murder and Yolanda's trial are also dealt with in the book, but it was the events immediately preceeding her death that intrigued me the most. It's clear from "Como la Flor" that, unlike the movie, everything wasn't coming up roses for Selena near the end of her life. Although Patoski gives a balanced portrayal of Selena's father, Abraham Quintanilla Jr., it's pretty clear that Mr. Quintanilla figuratively sacrificed his daughter to fuel his own stiffled musical ambitions. As other reviewers have already mentioned, Mr. Patowski has done an excellent job of researching the slain singer's life. There are comments from many past associates of Selena in the book, and raises interesting questions of what directions Ms. Quintanilla's life may have taken if she hadn't died. If your only source of information about Selena is the Jennifer Lopez film, you owe it to yourself to read "Como la Flor," because this book is far more interesting. (In case you're wondering, I think JLo doesn't hold a candle to Selena in terms of singing!)
Rating:
Summary: Still the Best Biography on Selena in Print!
Review: Although it's an unauthorized biography, "Selena: Como La Flor" remains the definitive book about the life and death of Selena. Patoski does a good job of explaining the history and development of Tejano, or Tex-Mex, music prior to Selena y los Dinos' arrival on the scene. Patoski also covers in detail, much of what the 1997 film bio skipped over: primarily the decade between Selena's beginnings as a regional performer, and her signing with EMI Latin/Capitol Records. Patoski also covers the rather strange goings-on during the final months of Selena's life: her relationship to her fan club president and murderer Yolanda Salvidar; her possible infatuation with a doctor in Mexico; and the possibility that Selena may have been ready to ditch her singing career to persue her interest in selling fashion. Of course, Selena's murder and Yolanda's trial are also dealt with in the book, but it was the events immediately preceeding her death that intrigued me the most. It's clear from "Como la Flor" that, unlike the movie, everything wasn't coming up roses for Selena near the end of her life. Although Patoski gives a balanced portrayal of Selena's father, Abraham Quintanilla Jr., it's pretty clear that Mr. Quintanilla figuratively sacrificed his daughter to fuel his own stiffled musical ambitions. As other reviewers have already mentioned, Mr. Patowski has done an excellent job of researching the slain singer's life. There are comments from many past associates of Selena in the book, and raises interesting questions of what directions Ms. Quintanilla's life may have taken if she hadn't died. If your only source of information about Selena is the Jennifer Lopez film, you owe it to yourself to read "Como la Flor," because this book is far more interesting. (In case you're wondering, I think JLo doesn't hold a candle to Selena in terms of singing!)
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Summary: Hay selena is the best.
Review: Hey everone my op is that selena is a good singer and needs some respect. I have only been listing to selena for 3 years. I love you selena I will aways remeber you.
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Summary: -Selena- is a great book.
Review: I agree with Time Magazine's comment that it is very well-written. We have been reading it in my high school ESL class made up of Mexican students. As their teacher, I have found it to be an interesting exposition of Latino and music culture in the U.S. It is about much more than just a singer. It is an educational, fascinating read.
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Summary: Selena:Como La Flor book review
Review: I am a really big fan of Selena's and I collect every thing about her. When I first heard about this book I read that Selena's father Abraham said that it wasn't a good book at all. But I'll have to disagree. I thought that this was a well written book with lots of inside information. I'm not sure if it was all true or not ( he said stuff about her measurements,and sex life) but I enjoyed this read - Selina Lopez
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Summary: An exploitation of Selena
Review: I am truly embarrassed and sorry that I purchased this book. This book gives a detailed account of Selena's life. Unfortunately, it seems to be based on rumors, not necessarily all facts. It does give lots of details, but it jumps around a lot and is kind of difficult to follow. Also, since Selena's family did not authorize this book, it is hard to believe this book word for word. The worst part is the author goes into great detail about how upset Selena's father Abraham Quintanilla is about people just trying to make money off of his daughter's death by selling unauthorized t-shirts, posters (including ones of Selena in her casket), tapes, and books, yet the author fails to admit that he himself is doing the same thing. I regret buying this book and contributing to this author's income.
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Summary: What a work of art!
Review: I first became a fan of Selena's when she was killed. I was, at that time, 15 years old. I have been extremely interested in anything I could find about her since then. I got Dreaming Of You for Christmas that year and constantly listened to it. She just totally changed my life. Ever since then i'd done everything I could to find out as much as I could about her, and after a while I thought I knew pretty much everything there was to know about her. She lived a life I only could have dreamt about. But when I bought this book and read it, I realized I knew practically nothing about her. It really touched me how down-to-earth she really was. She never let fame get to her head like a lot of celebrities do. For that I honor her. She was a real inspiration to other latinas out there. Viviras Selena! We always have and always will love you.
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Summary: Excellently researched and written
Review: I found the book very well informed about Selena and her life and relationship with family,fans and other issues.
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Summary: :{
Review: I love selena i don't like a certin person! (i wont name names) but this book is the bomb
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Summary: Perfect! Lots of good info!
Review: I LUV this book. I own it and I read it. Selena had a really fabulous life. Fabulous and exciting. But it was cut short by you-know-who. Anyway, It's a great book. You guys must read it, or you don't know what you're missing!
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