Rain of Gold

Rating:
Summary: Indeed this book is "Rain of GOLD"
Review: Five stars would not be enough to rate this extrodinary master piece. Mr.Victor E. Villasenor has a particular yet great way of writting, a vivid way to express his story. As I began to read the book it became so powerful in mind to realize the ancestry of my Mexican heritage, and the struggle of my people. As the end of my reading came close my understanding of the writing and the message came clear. I really recommend this book to anyone who loves the art of true literature, the art of "The Rain of Gold"

Rating:
Summary: I couldn't put it down.
Review: This book is great on so many levels. First, the true story of the two families' struggles and lives was rich and amazing. I felt that I came to know and love the characters. Next, the spiritual side to the characters and specifically the raw honesty in the way Villasenor conveys it was compelling (and I am not a religious person). Finally as an added bonus, this book brings to vivid life a period of Mexican and American history.

I am already reading the follow-up: Thirteen Senses.

Rating:
Summary: WOW!!
Review: It's almost a sin to try and summarize in brevity the vivrant journey that the reader travels in reading the incredible story that so many can possibly relate to. The historical significance of this piece is noted but more valuable is the literary significance that this read has in viewing the Mexican Revolution and those that lived it and died during it and relocated because of it. The indigenous and catholic roots are part of a Mexican history that some view as tragic and others are beautiful. Truth is that the story of Mexico is a beautiful tragedy and from it so many talented people have given fruit to the best gift that they were given (Paz, Rivera, Rulfo, Orozco). Villasenor shares in that tradition with his masterpiece, RAIN OF GOLD. His ability to capture the journey of his family as eloquently, as humorously, as beautifully and as truthfully as he has is absolutely amazing. Even more amazing is his willingness to share such a profound hiSTORY of his family. Thank you for giving a breath of life to the truth so many textbooks cannot seem to provide. Powerfully written, gently guided.

Rating:
Summary: WHER MY PARENTS CAME FROM
Review: MY GREAT AND G-GRAND PARENTS ALSO LEFT MEXCIO FOR THE SAME RESOND, BUT I NEVER RELAIZED WHAT THEY HAD TO GO THROU, NOW I DO, I HAD NO CONCEPT OF ALL THERE PROBLEMS AND SUFFERINGS. THIS BOOK MADE ME RELAIZE WHERE I COME FROM, AND HOW MUCH THEY SUFFERED.

SINCERLY, MARY

Rating:
Summary: Amazing.
Review: This book will change your life. You will look around and take notice, the majesty of an oak tree, the abundance of food on your table, the overwhelming amount of love in your life. Realize the power of nature. Understand that you can connect yourself to nature, use it as rich fodder in recollection and hold strong to it for familiarity as you journey through life. Enjoy the ease of a day in your life. Read this book and you will be glad you did.

Rating:
Summary: An exquisitely told tale!
Review: When I was an English Literature major in college in the early 1990s, I wrote my senior thesis on the significance of Chicano literature. "Rain of Gold" was included in my study. It is a beautifully written book and a tremendously valuable contribution to American literature.

In Victor Villasenor's "Rain of Gold," the dominant theme or metaphor is the struggle for survival. The mythic structure provides a rich and meaningful context for the characters and their inner struggle for identity and survival. "Rain of Gold" is the story of two parallel lives -- those of Juan Salvador and Lupe Gomez, characters delineated from Villasenor's real-life mother and father, who grow up with their respective families in two distant towns in Mexico and meet as young adults in California.

The novel can be divided into three parts: the families trying to survive in Mexico, but opting to find a better life in the U.S.; their harsh and harrowing journeys through the rough terrain of the Mexican deserts; and finally, their miraculous arrival and struggle in the U.S. The novel challenges the reader to experience the harsh realities of the characters' hardships and triumphs. Their struggle is internal and personal. Villasenor's adherence to myth, religion and a little of the magical paints a vivid image of a people -- survivors not only of physical challenges, but spiritual ones as well. His story is well detailed and well developed. It is truly an epic in every sense of the word.

Rating:
Summary: A Beautifully told American story.
Review: Rain of Gold is a tremendous adventure that is truly American. It is the story of how so many of our citizens struggled just to arrive and then to make it in the USA while their homeland experienced strife. This is how our country was assembled and constructed to what it is today. Both my grandparents were conceived on the boat coming over from Sicily, their parents struggled to make the trip at the turn of the last century, as Victor Villasenor's mother and father did. People looked down on the farmworkers for their way of life, but these families fought and struggled to make it in their new country. This book depicts their struggle, while still being a beautiful love story at the same time. A wonderful reading experience, I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys history, and finding out how families came together to make their way in their new country.

Rating:
Summary: A Born Storyteller
Review: A critic on the inside cover describes Villasenor as a "born story teller." This book is so descriptive and so beautifully written that you cannot put it down. You are constantly dying to turn the next page to see what is to happen to the two respective families. It is amazing to realize that this is a true story, and these amazing characters are real. It is an amazing book that shows the power of love, religion, and family values through times of war and turmoil.

Rating:
Summary: Great book to read
Review: This book is good. One of the best I ever read. It's great because he talk's about his family history which I think is excelent because you can't find many book in the market about family history or someone who wanted to know about his family.You can't find a book like this one!If i where you I read this book!

Rating:
Summary: A Story We Should All Learn From
Review: This book was recommended by my mother. I too, fell in love with the saga. When I found out that Victor Villasenor would be a guest at my school, Rio Hondo College (back in '98), I couldn't miss it for the world. We had a staff member give an intro. speech first, and I never would have guessed that the humble, unassuming man standing beside me would go up to the podium and turn out to be the author himself. I realized fully the quality of this fine family with Mr. Villasenor; to have come so far and not give off the slightest air of arrongance or grandeur. I will never forget him, and the morals and values in his story, should never be forgotten or exchanged in this culture.