Unfortunately, there is still frigid weather in the Champaign-Urbana area, but at least we can look forward to springtime warmth and florescence. Let’s hope this cold season comes to a quick end and, in the meantime, we can do a bit of reading to keep our minds off the winter weather. Today’s blog entry is a reader’s advisory for those looking to start a new reading list. It has been a while since I have read books in Spanish or written by Spanish-speaking authors so I decided that it was about time. Here is a list of some good reads that I highly recommend.
First, is a classic one, “Like Water For Chocolate” by Laura Esquivel.
Like Water for Chocolate
For those not familiar with this classical work, it is about a young girl, Tita who is in love with Pedro. Due to her strict mother and upbringing, Tita cannot act on her feelings and expresses herself through her cooking. Good news, the book and the movie are available through the University of Illinois library catalog!
If you’re looking for a classic one by Isabel Allende, be sure to check out “La Casa de Los Espiritus”. Although originally in Spanish, it is available in the library catalog in both English and Spanish.
La Casa de Los Espiritus
“La Casa de Los Espiritus” is a story of the Trueba family. Their story spans four generations in post-colonial Chile. Isabel Allende’s story and magical surrealism have been critically acclaimed around the world.
For a writer right there in your backyard, be sure to check out Gloria Anzaldua. A native of Texas, Anzaldua writes about Chicano studies and other reflections in “Borderlands.” She has written many other excellent books, so be sure to check them out in the catalog!
Borderlands: La Frontera
Now, while we all enjoy a good book, we also like to sit on the couch and watch a good movie. Does the library offer Spanish-language movies? Of course!
Grab some popcorn and watch “Nosotros Los Pobres“, a classic Mexican film from 1948. The lead actor, Pedro Infante is a classic from Mexican cinema. The first of a trilogy, you are sure to enjoy this classic drama.
Nosotros Los Pobres. Photo courtesy of http://www.gdc.gob.ve
A favorite is “Real Women have Curves” with America Ferrera as the lead actress. A coming-of-age story, it is sure to bring back memories of your youth.
Real Women have Curves
The above are just a couple of my favorites and I hope you enjoy them as well.
