Heritage Hispanic-American Style (Spanish Edition) [Spanish]

By Leon J. Radomile

Heritage Hispanic-American Style is a rich, entertaining cultural compendium of facts in a bilingual format that surveys the vast Hispanic culture, from its birthplace in Spain to the lands of the new... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: Spanish
• ISBN: 0967532922
• ISBN13: 9780967532929
• Release Date: November 2003
• Publisher: Vincero Enterprises
• Length: 384 Pages
• Weight: 1.20 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.0" x 0.8" x 6.0"
• Age Range: 10 years and up

Customer Reviews

In defense of political incorrectness

With his Heritage Hispanic-American Style, the sequel to the Italian-American one, Leon Radomile has set the standard for anyone who'd like to pay a tribute that is both informative and easy-to-read to his or her favorite ethnic group. This is not a work of profound scholarship, making no pretense of breaking new ground into the subject of, shall we say, hispanicity: Who is Hispanic? What does the term mean? Is it legitimate as a collective designation of some people or politically correct? It simply wants to give a heart-felt recognition to the millions who have contributed to making America the great country that it is, and who happen to speak, or hail from people that speak, the Spanish language in its multifarious variations of pronunciation and culture from Castile to Buenos Aires passing through the Caribbean and the Andean highlands. I found it a mine of information that some may dismiss as trivial but is, instead, when you think of it, eye-opening and a source of pride. I had no idea that Admiral Farragut, the Civil War hero, was of Spanish ancestry, or that Luis Santeiro was behind the writing of Sesame Street, or that, as early as 1927, Cuban-born Ignacio Molinet played in an NFL franchise. Unfortunately for its author, though, and notwithstanding his honest intentions, his latest book may fall victim to the politics of tribal particularism and be attacked by the practitioners of institutionalized victimhood, a cottage industry so much in vogue among so-called minorities. While everyone pretty much agrees on who the Italians are-although even among them, and some non-Italians, there are those who would like to distinguish between "Sicilians" and "Italians" proper-the meaning of the term "Hispanic" has become highly contentious. It is not supposed to designate Spaniards, but only Spanish-speaking people from the Americas. However, the above-mentioned practitioners reject the term as an Anglo-American invention meant to make one faceless bundle of many peoples who come, instead, from a variety of cultural backgrounds, and to diminish them by treating them as undifferentiated herd. Just like one should not call the millions who speak English in the US "Anglos" just because of the language they use in everyday social intercourse, "Hispanic" is inappropriate for those who happen to speak Spanish but may be as diverse as Euro-centric Argentines, mestizo Peruvians, or Black African Cubans. "Latino" seems to be the politically correct designation of choice, although I have also heard "Ibero." "Latino" indicates the Latin derivation of the languages spoken by "Latin-Americans", and is, therefore, inclusive also of the Portuguese-speaking Brazilians. On the other hand, "Hispanic" would make these people come from "Hispania," the Roman name for Spain, which is obviously incorrect. To all this agenda-driven identity politics, I say: poppycock. "Latino" is no less a confusing term than "Hispanic." As an Italian-American, I am also a "Latino." Who c

Entertaining and educational

From Jose Canseco to Rita Hayworth, from quesadillas to La Bamba, Hispanic Americans have brought to North America countless icons, foods, sports heroes and cultural contributions. It is high time a book was written to give credit where credit is due. "Heritage Hispanic-American Style" is a fascinating collection of relevant and interesting contributions of Hispanic Americans. Divided into sections such as `Food, Music and Entertainment' and `Sports', each item is presented as a question, with the answers listed in another chapter, allowing the reader to interact with the book in a fun and educational way. Each item is presented first in English, then in Spanish, suggesting to this reviewer that it might make a very useful tool for those studying either language. Regardless of the educational factor, the contributions of Hispanics are plentiful, and this book demonstrates that individuals of this ethnicity have much to be proud of. While I can't vouch for the clarity of the Spanish portion of this book, the English is clear and easily understandable, as well as presented in a friendly and inviting way. The author's love for the subject is obvious, and he manages to recreate his own enthusiasm in the reader. The structure of the book is ideal, particularly given the intimidation that non-Spanish speaking individuals may feel at first glance of the Spanish content. This is not the first book of this style for Leon J. Radomile. He has previously published "Heritage Italian-American Style", and is also a successful businessman and entrepreneur. His work has already earned him book awards in the Latino community. This is definitely an entertaining and educational book, whether you are of Hispanic descent or not. Consider it strongly recommended, with extra interest expected for those of this particular heritage.

HERITAGE BOOK A WINNER

This compact book is a treasure trove of information on every aspect ofthe> culture and history of Spain and Hispanic America and serves as a valuable<br>> resource for both the academic and the non-academic person. The format of<br>> question and answer gives readers an opportunity to review their own<br>> knowledge before looking up the answers. An added feature is the bilingual<br>> format enabling them to brush up on both English and Spanish. Highly<br>> recommended!<br>><br>> Dr. Patricia Bentivegna, Saint Francis University