Description

2005 Southwest Book Award "The stories are charmingly frank, unexpectedly humorous, sometimes sad, all reminiscent of a simpler, though not always uncomplicated time. . . . The book brims with anecdotes, folklore, and oral history that help define one of New Mexico's most fascinating pockets of enchantment." --Albuquerque Journal. "Garcia presents stories on life in the countryside, education, folk healing, witchcraft, superstitions, religion, politics, folk sayings, and riddles. . . . All Hispanic Americans with an interest in their cultural heritage should identify with many of the stories told by the viejitos--the old folks. . . Recommended." --Choice. "A veritable buffet of reminiscences . . . An outstanding contribution to the folklore and history of Hispanic New Mexico." --New Mexico Historical Review. "There is a rich and engaging text in two languages, humor and intelligence mixed in just the right proportion; what else could be desired? Photos! Ancianos, penitentes, cowboys: Welcome faces smile out of almost every page at the beginning of the book. . . . In this book many, many stories will live to be enjoyed and appreciated by generations of new readers." --Southwest BookViews. Nasario García, a native New Mexican and leading folklorist in his state, has produced many works on New Mexican literature and folklore, including Pláticas: Conversations with Hispano Writers of New Mexico (Texas Tech 2000).