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HomeShop at BookSurgeEducationTeaching Methods & MaterialsThe White Tortilla: Reflections of a Second -Generation Mexican - American |
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| Customer Reviews: | | Average Customer Review: ( 5 customer reviews )
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
3 of 3 found the following review helpful:
 A great read for all ethnicities especially students Jun 01, 2005
By Jennifer Shales
This is a very intertesting story of a man who grew up with certain ambiguity about who he was and where he came from. Mr. Diaz uses stories and pictures from his own "familia" to give the lessons he teaches a personal backdrop. He "creates" vivid characters, taken from what must have been his own colorful childhood, and turns his experiences into examples for learning. He offers valuable advice and peppers it with humor and anecdotes. In this book you get to see how the writer and teacher come together in this 1/2 memoir, 1/2 lesson plan slash "little instruction book". Being a substitue teacher in an area with a mostly hispanic population, I found this book especially intruiging . I would love to have my students read Mr. Diaz' book and get a kick out of his stories as well as be able to relate to his dilemna on some level. I think this book would really inspire some of them to acheive greater things. Many of them would even rather read the spanish version Mr. Diaz has had translated! This is definitely a good read.
2 of 2 found the following review helpful:
Every Latino and knowledge-seeking Anglo: read this book! May 19, 2005
By Michael Lance Ritter
White tortilla is a fine phrase to describe the ambiguous career and social challenges facing a light-skinned, pure Latino man who is caught in the complex, dual role of operating in two different cultures. His father told him to NEVER speak Spanish at home! This fine book describes, through humor and anecdote, the identity conflict and practical difficulties shared by millions of Hispanics. Moreover, it is a story about any American who reflects, or was raised within, an ethnic culture while living in an Anglo-controlled world. Dr. Diaz writes in a smooth, literate style and uses dialogue especially well. The book is a must-read for those with heart, Latinos, students, politicians and educators. Enjoy!
 Interesting, quick book of life lessons Jan 12, 2011
By Mark McGinty
"Author, "The Cigar Maker""
As a descendant of Hispanic and Anglo bloodlines that splits exactly 50-50, I have often been confounded with ethic ambiguity. My last name is Irish, but my middle name comes from my Cuban grandfather. I am especially uncertain when filling out applications and forms that ask me to select my race. Which box do I check? Caucasian/white? or Hispanic? Technically I can qualify as both, but when asked to choose one or the other, I'm forced to ask myself, `In this situation, which will benefit me the most?'
This ethnic ambiguity is the backdrop for David Diaz's The White Tortilla but the book ends up being much more about than that. Think of this book as a collection of life lessons, geared mainly for an audience of students, teenagers probably. Complete with discussion questions for each chapter and a list of Do's and Don'ts for resolving problems. Though it is most appropriate for a teenage audience, and to be read then discussed in a group setting, I found the anecdotes and challenges from Diaz's childhood to be very amusing. There is a tale of a schoolyard bully who is "defeated" by a resilient and determined lesser foe, a debacle of stolen berries and a touching competition in the Saturday Rocket Races.
This is a quick read, enjoyable, and filled with simple life lessons. Recommended not only for people of mixed-race, but any person growing up and about to enter the real world!
Mark McGinty is the author of "The Cigar Maker" and "Elvis and the Blue Moon Conspiracy"
0 of 4 found the following review helpful:
 Waste of time. Oct 21, 2005
By Lynn
Perhaps this book might have been more readable if presented as a children's picture book. At least with a picture book, there are images to distract from the sometimes boring writing. As it is, I think Mr. Diaz aimed a bit higher than his work merits, towards a mature audience.
0 of 4 found the following review helpful:
1 Star, only because there is no lower rating available. Oct 21, 2005
By Teresa
This is the most masturbatory, self congratulatory piece of work that I've seen in a long time. I think I'd seriously rather have my eyes poked out than to have to read this again.
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