Latino Americans
by Ray Suarez

George Santayana once said, "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." Latino Americans by Suárez is an inspiring read, thoroughly documented, that enlightens the reader regarding our Latin American heritage and legacy in the United States. Making use of stories of both victims and heroes, he introduces us to a meaningful and relevant history that relates to us: Hispanics, Latinos, Chicanos, Puerto Ricans, Cubans, Dominicans, Central Americans, etc. It is a 500 year story that helps us understand our roles in this magnificent country that is our own. 

It is an exercise of self-reflection, of ancestral pride, empathy and understanding towards a hard working community of dreamers and generations of parents who have sacrificed themselves for their children, and at times had to face the appalling experience of armed conflict and struggle through the civil rights movement in order to gain respect, legality and equal opportunity. 

It is a story of redemption that shows the gradual construction of a great country and asks the necessary questions: Where are we headed? What is the common thread that binds us together? How are Latin Americans shaping the US today? and What are our hopes for the future?

Ray Suarez (Brooklyn, New York) is a correspondent for PBS News-Hour and conductor of America Abroad, transmitted by Public Radio. He served as host of Talk of the Nation in NPR and reporter for CNN. 

​You can purchase Latino Americanos through Penguin Random House. Click here to purchase.

Reviewed by
​Mónica Rodriguez-Raygada
7/31/2016

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