America Libre by @raul_ramos
I am not a big fan of Non-Fiction and I will not read a non-fiction book unless I can really relate to it and see some value to it. A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to interact with @raul_ramos via twitter. I was finishing Crossing the Chasm: Marketing and Selling Technology Project
and was looking for a good book to read. My interactions with @raul_ramos actually made me make the decision to buy America Libre
on my ipad.
I was very impressed with how the book started and it really kept me interested in a way I finished it in approximately two days. I had not been able to engage with a book as much as I did with America Libre since I read Las venas abiertas de america latina/ The Open Veins of Latin America (Spanish Edition)
approximately 18 months ago. Here are some points he covers I thought where very aligned with hispanics living in the U.S. and I am sure most of you can relate to it.
The Unification of Latin America was an inevitable destiny and it was possible. I think if we dig in many of our brothers who are working as immigrants illegally or not need to understand that if we unify we have the ability to reach bigger and greater things for not only for each latin american country but for every latino.
Identifying the original Illegal Immigrants by explaining how the Anglo aggressors took the Native Americans and Hispanic lands. They crushed hispanic societies and moved them to a position of servitude. He gives an example of the Battle of the Alamo. I think that our biggest casualty was the self-confidence of the people affected by the aggressors.
It brings the reality of eliminating spanish from the U.S. Government to leave the non-english speaking population out of anything government related.
I also had fun with a good mixing of religious beliefs from Catholicism to adoration of saints which is a good representation on what happens in many of our communities. We are so diverse we even mix religions without realizing it sometimes.
I think the most powerful line from the book for me was:
Flag waving distracts you from the real motives of the people in power.
The flag waving quote really struck home for me. Every 4 years Puerto Rico becomes a frenzy of all political parties waving flags like weapons with the objective of convincing people that they have to vote for their candidates. Just in case you think I am exaggerating I have seen how in many occasions politics get even violent and the flag staffs immediately become weapons.
In conclusion @raul_ramos did a great job in making other understand and helping me relate that as a latino living in the states you are a foreigner in your own country even if you served in the Armed Forces and where born their.
If you want to find out more about Mano and how an Ex-Army Ranger becomes a leader for the hispanic revolution feel free to buy @raul_ramos’s America Libre.
I highly recommend this book as a non-fiction book with the realities of many hard working immigrants in the states.
Can you relate to any of the points I have included above?
Have you read @raul_ramos’ book
Feel free to visit Raul Ramos’ Website
Raul, thank you for taking the time to review my novel. Like the central character in the story, you served in the U.S. military and have a unique perspective on the choices a bi-cultural person must make to survive and thrive in our society. The fact you read AMERICA LIBRE on your ipad was very heartening as well. So much of our future communications will take place without paper and, although I still love the feel of a book in my hands, these new platforms will hopefully increase our ability to communicate new ideas and improve our understanding of each other as human beings.
Raul,
Thanks for taking the time to comment on my blog! Your novel was great. I was talking to my uncle today a Retired Lt-Colonel from the National Guard and he agreed so much on the tid bits I shared about your book.
I also enjoy a good book in my hands but the Ipad helps me convey the books message a lot easier:
1. With the Ipad I can highlight and organize my comments. Before I had to skim all over the book to see where I made a note or highlighted.
2. The search function is such a great tool that I am able to search for a comment and find it.
3. I carry my ipad everywhere and I also carry the e-books with me if I have to use it as a reference it is at the reach of my shoulder.
4. I have so many books that I can find enough space for them so keeping them in an Ipad saves me space.
Even writing this post was a lot more easier retrieving my favorite comments from the novel and my posts.
Keep up the good work and I am waiting on the new novel. 🙂
Look at how great these platforms are that I bought your book because we connected via twitter and got a good perception of what was going on.