Reviews and Comments

"It Was Never about a Hotdog and a Coke" doesn't read like historical non-fiction, even though it speaks to real events in Jacksonville in 1960. Instead, it's an insider account of the birth of a movement in the 50s and the organization, planning and dedication behind non-violent protests against a city deeply embedded in Jim Crow laws. "Ax Handle Saturday" had very little unbiased news coverage in its day, so this account attempts to set the record straight. Essential reading.

If the political cartoon is a dying art form, don't tell Matt Bors. Not only is he a formidable cartoonist, chronicling these trying times with a sharp pen and incisive sense of humor, but he has taken over the helm of "The Nib", a treasure chest of talent and insightful commentary. I recommend not only this collection of "greatest hits", but also that readers should consider subscribing to The Nib.

How does an esteemed author follow up an acclaimed epic novel? Luis Alberto Urrea finds a way, continuing the saga of Teresita Urrea, the Saint of Cabora, as she and her father Tomas cross the border into the U.S. At nearly 500 pages, the pace is nevertheless rapid, covering several cross-country moves over a decade and a half. The last chapter is positively exquisite - I found myself reading it over and over again just to relive the touch of a master at the peak of his craft. While "The Hummingbird's Daughter" should certainly be read first, "Queen of America" is a classic on its own merits and is well worth reading.

Like most of Luis Alberto Urrea's non-fiction ("Under the Wire" and "The Devil's Highway" come to mind), "By the Lake of Sleeping Children" pulls no punches. We're even warned in the Introduction that certain chapters might be best avoided by the faint of heart. To do so, however, would mean missing Urrea's eye for detail and always eloquent prose. Yes, it might haunt your nightmares, but that's entirely the point.