A must hear from a contemporary Sheherazade, 31 Oct 2002
Author Sandra Cisneros gives resonant voice to her first novel since the widely acclaimed "The House On Mango Street." Her articulation brings these fictional characters to vibrant life and adds an unexpected richness to her story of Mexican/American culture.

We return to Chicago's Mexican/American community and the family of Lala Reyes, a generous and vital woman. She comes from a clan of shawl makers, and now owns the caramelo, a beautiful striped rebozo which symbolizes history and the meaning of blood ties.

A gifted and intriguing story teller, Cisneros holds nothing back as she paints fully realized human beings with all their flaws, foibles, and goodness. Her story begins with the Reyes' family's annual trek from Chicago to Mexico City, which is where Lala hears the stories of her forebears and their sometimes hard scrabble lives in San Antonio, Texas and Mexico. Stories may be true or they may be embroidered - but there is always something to learn.

Caramelo is a saga replete with life, love and laughter told by a natural weaver of tales. This is a must-hear from a contemporary Sheherazade.

A must hear from a contemporary Sheherazade, 31 Oct 2002
Author Sandra Cisneros gives resonant voice to her first novel since the widely acclaimed "The House On Mango Street." Her articulation brings these fictional characters to vibrant life and adds an unexpected richness to her story of Mexican/American culture.

We return to Chicago's Mexican/American community and the family of Lala Reyes, a generous and vital woman. She comes from a clan of shawl makers, and now owns the caramelo, a beautiful striped rebozo which symbolizes history and the meaning of blood ties.

A gifted and intriguing story teller, Cisneros holds nothing back as she paints fully realized human beings with all their flaws, foibles, and goodness. Her story begins with the Reyes' family's annual trek from Chicago to Mexico City, which is where Lala hears the stories of her forebears and their sometimes hard scrabble lives in San Antonio, Texas and Mexico. Stories may be true or they may be embroidered - but there is always something to learn.

Caramelo is a saga replete with life, love and laughter told by a natural weaver of tales. This is a must-hear from a contemporary Sheherazade.

"I am a red balloon tied to an anchor.", 27 Sep 2005
A series of vignettes, rather than a structured novel, House on Mango Street is Sandra Cisneros's semi-autobiographical account of growing up Chicana in a poor area of Chicago. Esperanza Cordero, at age eleven, has already discovered that being able to communicate in English is a key to worldly success, and she has begun recording stories of her neighborhood, friends, and everyday life, hoping one day to become a writer. Recreating one year of her life, she vividly depicts the children's fierce loyalties to each other, their alienation from mainstream society, and their goals in life, sadly limited by the culture and its low expectations for girls and women.

Maintaining a childish innocence, Esperanza's first person account reveals her growing awareness of alternatives to her Mango Street existence. She is saddened that her friend Sally, an abused child, never escapes, marrying very early ("in a state where children can marry before they have finished eighth grade"). Alicia, an older, highly motivated friend, however, works to achieve an education and spends long hours traveling to and from school so that she can move beyond Mango Street. Her prescient Aunt Lupe tells Esperanza to "Keep writing. It will keep you free," and a psychic tells her that she must work hard and write so that she can "come back for those who cannot make it out on their own."

Dealing with everyday issues of maturity, a growing awareness of her own sexuality, and her resentment of a world which does not value women, Esperanza is an astute observer, telling stories filled with the humor, wonder, and sometimes heartbreak. As she tells about innocently riding in a stolen car; about the death of her friend Marin's boyfriend whose Mexican parents will never hear of his death because no one knows where to find them; about being assaulted while waiting for her friend Sally, who never answers her pleas for help; about Mamacita, who never leaves her apartment because she is cannot communicate in English; and about her own mother's inability to travel on public transportation because she is afraid, she recreates Mango Street with all its limitations--and excitements.

Like a red balloon which wants to escape its anchor, Esperanza dreams of having a better home, a better life, and greater opportunities. "I have decided not to grow up tame," she says, but she is firmly anchored to Mango Street through her experiences, and these, she discovers ironically, will eventually become the source material for her writing. Through Mango Street, Esperanza defines herself, but through her writing, she will set herself free. Mary Whipple

A hopeful Lationo girl's poignant display of her life., 29 Nov 2001
People are scarred to go down Mango Street, the run down nieghborhood subject to much shame. Esperanza will captivate you as she displays the truth of the lower class Latino neighborhood by examining the unique inhabitants. Shame, beauty, destiny and love are familiar with the area as well.

Simple incite into growing in a Paternalistic community, 14 Jan 2001
Cisneros' series of vignettes is an interesting look at how a young girl feels growing up in paternalistic society. Determined not to grow up a victim like the women she sees around her, Esperanza, uses writing as a way of escape. While there is little action, there is many interesting, subtle observations which make this book readable.

A must hear from a contemporary Sheherazade, 31 Oct 2002
Author Sandra Cisneros gives resonant voice to her first novel since the widely acclaimed "The House On Mango Street." Her articulation brings these fictional characters to vibrant life and adds an unexpected richness to her story of Mexican/American culture.

We return to Chicago's Mexican/American community and the family of Lala Reyes, a generous and vital woman. She comes from a clan of shawl makers, and now owns the caramelo, a beautiful striped rebozo which symbolizes history and the meaning of blood ties.

A gifted and intriguing story teller, Cisneros holds nothing back as she paints fully realized human beings with all their flaws, foibles, and goodness. Her story begins with the Reyes' family's annual trek from Chicago to Mexico City, which is where Lala hears the stories of her forebears and their sometimes hard scrabble lives in San Antonio, Texas and Mexico. Stories may be true or they may be embroidered - but there is always something to learn.

Caramelo is a saga replete with life, love and laughter told by a natural weaver of tales. This is a must-hear from a contemporary Sheherazade.

"I am a red balloon tied to an anchor.", 27 Sep 2005
A series of vignettes, rather than a structured novel, House on Mango Street is Sandra Cisneros's semi-autobiographical account of growing up Chicana in a poor area of Chicago. Esperanza Cordero, at age eleven, has already discovered that being able to communicate in English is a key to worldly success, and she has begun recording stories of her neighborhood, friends, and everyday life, hoping one day to become a writer. Recreating one year of her life, she vividly depicts the children's fierce loyalties to each other, their alienation from mainstream society, and their goals in life, sadly limited by the culture and its low expectations for girls and women.

Maintaining a childish innocence, Esperanza's first person account reveals her growing awareness of alternatives to her Mango Street existence. She is saddened that her friend Sally, an abused child, never escapes, marrying very early ("in a state where children can marry before they have finished eighth grade"). Alicia, an older, highly motivated friend, however, works to achieve an education and spends long hours traveling to and from school so that she can move beyond Mango Street. Her prescient Aunt Lupe tells Esperanza to "Keep writing. It will keep you free," and a psychic tells her that she must work hard and write so that she can "come back for those who cannot make it out on their own."

Dealing with everyday issues of maturity, a growing awareness of her own sexuality, and her resentment of a world which does not value women, Esperanza is an astute observer, telling stories filled with the humor, wonder, and sometimes heartbreak. As she tells about innocently riding in a stolen car; about the death of her friend Marin's boyfriend whose Mexican parents will never hear of his death because no one knows where to find them; about being assaulted while waiting for her friend Sally, who never answers her pleas for help; about Mamacita, who never leaves her apartment because she is cannot communicate in English; and about her own mother's inability to travel on public transportation because she is afraid, she recreates Mango Street with all its limitations--and excitements.

Like a red balloon which wants to escape its anchor, Esperanza dreams of having a better home, a better life, and greater opportunities. "I have decided not to grow up tame," she says, but she is firmly anchored to Mango Street through her experiences, and these, she discovers ironically, will eventually become the source material for her writing. Through Mango Street, Esperanza defines herself, but through her writing, she will set herself free. Mary Whipple

A hopeful Lationo girl's poignant display of her life., 29 Nov 2001
People are scarred to go down Mango Street, the run down nieghborhood subject to much shame. Esperanza will captivate you as she displays the truth of the lower class Latino neighborhood by examining the unique inhabitants. Shame, beauty, destiny and love are familiar with the area as well.

Simple incite into growing in a Paternalistic community, 14 Jan 2001
Cisneros' series of vignettes is an interesting look at how a young girl feels growing up in paternalistic society. Determined not to grow up a victim like the women she sees around her, Esperanza, uses writing as a way of escape. While there is little action, there is many interesting, subtle observations which make this book readable.

A review of the incredible novel, House on Mango Street, 04 Nov 1997
The House on Mango Street is a novel filled with sudden explosions of powerful emotion. Just when the reader feels serene with the book's atmosphere, a shocking statement or scene jumps out of it's pages. "My aunt, a little oyster, a little piece of meat on an open shell for us to look at." This is just some of the amazing metaphoric language expressed that draws the reader into these stories. Sandy Cisneros keeps her chapters short which reflects her great ability to create wild imagery in such a consise way. The author deals with personal life stuggles; some deep others trifling. An example is when them main character, Ezperanza, explains how she feels about her name. "At school they say my name funny as if the syllables were made out of tin and hurt the roof of your mouth." Although some of her troubles may seem childish they are something we can all relate to. Having these inevitable commonalities with this book only makes the reading all more enjoyable. The House on Mango Street will bring up a lot of questions about of our own lives and yet answer so many more.

A must hear from a contemporary Sheherazade, 31 Oct 2002
Author Sandra Cisneros gives resonant voice to her first novel since the widely acclaimed "The House On Mango Street." Her articulation brings these fictional characters to vibrant life and adds an unexpected richness to her story of Mexican/American culture.

We return to Chicago's Mexican/American community and the family of Lala Reyes, a generous and vital woman. She comes from a clan of shawl makers, and now owns the caramelo, a beautiful striped rebozo which symbolizes history and the meaning of blood ties.

A gifted and intriguing story teller, Cisneros holds nothing back as she paints fully realized human beings with all their flaws, foibles, and goodness. Her story begins with the Reyes' family's annual trek from Chicago to Mexico City, which is where Lala hears the stories of her forebears and their sometimes hard scrabble lives in San Antonio, Texas and Mexico. Stories may be true or they may be embroidered - but there is always something to learn.

Caramelo is a saga replete with life, love and laughter told by a natural weaver of tales. This is a must-hear from a contemporary Sheherazade.

"I am a red balloon tied to an anchor.", 27 Sep 2005
A series of vignettes, rather than a structured novel, House on Mango Street is Sandra Cisneros's semi-autobiographical account of growing up Chicana in a poor area of Chicago. Esperanza Cordero, at age eleven, has already discovered that being able to communicate in English is a key to worldly success, and she has begun recording stories of her neighborhood, friends, and everyday life, hoping one day to become a writer. Recreating one year of her life, she vividly depicts the children's fierce loyalties to each other, their alienation from mainstream society, and their goals in life, sadly limited by the culture and its low expectations for girls and women.

Maintaining a childish innocence, Esperanza's first person account reveals her growing awareness of alternatives to her Mango Street existence. She is saddened that her friend Sally, an abused child, never escapes, marrying very early ("in a state where children can marry before they have finished eighth grade"). Alicia, an older, highly motivated friend, however, works to achieve an education and spends long hours traveling to and from school so that she can move beyond Mango Street. Her prescient Aunt Lupe tells Esperanza to "Keep writing. It will keep you free," and a psychic tells her that she must work hard and write so that she can "come back for those who cannot make it out on their own."

Dealing with everyday issues of maturity, a growing awareness of her own sexuality, and her resentment of a world which does not value women, Esperanza is an astute observer, telling stories filled with the humor, wonder, and sometimes heartbreak. As she tells about innocently riding in a stolen car; about the death of her friend Marin's boyfriend whose Mexican parents will never hear of his death because no one knows where to find them; about being assaulted while waiting for her friend Sally, who never answers her pleas for help; about Mamacita, who never leaves her apartment because she is cannot communicate in English; and about her own mother's inability to travel on public transportation because she is afraid, she recreates Mango Street with all its limitations--and excitements.

Like a red balloon which wants to escape its anchor, Esperanza dreams of having a better home, a better life, and greater opportunities. "I have decided not to grow up tame," she says, but she is firmly anchored to Mango Street through her experiences, and these, she discovers ironically, will eventually become the source material for her writing. Through Mango Street, Esperanza defines herself, but through her writing, she will set herself free. Mary Whipple

A hopeful Lationo girl's poignant display of her life., 29 Nov 2001
People are scarred to go down Mango Street, the run down nieghborhood subject to much shame. Esperanza will captivate you as she displays the truth of the lower class Latino neighborhood by examining the unique inhabitants. Shame, beauty, destiny and love are familiar with the area as well.

Simple incite into growing in a Paternalistic community, 14 Jan 2001
Cisneros' series of vignettes is an interesting look at how a young girl feels growing up in paternalistic society. Determined not to grow up a victim like the women she sees around her, Esperanza, uses writing as a way of escape. While there is little action, there is many interesting, subtle observations which make this book readable.

A review of the incredible novel, House on Mango Street, 04 Nov 1997
The House on Mango Street is a novel filled with sudden explosions of powerful emotion. Just when the reader feels serene with the book's atmosphere, a shocking statement or scene jumps out of it's pages. "My aunt, a little oyster, a little piece of meat on an open shell for us to look at." This is just some of the amazing metaphoric language expressed that draws the reader into these stories. Sandy Cisneros keeps her chapters short which reflects her great ability to create wild imagery in such a consise way. The author deals with personal life stuggles; some deep others trifling. An example is when them main character, Ezperanza, explains how she feels about her name. "At school they say my name funny as if the syllables were made out of tin and hurt the roof of your mouth." Although some of her troubles may seem childish they are something we can all relate to. Having these inevitable commonalities with this book only makes the reading all more enjoyable. The House on Mango Street will bring up a lot of questions about of our own lives and yet answer so many more.

Beautiful, Lyrical, Lusty, 27 Apr 1999
I'm not sure I can really articulate how amazing Sandra's work is. She goes beyond modernism, beyond the language poets, and straight into the language of the heart, soul, and body.

Buy it. Read it. Buy another copy for a friend., 25 May 1998
Ay! Sandra is amazing. Amazing, fantastic, loud, bawdy, passionate, intense, erotic, and hilarious. I know that as a Chicana who has lived in Texas I probably get a couple more references than the average woman but no matter what nationality or age or any other inconsequential thing that a woman is sub-classified as being... I can read them a line or two of Sandra and if they haven't felt it themselves well then their best girlfriend has confided it over a cup of cafe, a shotglass of tequila, or a frozen margarita. Sandra's cadencences and images are Latina in flavor but the emotion is pura mujer. Pure woman. Salud.

sexy,spicy hispanic charm that drips from each saucy page., 18 Apr 1997
Being a poet, it is highly refreshing to come across a woman with such a strong and developed voice such as Cisneros. After reading "Loose Woman" in one sitting I began to feel a connection to her more than any other poet I have ever had the pleasure to have read. This book allows the reader into the mind of a lyrical poetess with a voice that seems to follow and holler with such sexy and spicy charm.

A must hear from a contemporary Sheherazade, 31 Oct 2002
Author Sandra Cisneros gives resonant voice to her first novel since the widely acclaimed "The House On Mango Street." Her articulation brings these fictional characters to vibrant life and adds an unexpected richness to her story of Mexican/American culture.

We return to Chicago's Mexican/American community and the family of Lala Reyes, a generous and vital woman. She comes from a clan of shawl makers, and now owns the caramelo, a beautiful striped rebozo which symbolizes history and the meaning of blood ties.

A gifted and intriguing story teller, Cisneros holds nothing back as she paints fully realized human beings with all their flaws, foibles, and goodness. Her story begins with the Reyes' family's annual trek from Chicago to Mexico City, which is where Lala hears the stories of her forebears and their sometimes hard scrabble lives in San Antonio, Texas and Mexico. Stories may be true or they may be embroidered - but there is always something to learn.

Caramelo is a saga replete with life, love and laughter told by a natural weaver of tales. This is a must-hear from a contemporary Sheherazade.

"I am a red balloon tied to an anchor.", 27 Sep 2005
A series of vignettes, rather than a structured novel, House on Mango Street is Sandra Cisneros's semi-autobiographical account of growing up Chicana in a poor area of Chicago. Esperanza Cordero, at age eleven, has already discovered that being able to communicate in English is a key to worldly success, and she has begun recording stories of her neighborhood, friends, and everyday life, hoping one day to become a writer. Recreating one year of her life, she vividly depicts the children's fierce loyalties to each other, their alienation from mainstream society, and their goals in life, sadly limited by the culture and its low expectations for girls and women.

Maintaining a childish innocence, Esperanza's first person account reveals her growing awareness of alternatives to her Mango Street existence. She is saddened that her friend Sally, an abused child, never escapes, marrying very early ("in a state where children can marry before they have finished eighth grade"). Alicia, an older, highly motivated friend, however, works to achieve an education and spends long hours traveling to and from school so that she can move beyond Mango Street. Her prescient Aunt Lupe tells Esperanza to "Keep writing. It will keep you free," and a psychic tells her that she must work hard and write so that she can "come back for those who cannot make it out on their own."

Dealing with everyday issues of maturity, a growing awareness of her own sexuality, and her resentment of a world which does not value women, Esperanza is an astute observer, telling stories filled with the humor, wonder, and sometimes heartbreak. As she tells about innocently riding in a stolen car; about the death of her friend Marin's boyfriend whose Mexican parents will never hear of his death because no one knows where to find them; about being assaulted while waiting for her friend Sally, who never answers her pleas for help; about Mamacita, who never leaves her apartment because she is cannot communicate in English; and about her own mother's inability to travel on public transportation because she is afraid, she recreates Mango Street with all its limitations--and excitements.

Like a red balloon which wants to escape its anchor, Esperanza dreams of having a better home, a better life, and greater opportunities. "I have decided not to grow up tame," she says, but she is firmly anchored to Mango Street through her experiences, and these, she discovers ironically, will eventually become the source material for her writing. Through Mango Street, Esperanza defines herself, but through her writing, she will set herself free. Mary Whipple

A hopeful Lationo girl's poignant display of her life., 29 Nov 2001
People are scarred to go down Mango Street, the run down nieghborhood subject to much shame. Esperanza will captivate you as she displays the truth of the lower class Latino neighborhood by examining the unique inhabitants. Shame, beauty, destiny and love are familiar with the area as well.

Simple incite into growing in a Paternalistic community, 14 Jan 2001
Cisneros' series of vignettes is an interesting look at how a young girl feels growing up in paternalistic society. Determined not to grow up a victim like the women she sees around her, Esperanza, uses writing as a way of escape. While there is little action, there is many interesting, subtle observations which make this book readable.

A review of the incredible novel, House on Mango Street, 04 Nov 1997
The House on Mango Street is a novel filled with sudden explosions of powerful emotion. Just when the reader feels serene with the book's atmosphere, a shocking statement or scene jumps out of it's pages. "My aunt, a little oyster, a little piece of meat on an open shell for us to look at." This is just some of the amazing metaphoric language expressed that draws the reader into these stories. Sandy Cisneros keeps her chapters short which reflects her great ability to create wild imagery in such a consise way. The author deals with personal life stuggles; some deep others trifling. An example is when them main character, Ezperanza, explains how she feels about her name. "At school they say my name funny as if the syllables were made out of tin and hurt the roof of your mouth." Although some of her troubles may seem childish they are something we can all relate to. Having these inevitable commonalities with this book only makes the reading all more enjoyable. The House on Mango Street will bring up a lot of questions about of our own lives and yet answer so many more.

Beautiful, Lyrical, Lusty, 27 Apr 1999
I'm not sure I can really articulate how amazing Sandra's work is. She goes beyond modernism, beyond the language poets, and straight into the language of the heart, soul, and body.

Buy it. Read it. Buy another copy for a friend., 25 May 1998
Ay! Sandra is amazing. Amazing, fantastic, loud, bawdy, passionate, intense, erotic, and hilarious. I know that as a Chicana who has lived in Texas I probably get a couple more references than the average woman but no matter what nationality or age or any other inconsequential thing that a woman is sub-classified as being... I can read them a line or two of Sandra and if they haven't felt it themselves well then their best girlfriend has confided it over a cup of cafe, a shotglass of tequila, or a frozen margarita. Sandra's cadencences and images are Latina in flavor but the emotion is pura mujer. Pure woman. Salud.

sexy,spicy hispanic charm that drips from each saucy page., 18 Apr 1997
Being a poet, it is highly refreshing to come across a woman with such a strong and developed voice such as Cisneros. After reading "Loose Woman" in one sitting I began to feel a connection to her more than any other poet I have ever had the pleasure to have read. This book allows the reader into the mind of a lyrical poetess with a voice that seems to follow and holler with such sexy and spicy charm.

Beautiful, Lyrical, Lusty, 27 Apr 1999
I'm not sure I can really articulate how amazing Sandra's work is. She goes beyond modernism, beyond the language poets, and straight into the language of the heart, soul, and body.

Buy it. Read it. Buy another copy for a friend., 25 May 1998
Ay! Sandra is amazing. Amazing, fantastic, loud, bawdy, passionate, intense, erotic, and hilarious. I know that as a Chicana who has lived in Texas I probably get a couple more references than the average woman but no matter what nationality or age or any other inconsequential thing that a woman is sub-classified as being... I can read them a line or two of Sandra and if they haven't felt it themselves well then their best girlfriend has confided it over a cup of cafe, a shotglass of tequila, or a frozen margarita. Sandra's cadencences and images are Latina in flavor but the emotion is pura mujer. Pure woman. Salud.

sexy,spicy hispanic charm that drips from each saucy page., 18 Apr 1997
Being a poet, it is highly refreshing to come across a woman with such a strong and developed voice such as Cisneros. After reading "Loose Woman" in one sitting I began to feel a connection to her more than any other poet I have ever had the pleasure to have read. This book allows the reader into the mind of a lyrical poetess with a voice that seems to follow and holler with such sexy and spicy charm.

A must hear from a contemporary Sheherazade, 31 Oct 2002
Author Sandra Cisneros gives resonant voice to her first novel since the widely acclaimed "The House On Mango Street." Her articulation brings these fictional characters to vibrant life and adds an unexpected richness to her story of Mexican/American culture.

We return to Chicago's Mexican/American community and the family of Lala Reyes, a generous and vital woman. She comes from a clan of shawl makers, and now owns the caramelo, a beautiful striped rebozo which symbolizes history and the meaning of blood ties.

A gifted and intriguing story teller, Cisneros holds nothing back as she paints fully realized human beings with all their flaws, foibles, and goodness. Her story begins with the Reyes' family's annual trek from Chicago to Mexico City, which is where Lala hears the stories of her forebears and their sometimes hard scrabble lives in San Antonio, Texas and Mexico. Stories may be true or they may be embroidered - but there is always something to learn.

Caramelo is a saga replete with life, love and laughter told by a natural weaver of tales. This is a must-hear from a contemporary Sheherazade.

"I am a red balloon tied to an anchor.", 27 Sep 2005
A series of vignettes, rather than a structured novel, House on Mango Street is Sandra Cisneros's semi-autobiographical account of growing up Chicana in a poor area of Chicago. Esperanza Cordero, at age eleven, has already discovered that being able to communicate in English is a key to worldly success, and she has begun recording stories of her neighborhood, friends, and everyday life, hoping one day to become a writer. Recreating one year of her life, she vividly depicts the children's fierce loyalties to each other, their alienation from mainstream society, and their goals in life, sadly limited by the culture and its low expectations for girls and women.

Maintaining a childish innocence, Esperanza's first person account reveals her growing awareness of alternatives to her Mango Street existence. She is saddened that her friend Sally, an abused child, never escapes, marrying very early ("in a state where children can marry before they have finished eighth grade"). Alicia, an older, highly motivated friend, however, works to achieve an education and spends long hours traveling to and from school so that she can move beyond Mango Street. Her prescient Aunt Lupe tells Esperanza to "Keep writing. It will keep you free," and a psychic tells her that she must work hard and write so that she can "come back for those who cannot make it out on their own."

Dealing with everyday issues of maturity, a growing awareness of her own sexuality, and her resentment of a world which does not value women, Esperanza is an astute observer, telling stories filled with the humor, wonder, and sometimes heartbreak. As she tells about innocently riding in a stolen car; about the death of her friend Marin's boyfriend whose Mexican parents will never hear of his death because no one knows where to find them; about being assaulted while waiting for her friend Sally, who never answers her pleas for help; about Mamacita, who never leaves her apartment because she is cannot communicate in English; and about her own mother's inability to travel on public transportation because she is afraid, she recreates Mango Street with all its limitations--and excitements.

Like a red balloon which wants to escape its anchor, Esperanza dreams of having a better home, a better life, and greater opportunities. "I have decided not to grow up tame," she says, but she is firmly anchored to Mango Street through her experiences, and these, she discovers ironically, will eventually become the source material for her writing. Through Mango Street, Esperanza defines herself, but through her writing, she will set herself free. Mary Whipple

A hopeful Lationo girl's poignant display of her life., 29 Nov 2001
People are scarred to go down Mango Street, the run down nieghborhood subject to much shame. Esperanza will captivate you as she displays the truth of the lower class Latino neighborhood by examining the unique inhabitants. Shame, beauty, destiny and love are familiar with the area as well.

Simple incite into growing in a Paternalistic community, 14 Jan 2001
Cisneros' series of vignettes is an interesting look at how a young girl feels growing up in paternalistic society. Determined not to grow up a victim like the women she sees around her, Esperanza, uses writing as a way of escape. While there is little action, there is many interesting, subtle observations which make this book readable.

A review of the incredible novel, House on Mango Street, 04 Nov 1997
The House on Mango Street is a novel filled with sudden explosions of powerful emotion. Just when the reader feels serene with the book's atmosphere, a shocking statement or scene jumps out of it's pages. "My aunt, a little oyster, a little piece of meat on an open shell for us to look at." This is just some of the amazing metaphoric language expressed that draws the reader into these stories. Sandy Cisneros keeps her chapters short which reflects her great ability to create wild imagery in such a consise way. The author deals with personal life stuggles; some deep others trifling. An example is when them main character, Ezperanza, explains how she feels about her name. "At school they say my name funny as if the syllables were made out of tin and hurt the roof of your mouth." Although some of her troubles may seem childish they are something we can all relate to. Having these inevitable commonalities with this book only makes the reading all more enjoyable. The House on Mango Street will bring up a lot of questions about of our own lives and yet answer so many more.

Beautiful, Lyrical, Lusty, 27 Apr 1999
I'm not sure I can really articulate how amazing Sandra's work is. She goes beyond modernism, beyond the language poets, and straight into the language of the heart, soul, and body.

Buy it. Read it. Buy another copy for a friend., 25 May 1998
Ay! Sandra is amazing. Amazing, fantastic, loud, bawdy, passionate, intense, erotic, and hilarious. I know that as a Chicana who has lived in Texas I probably get a couple more references than the average woman but no matter what nationality or age or any other inconsequential thing that a woman is sub-classified as being... I can read them a line or two of Sandra and if they haven't felt it themselves well then their best girlfriend has confided it over a cup of cafe, a shotglass of tequila, or a frozen margarita. Sandra's cadencences and images are Latina in flavor but the emotion is pura mujer. Pure woman. Salud.

sexy,spicy hispanic charm that drips from each saucy page., 18 Apr 1997
Being a poet, it is highly refreshing to come across a woman with such a strong and developed voice such as Cisneros. After reading "Loose Woman" in one sitting I began to feel a connection to her more than any other poet I have ever had the pleasure to have read. This book allows the reader into the mind of a lyrical poetess with a voice that seems to follow and holler with such sexy and spicy charm.

Beautiful, Lyrical, Lusty, 27 Apr 1999
I'm not sure I can really articulate how amazing Sandra's work is. She goes beyond modernism, beyond the language poets, and straight into the language of the heart, soul, and body.

Buy it. Read it. Buy another copy for a friend., 25 May 1998
Ay! Sandra is amazing. Amazing, fantastic, loud, bawdy, passionate, intense, erotic, and hilarious. I know that as a Chicana who has lived in Texas I probably get a couple more references than the average woman but no matter what nationality or age or any other inconsequential thing that a woman is sub-classified as being... I can read them a line or two of Sandra and if they haven't felt it themselves well then their best girlfriend has confided it over a cup of cafe, a shotglass of tequila, or a frozen margarita. Sandra's cadencences and images are Latina in flavor but the emotion is pura mujer. Pure woman. Salud.

sexy,spicy hispanic charm that drips from each saucy page., 18 Apr 1997
Being a poet, it is highly refreshing to come across a woman with such a strong and developed voice such as Cisneros. After reading "Loose Woman" in one sitting I began to feel a connection to her more than any other poet I have ever had the pleasure to have read. This book allows the reader into the mind of a lyrical poetess with a voice that seems to follow and holler with such sexy and spicy charm.

A great story about a family being together., 02 Jun 1998
I like it because the illustration are great beacause the family is together. I like how she is an arthor and illustrator and I also liked that family pictures is her favorite book. I like her writing because it is clear and good and there are no mistakes. I reccommend this book to other kids.

A must hear from a contemporary Sheherazade, 31 Oct 2002
Author Sandra Cisneros gives resonant voice to her first novel since the widely acclaimed "The House On Mango Street." Her articulation brings these fictional characters to vibrant life and adds an unexpected richness to her story of Mexican/American culture.

We return to Chicago's Mexican/American community and the family of Lala Reyes, a generous and vital woman. She comes from a clan of shawl makers, and now owns the caramelo, a beautiful striped rebozo which symbolizes history and the meaning of blood ties.

A gifted and intriguing story teller, Cisneros holds nothing back as she paints fully realized human beings with all their flaws, foibles, and goodness. Her story begins with the Reyes' family's annual trek from Chicago to Mexico City, which is where Lala hears the stories of her forebears and their sometimes hard scrabble lives in San Antonio, Texas and Mexico. Stories may be true or they may be embroidered - but there is always something to learn.

Caramelo is a saga replete with life, love and laughter told by a natural weaver of tales. This is a must-hear from a contemporary Sheherazade.

"I am a red balloon tied to an anchor.", 27 Sep 2005
A series of vignettes, rather than a structured novel, House on Mango Street is Sandra Cisneros's semi-autobiographical account of growing up Chicana in a poor area of Chicago. Esperanza Cordero, at age eleven, has already discovered that being able to communicate in English is a key to worldly success, and she has begun recording stories of her neighborhood, friends, and everyday life, hoping one day to become a writer. Recreating one year of her life, she vividly depicts the children's fierce loyalties to each other, their alienation from mainstream society, and their goals in life, sadly limited by the culture and its low expectations for girls and women.

Maintaining a childish innocence, Esperanza's first person account reveals her growing awareness of alternatives to her Mango Street existence. She is saddened that her friend Sally, an abused child, never escapes, marrying very early ("in a state where children can marry before they have finished eighth grade"). Alicia, an older, highly motivated friend, however, works to achieve an education and spends long hours traveling to and from school so that she can move beyond Mango Street. Her prescient Aunt Lupe tells Esperanza to "Keep writing. It will keep you free," and a psychic tells her that she must work hard and write so that she can "come back for those who cannot make it out on their own."

Dealing with everyday issues of maturity, a growing awareness of her own sexuality, and her resentment of a world which does not value women, Esperanza is an astute observer, telling stories filled with the humor, wonder, and sometimes heartbreak. As she tells about innocently riding in a stolen car; about the death of her friend Marin's boyfriend whose Mexican parents will never hear of his death because no one knows where to find them; about being assaulted while waiting for her friend Sally, who never answers her pleas for help; about Mamacita, who never leaves her apartment because she is cannot communicate in English; and about her own mother's inability to travel on public transportation because she is afraid, she recreates Mango Street with all its limitations--and excitements.

Like a red balloon which wants to escape its anchor, Esperanza dreams of having a better home, a better life, and greater opportunities. "I have decided not to grow up tame," she says, but she is firmly anchored to Mango Street through her experiences, and these, she discovers ironically, will eventually become the source material for her writing. Through Mango Street, Esperanza defines herself, but through her writing, she will set herself free. Mary Whipple

A hopeful Lationo girl's poignant display of her life., 29 Nov 2001
People are scarred to go down Mango Street, the run down nieghborhood subject to much shame. Esperanza will captivate you as she displays the truth of the lower class Latino neighborhood by examining the unique inhabitants. Shame, beauty, destiny and love are familiar with the area as well.

Simple incite into growing in a Paternalistic community, 14 Jan 2001
Cisneros' series of vignettes is an interesting look at how a young girl feels growing up in paternalistic society. Determined not to grow up a victim like the women she sees around her, Esperanza, uses writing as a way of escape. While there is little action, there is many interesting, subtle observations which make this book readable.

A review of the incredible novel, House on Mango Street, 04 Nov 1997
The House on Mango Street is a novel filled with sudden explosions of powerful emotion. Just when the reader feels serene with the book's atmosphere, a shocking statement or scene jumps out of it's pages. "My aunt, a little oyster, a little piece of meat on an open shell for us to look at." This is just some of the amazing metaphoric language expressed that draws the reader into these stories. Sandy Cisneros keeps her chapters short which reflects her great ability to create wild imagery in such a consise way. The author deals with personal life stuggles; some deep others trifling. An example is when them main character, Ezperanza, explains how she feels about her name. "At school they say my name funny as if the syllables were made out of tin and hurt the roof of your mouth." Although some of her troubles may seem childish they are something we can all relate to. Having these inevitable commonalities with this book only makes the reading all more enjoyable. The House on Mango Street will bring up a lot of questions about of our own lives and yet answer so many more.

Beautiful, Lyrical, Lusty, 27 Apr 1999
I'm not sure I can really articulate how amazing Sandra's work is. She goes beyond modernism, beyond the language poets, and straight into the language of the heart, soul, and body.

Buy it. Read it. Buy another copy for a friend., 25 May 1998
Ay! Sandra is amazing. Amazing, fantastic, loud, bawdy, passionate, intense, erotic, and hilarious. I know that as a Chicana who has lived in Texas I probably get a couple more references than the average woman but no matter what nationality or age or any other inconsequential thing that a woman is sub-classified as being... I can read them a line or two of Sandra and if they haven't felt it themselves well then their best girlfriend has confided it over a cup of cafe, a shotglass of tequila, or a frozen margarita. Sandra's cadencences and images are Latina in flavor but the emotion is pura mujer. Pure woman. Salud.

sexy,spicy hispanic charm that drips from each saucy page., 18 Apr 1997
Being a poet, it is highly refreshing to come across a woman with such a strong and developed voice such as Cisneros. After reading "Loose Woman" in one sitting I began to feel a connection to her more than any other poet I have ever had the pleasure to have read. This book allows the reader into the mind of a lyrical poetess with a voice that seems to follow and holler with such sexy and spicy charm.

Beautiful, Lyrical, Lusty, 27 Apr 1999
I'm not sure I can really articulate how amazing Sandra's work is. She goes beyond modernism, beyond the language poets, and straight into the language of the heart, soul, and body.

Buy it. Read it. Buy another copy for a friend., 25 May 1998
Ay! Sandra is amazing. Amazing, fantastic, loud, bawdy, passionate, intense, erotic, and hilarious. I know that as a Chicana who has lived in Texas I probably get a couple more references than the average woman but no matter what nationality or age or any other inconsequential thing that a woman is sub-classified as being... I can read them a line or two of Sandra and if they haven't felt it themselves well then their best girlfriend has confided it over a cup of cafe, a shotglass of tequila, or a frozen margarita. Sandra's cadencences and images are Latina in flavor but the emotion is pura mujer. Pure woman. Salud.

sexy,spicy hispanic charm that drips from each saucy page., 18 Apr 1997
Being a poet, it is highly refreshing to come across a woman with such a strong and developed voice such as Cisneros. After reading "Loose Woman" in one sitting I began to feel a connection to her more than any other poet I have ever had the pleasure to have read. This book allows the reader into the mind of a lyrical poetess with a voice that seems to follow and holler with such sexy and spicy charm.

A great story about a family being together., 02 Jun 1998
I like it because the illustration are great beacause the family is together. I like how she is an arthor and illustrator and I also liked that family pictures is her favorite book. I like her writing because it is clear and good and there are no mistakes. I reccommend this book to other kids.

A must hear from a contemporary Sheherazade, 31 Oct 2002
Author Sandra Cisneros gives resonant voice to her first novel since the widely acclaimed "The House On Mango Street." Her articulation brings these fictional characters to vibrant life and adds an unexpected richness to her story of Mexican/American culture.

We return to Chicago's Mexican/American community and the family of Lala Reyes, a generous and vital woman. She comes from a clan of shawl makers, and now owns the caramelo, a beautiful striped rebozo which symbolizes history and the meaning of blood ties.

A gifted and intriguing story teller, Cisneros holds nothing back as she paints fully realized human beings with all their flaws, foibles, and goodness. Her story begins with the Reyes' family's annual trek from Chicago to Mexico City, which is where Lala hears the stories of her forebears and their sometimes hard scrabble lives in San Antonio, Texas and Mexico. Stories may be true or they may be embroidered - but there is always something to learn.

Caramelo is a saga replete with life, love and laughter told by a natural weaver of tales. This is a must-hear from a contemporary Sheherazade.

A must hear from a contemporary Sheherazade, 31 Oct 2002
Author Sandra Cisneros gives resonant voice to her first novel since the widely acclaimed "The House On Mango Street." Her articulation brings these fictional characters to vibrant life and adds an unexpected richness to her story of Mexican/American culture.

We return to Chicago's Mexican/American community and the family of Lala Reyes, a generous and vital woman. She comes from a clan of shawl makers, and now owns the caramelo, a beautiful striped rebozo which symbolizes history and the meaning of blood ties.

A gifted and intriguing story teller, Cisneros holds nothing back as she paints fully realized human beings with all their flaws, foibles, and goodness. Her story begins with the Reyes' family's annual trek from Chicago to Mexico City, which is where Lala hears the stories of her forebears and their sometimes hard scrabble lives in San Antonio, Texas and Mexico. Stories may be true or they may be embroidered - but there is always something to learn.

Caramelo is a saga replete with life, love and laughter told by a natural weaver of tales. This is a must-hear from a contemporary Sheherazade.

"I am a red balloon tied to an anchor.", 27 Sep 2005
A series of vignettes, rather than a structured novel, House on Mango Street is Sandra Cisneros's semi-autobiographical account of growing up Chicana in a poor area of Chicago. Esperanza Cordero, at age eleven, has already discovered that being able to communicate in English is a key to worldly success, and she has begun recording stories of her neighborhood, friends, and everyday life, hoping one day to become a writer. Recreating one year of her life, she vividly depicts the children's fierce loyalties to each other, their alienation from mainstream society, and their goals in life, sadly limited by the culture and its low expectations for girls and women.

Maintaining a childish innocence, Esperanza's first person account reveals her growing awareness of alternatives to her Mango Street existence. She is saddened that her friend Sally, an abused child, never escapes, marrying very early ("in a state where children can marry before they have finished eighth grade"). Alicia, an older, highly motivated friend, however, works to achieve an education and spends long hours traveling to and from school so that she can move beyond Mango Street. Her prescient Aunt Lupe tells Esperanza to "Keep writing. It will keep you free," and a psychic tells her that she must work hard and write so that she can "come back for those who cannot make it out on their own."

Dealing with everyday issues of maturity, a growing awareness of her own sexuality, and her resentment of a world which does not value women, Esperanza is an astute observer, telling stories filled with the humor, wonder, and sometimes heartbreak. As she tells about innocently riding in a stolen car; about the death of her friend Marin's boyfriend whose Mexican parents will never hear of his death because no one knows where to find them; about being assaulted while waiting for her friend Sally, who never answers her pleas for help; about Mamacita, who never leaves her apartment because she is cannot communicate in English; and about her own mother's inability to travel on public transportation because she is afraid, she recreates Mango Street with all its limitations--and excitements.

Like a red balloon which wants to escape its anchor, Esperanza dreams of having a better home, a better life, and greater opportunities. "I have decided not to grow up tame," she says, but she is firmly anchored to Mango Street through her experiences, and these, she discovers ironically, will eventually become the source material for her writing. Through Mango Street, Esperanza defines herself, but through her writing, she will set herself free. Mary Whipple

A hopeful Lationo girl's poignant display of her life., 29 Nov 2001
People are scarred to go down Mango Street, the run down nieghborhood subject to much shame. Esperanza will captivate you as she displays the truth of the lower class Latino neighborhood by examining the unique inhabitants. Shame, beauty, destiny and love are familiar with the area as well.

Simple incite into growing in a Paternalistic community, 14 Jan 2001
Cisneros' series of vignettes is an interesting look at how a young girl feels growing up in paternalistic society. Determined not to grow up a victim like the women she sees around her, Esperanza, uses writing as a way of escape. While there is little action, there is many interesting, subtle observations which make this book readable.

A review of the incredible novel, House on Mango Street, 04 Nov 1997
The House on Mango Street is a novel filled with sudden explosions of powerful emotion. Just when the reader feels serene with the book's atmosphere, a shocking statement or scene jumps out of it's pages. "My aunt, a little oyster, a little piece of meat on an open shell for us to look at." This is just some of the amazing metaphoric language expressed that draws the reader into these stories. Sandy Cisneros keeps her chapters short which reflects her great ability to create wild imagery in such a consise way. The author deals with personal life stuggles; some deep others trifling. An example is when them main character, Ezperanza, explains how she feels about her name. "At school they say my name funny as if the syllables were made out of tin and hurt the roof of your mouth." Although some of her troubles may seem childish they are something we can all relate to. Having these inevitable commonalities with this book only makes the reading all more enjoyable. The House on Mango Street will bring up a lot of questions about of our own lives and yet answer so many more.

Beautiful, Lyrical, Lusty, 27 Apr 1999
I'm not sure I can really articulate how amazing Sandra's work is. She goes beyond modernism, beyond the language poets, and straight into the language of the heart, soul, and body.

Buy it. Read it. Buy another copy for a friend., 25 May 1998
Ay! Sandra is amazing. Amazing, fantastic, loud, bawdy, passionate, intense, erotic, and hilarious. I know that as a Chicana who has lived in Texas I probably get a couple more references than the average woman but no matter what nationality or age or any other inconsequential thing that a woman is sub-classified as being... I can read them a line or two of Sandra and if they haven't felt it themselves well then their best girlfriend has confided it over a cup of cafe, a shotglass of tequila, or a frozen margarita. Sandra's cadencences and images are Latina in flavor but the emotion is pura mujer. Pure woman. Salud.

sexy,spicy hispanic charm that drips from each saucy page., 18 Apr 1997
Being a poet, it is highly refreshing to come across a woman with such a strong and developed voice such as Cisneros. After reading "Loose Woman" in one sitting I began to feel a connection to her more than any other poet I have ever had the pleasure to have read. This book allows the reader into the mind of a lyrical poetess with a voice that seems to follow and holler with such sexy and spicy charm.

Beautiful, Lyrical, Lusty, 27 Apr 1999
I'm not sure I can really articulate how amazing Sandra's work is. She goes beyond modernism, beyond the language poets, and straight into the language of the heart, soul, and body.

Buy it. Read it. Buy another copy for a friend., 25 May 1998
Ay! Sandra is amazing. Amazing, fantastic, loud, bawdy, passionate, intense, erotic, and hilarious. I know that as a Chicana who has lived in Texas I probably get a couple more references than the average woman but no matter what nationality or age or any other inconsequential thing that a woman is sub-classified as being... I can read them a line or two of Sandra and if they haven't felt it themselves well then their best girlfriend has confided it over a cup of cafe, a shotglass of tequila, or a frozen margarita. Sandra's cadencences and images are Latina in flavor but the emotion is pura mujer. Pure woman. Salud.

sexy,spicy hispanic charm that drips from each saucy page., 18 Apr 1997
Being a poet, it is highly refreshing to come across a woman with such a strong and developed voice such as Cisneros. After reading "Loose Woman" in one sitting I began to feel a connection to her more than any other poet I have ever had the pleasure to have read. This book allows the reader into the mind of a lyrical poetess with a voice that seems to follow and holler with such sexy and spicy charm.

A great story about a family being together., 02 Jun 1998
I like it because the illustration are great beacause the family is together. I like how she is an arthor and illustrator and I also liked that family pictures is her favorite book. I like her writing because it is clear and good and there are no mistakes. I reccommend this book to other kids.

A must hear from a contemporary Sheherazade, 31 Oct 2002
Author Sandra Cisneros gives resonant voice to her first novel since the widely acclaimed "The House On Mango Street." Her articulation brings these fictional characters to vibrant life and adds an unexpected richness to her story of Mexican/American culture.

We return to Chicago's Mexican/American community and the family of Lala Reyes, a generous and vital woman. She comes from a clan of shawl makers, and now owns the caramelo, a beautiful striped rebozo which symbolizes history and the meaning of blood ties.

A gifted and intriguing story teller, Cisneros holds nothing back as she paints fully realized human beings with all their flaws, foibles, and goodness. Her story begins with the Reyes' family's annual trek from Chicago to Mexico City, which is where Lala hears the stories of her forebears and their sometimes hard scrabble lives in San Antonio, Texas and Mexico. Stories may be true or they may be embroidered - but there is always something to learn.

Caramelo is a saga replete with life, love and laughter told by a natural weaver of tales. This is a must-hear from a contemporary Sheherazade.

A must hear from a contemporary Sheherazade, 31 Oct 2002
Author Sandra Cisneros gives resonant voice to her first novel since the widely acclaimed "The House On Mango Street." Her articulation brings these fictional characters to vibrant life and adds an unexpected richness to her story of Mexican/American culture.

We return to Chicago's Mexican/American community and the family of Lala Reyes, a generous and vital woman. She comes from a clan of shawl makers, and now owns the caramelo, a beautiful striped rebozo which symbolizes history and the meaning of blood ties.

A gifted and intriguing story teller, Cisneros holds nothing back as she paints fully realized human beings with all their flaws, foibles, and goodness. Her story begins with the Reyes' family's annual trek from Chicago to Mexico City, which is where Lala hears the stories of her forebears and their sometimes hard scrabble lives in San Antonio, Texas and Mexico. Stories may be true or they may be embroidered - but there is always something to learn.

Caramelo is a saga replete with life, love and laughter told by a natural weaver of tales. This is a must-hear from a contemporary Sheherazade.

A must hear from a contemporary Sheherazade, 31 Oct 2002
Author Sandra Cisneros gives resonant voice to her first novel since the widely acclaimed "The House On Mango Street." Her articulation brings these fictional characters to vibrant life and adds an unexpected richness to her story of Mexican/American culture.

We return to Chicago's Mexican/American community and the family of Lala Reyes, a generous and vital woman. She comes from a clan of shawl makers, and now owns the caramelo, a beautiful striped rebozo which symbolizes history and the meaning of blood ties.

A gifted and intriguing story teller, Cisneros holds nothing back as she paints fully realized human beings with all their flaws, foibles, and goodness. Her story begins with the Reyes' family's annual trek from Chicago to Mexico City, which is where Lala hears the stories of her forebears and their sometimes hard scrabble lives in San Antonio, Texas and Mexico. Stories may be true or they may be embroidered - but there is always something to learn.

Caramelo is a saga replete with life, love and laughter told by a natural weaver of tales. This is a must-hear from a contemporary Sheherazade.

"I am a red balloon tied to an anchor.", 27 Sep 2005
A series of vignettes, rather than a structured novel, House on Mango Street is Sandra Cisneros's semi-autobiographical account of growing up Chicana in a poor area of Chicago. Esperanza Cordero, at age eleven, has already discovered that being able to communicate in English is a key to worldly success, and she has begun recording stories of her neighborhood, friends, and everyday life, hoping one day to become a writer. Recreating one year of her life, she vividly depicts the children's fierce loyalties to each other, their alienation from mainstream society, and their goals in life, sadly limited by the culture and its low expectations for girls and women.

Maintaining a childish innocence, Esperanza's first person account reveals her growing awareness of alternatives to her Mango Street existence. She is saddened that her friend Sally, an abused child, never escapes, marrying very early ("in a state where children can marry before they have finished eighth grade"). Alicia, an older, highly motivated friend, however, works to achieve an education and spends long hours traveling to and from school so that she can move beyond Mango Street. Her prescient Aunt Lupe tells Esperanza to "Keep writing. It will keep you free," and a psychic tells her that she must work hard and write so that she can "come back for those who cannot make it out on their own."

Dealing with everyday issues of maturity, a growing awareness of her own sexuality, and her resentment of a world which does not value women, Esperanza is an astute observer, telling stories filled with the humor, wonder, and sometimes heartbreak. As she tells about innocently riding in a stolen car; about the death of her friend Marin's boyfriend whose Mexican parents will never hear of his death because no one knows where to find them; about being assaulted while waiting for her friend Sally, who never answers her pleas for help; about Mamacita, who never leaves her apartment because she is cannot communicate in English; and about her own mother's inability to travel on public transportation because she is afraid, she recreates Mango Street with all its limitations--and excitements.

Like a red balloon which wants to escape its anchor, Esperanza dreams of having a better home, a better life, and greater opportunities. "I have decided not to grow up tame," she says, but she is firmly anchored to Mango Street through her experiences, and these, she discovers ironically, will eventually become the source material for her writing. Through Mango Street, Esperanza defines herself, but through her writing, she will set herself free. Mary Whipple

A hopeful Lationo girl's poignant display of her life., 29 Nov 2001
People are scarred to go down Mango Street, the run down nieghborhood subject to much shame. Esperanza will captivate you as she displays the truth of the lower class Latino neighborhood by examining the unique inhabitants. Shame, beauty, destiny and love are familiar with the area as well.

Simple incite into growing in a Paternalistic community, 14 Jan 2001
Cisneros' series of vignettes is an interesting look at how a young girl feels growing up in paternalistic society. Determined not to grow up a victim like the women she sees around her, Esperanza, uses writing as a way of escape. While there is little action, there is many interesting, subtle observations which make this book readable.

A review of the incredible novel, House on Mango Street, 04 Nov 1997
The House on Mango Street is a novel filled with sudden explosions of powerful emotion. Just when the reader feels serene with the book's atmosphere, a shocking statement or scene jumps out of it's pages. "My aunt, a little oyster, a little piece of meat on an open shell for us to look at." This is just some of the amazing metaphoric language expressed that draws the reader into these stories. Sandy Cisneros keeps her chapters short which reflects her great ability to create wild imagery in such a consise way. The author deals with personal life stuggles; some deep others trifling. An example is when them main character, Ezperanza, explains how she feels about her name. "At school they say my name funny as if the syllables were made out of tin and hurt the roof of your mouth." Although some of her troubles may seem childish they are something we can all relate to. Having these inevitable commonalities with this book only makes the reading all more enjoyable. The House on Mango Street will bring up a lot of questions about of our own lives and yet answer so many more.

Beautiful, Lyrical, Lusty, 27 Apr 1999
I'm not sure I can really articulate how amazing Sandra's work is. She goes beyond modernism, beyond the language poets, and straight into the language of the heart, soul, and body.

Buy it. Read it. Buy another copy for a friend., 25 May 1998
Ay! Sandra is amazing. Amazing, fantastic, loud, bawdy, passionate, intense, erotic, and hilarious. I know that as a Chicana who has lived in Texas I probably get a couple more references than the average woman but no matter what nationality or age or any other inconsequential thing that a woman is sub-classified as being... I can read them a line or two of Sandra and if they haven't felt it themselves well then their best girlfriend has confided it over a cup of cafe, a shotglass of tequila, or a frozen margarita. Sandra's cadencences and images are Latina in flavor but the emotion is pura mujer. Pure woman. Salud.

sexy,spicy hispanic charm that drips from each saucy page., 18 Apr 1997
Being a poet, it is highly refreshing to come across a woman with such a strong and developed voice such as Cisneros. After reading "Loose Woman" in one sitting I began to feel a connection to her more than any other poet I have ever had the pleasure to have read. This book allows the reader into the mind of a lyrical poetess with a voice that seems to follow and holler with such sexy and spicy charm.

Beautiful, Lyrical, Lusty, 27 Apr 1999
I'm not sure I can really articulate how amazing Sandra's work is. She goes beyond modernism, beyond the language poets, and straight into the language of the heart, soul, and body.

Buy it. Read it. Buy another copy for a friend., 25 May 1998
Ay! Sandra is amazing. Amazing, fantastic, loud, bawdy, passionate, intense, erotic, and hilarious. I know that as a Chicana who has lived in Texas I probably get a couple more references than the average woman but no matter what nationality or age or any other inconsequential thing that a woman is sub-classified as being... I can read them a line or two of Sandra and if they haven't felt it themselves well then their best girlfriend has confided it over a cup of cafe, a shotglass of tequila, or a frozen margarita. Sandra's cadencences and images are Latina in flavor but the emotion is pura mujer. Pure woman. Salud.

sexy,spicy hispanic charm that drips from each saucy page., 18 Apr 1997
Being a poet, it is highly refreshing to come across a woman with such a strong and developed voice such as Cisneros. After reading "Loose Woman" in one sitting I began to feel a connection to her more than any other poet I have ever had the pleasure to have read. This book allows the reader into the mind of a lyrical poetess with a voice that seems to follow and holler with such sexy and spicy charm.

A great story about a family being together., 02 Jun 1998
I like it because the illustration are great beacause the family is together. I like how she is an arthor and illustrator and I also liked that family pictures is her favorite book. I like her writing because it is clear and good and there are no mistakes. I reccommend this book to other kids.

A must hear from a contemporary Sheherazade, 31 Oct 2002
Author Sandra Cisneros gives resonant voice to her first novel since the widely acclaimed "The House On Mango Street." Her articulation brings these fictional characters to vibrant life and adds an unexpected richness to her story of Mexican/American culture.

We return to Chicago's Mexican/American community and the family of Lala Reyes, a generous and vital woman. She comes from a clan of shawl makers, and now owns the caramelo, a beautiful striped rebozo which symbolizes history and the meaning of blood ties.

A gifted and intriguing story teller, Cisneros holds nothing back as she paints fully realized human beings with all their flaws, foibles, and goodness. Her story begins with the Reyes' family's annual trek from Chicago to Mexico City, which is where Lala hears the stories of her forebears and their sometimes hard scrabble lives in San Antonio, Texas and Mexico. Stories may be true or they may be embroidered - but there is always something to learn.

Caramelo is a saga replete with life, love and laughter told by a natural weaver of tales. This is a must-hear from a contemporary Sheherazade.

A must hear from a contemporary Sheherazade, 31 Oct 2002
Author Sandra Cisneros gives resonant voice to her first novel since the widely acclaimed "The House On Mango Street." Her articulation brings these fictional characters to vibrant life and adds an unexpected richness to her story of Mexican/American culture.

We return to Chicago's Mexican/American community and the family of Lala Reyes, a generous and vital woman. She comes from a clan of shawl makers, and now owns the caramelo, a beautiful striped rebozo which symbolizes history and the meaning of blood ties.

A gifted and intriguing story teller, Cisneros holds nothing back as she paints fully realized human beings with all their flaws, foibles, and goodness. Her story begins with the Reyes' family's annual trek from Chicago to Mexico City, which is where Lala hears the stories of her forebears and their sometimes hard scrabble lives in San Antonio, Texas and Mexico. Stories may be true or they may be embroidered - but there is always something to learn.

Caramelo is a saga replete with life, love and laughter told by a natural weaver of tales. This is a must-hear from a contemporary Sheherazade.

A must hear from a contemporary Sheherazade, 31 Oct 2002
Author Sandra Cisneros gives resonant voice to her first novel since the widely acclaimed "The House On Mango Street." Her articulation brings these fictional characters to vibrant life and adds an unexpected richness to her story of Mexican/American culture.

We return to Chicago's Mexican/American community and the family of Lala Reyes, a generous and vital woman. She comes from a clan of shawl makers, and now owns the caramelo, a beautiful striped rebozo which symbolizes history and the meaning of blood ties.

A gifted and intriguing story teller, Cisneros holds nothing back as she paints fully realized human beings with all their flaws, foibles, and goodness. Her story begins with the Reyes' family's annual trek from Chicago to Mexico City, which is where Lala hears the stories of her forebears and their sometimes hard scrabble lives in San Antonio, Texas and Mexico. Stories may be true or they may be embroidered - but there is always something to learn.

Caramelo is a saga replete with life, love and laughter told by a natural weaver of tales. This is a must-hear from a contemporary Sheherazade.