Customer Reviews

Cuba, I Remember You / Cuba, te recuerdo (English and Spanish Edition)

5 star:		(22)
4 star:		(0)
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2 star:		(1)
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I picked up this book because of the bi-lingual english spanish to help me with my spanish. It was very easy to follow and most of all very interesting. Lucy, Dallas, Tx

I have to admit I was a little reluctant at getting this book because of the title, not being of Hispanic origin I felt it might be interesting to me, so on the referral of a friend I bought it and let me tell you I will not let ethnic sounding or looking books sway me in the future, this book is truly for anyone who has family stories no matter where you come from. It was very well put together with the pictures that left you with a sense of knowing the characters. I plan on reading it again, it was very touching. Jessica, New Orleans, LA

A must read for any Cuban who came to this country after the revolution started in Cuba or anyone who has had difficult strugles in life and wants to remmeber the good things and the things that were really important during all the caios. Can't wait to see what this author come out with next!

I have not read anything about Cuba in many years that was so heart warming, and based on a young boys memories of his family both pre and post revolution. I give this a big thumbs up.

I was referred to this book by another teacher who indicated they had used this in a Spanish 2 class and had great results. I read the book and was able to understand why my friend had suggested it, the stories were heart warming, exciting, funny and sad, it had it all, the spanish was superb and the classroom envolvment was structured so well I did not have to change a thing. I found this book a wonderful read and for my purposes a wonderfully useful tool. Bill, Phoenix, AZ

I had the pleasure of being a student of Dr. Ramirez and he is a wonderful person and scholar. It's no surprise that his book is as informative and exciting as the classes I attend while in college Spanish, French and Italian. I only wish I knew were he was now to ask him to sign it.

How wonderful it was to spend time with the family characters in this book. The author brings his family to life in these pages and anyone who has had those crazy, wild or funny realitive stories you can relate. I read the book in two days I just could not put it down. I recommend it to all young and old adults, I think each will find some enjoyment out of these stories. Brett, Houston, Tx

It made me laugh and made me cry, it has everything you could think of for a heart warming stroll down memory lane.

As I began reading Cuba, I Remember You by Oscar M. Ramirez-Orbea, I was intrigued by the unusual layout of the pages. The collection of short stories is presented in both English and Spanish in a way that is easily read and followed. Although I have never been to Cuba-and probably never will go there-the author took me there with his descriptive words of the island, houses where he lived, introduction of family members, vivid images of childhood friends, and other memories of his life before and after the revolution.

I was surprised to see the introduction, acknowledgements, and dedication all combined; however, this was effective and served as an overall introduction to the intriguing and informative stories. The author begins his writings on a light note as he describes his Aunt Carmita whom he calls a character with an eccentric personality, but does so with strong feelings of respect and love. His description of her as she attempted to sing classical opera brought tears of laughter to my eyes. When this beloved aunt died at the age of ninety-two in California, having been forced to leave Cuba years earlier, the author relates how her death marked the end of a period in his life-the end of an age. Dr. Ramirez-Orbea, who was forced to leave Cuba at the age of ten, realized that with her death and that of other family members, he needed to do something to keep these people alive through his words. He didn't want the memories to be lost with the passing of time. Thus he began writing an extensive journal for his private use, and this book contains selected content from this journal.

The author's relationship with others is paramount to the stories that he tells. Though it is definitely not a political or historical book, we see some aspects of both as his stories unfold through narrative that is written with deep feelings and honesty. Love is the thread that binds all the stories together-the love of a small child for his homeland, parents and relatives. His experiences, before and after the revolution, are told in a truthful and often humorous way, but there is no doubt that they eternally impacted his life. As he relates memories of his grandparents' house-a home for all-as well as the more modern house into which his family moved, readers see the world clearly through his young eyes. As an adult, the author uses his talent for writing to share both the bad and good memories of his early years in Cuba. There were terrifying experiences and situations-ones that he was happy to leave behind when he came to America. Still, they do not take away the memories of the way it once had been.

Cuba, I Remember You is a book about family, love, relationships, and survival in difficult circumstances that all readers will find to be a wonderful reading experience. Family photographs illustrate the 14 short stories, making the narrative even more interesting. It is a personal story, and though autobiographical, it is a fascinating book, blending humor and love with adventure and reality. The author succeeds in giving his family and homeland immortality through written words. This is a MUST READ!

What is effective about this book is that it finally opens the door to this virtually taboo observation of Cuba on the family level, by being treated as infallible and unquestionable, recount of a good life one family had had and lost, all by the act of one man. Dr. Ramirez remembers his family with fond memories and tells the world of a family that was no different than yours or mine.

I found that this book encourages the individuality of the cuba people to speak of the good and the bad things that happened in Cuba before and after the revolution and this books goes to show how much closer we have come. Filled with more thought-provoking questions than you will ever find, it will leave you want to know more.
I found this book to be a wonderful conversation-starter to practice my Spanish. ALthough, I was born in the US I do have Cuban family members and it was a chance to see a part of their life I was never privy too. It has encourged me to learn more than just "facts and dates" about my realitives from the family. So Thanks for the encouragement to start my own look into family memories. Vic