Customer Reviews

Stories from Mexico/Historias de Mexico

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Because the stories are ancient stories that reflect themes still used in modern Latin America the reading is interesting for older readers while still being easy enough for beginners and intermediates. Reading is much more pleasurable when, in difficult sections, one doesn't have to go searching through a separate dictionary. Translations are not literal and therefore instructive in phraseology. I found this to be a refreshing alternative. I can suggest a new magazine out called Mi Gente which also does English and Spanish side by side on current Latin American issues.

This soft-covered book of 140 pages contains 16 Mexican legends spanning >1500 years. These are easy, enjoyable stories to read, especially appropriate for the early Spanish learner. Having side-by-side English translation is immensely helpful [though in the back of the book there is an additional appropriate dictionary]. Few of the complicated Spanish verb forms, viz., subjunctive, are found which is a minor point. All the legends are popular Mexican legends, appropriate for young and old.

I have only one reservation with one story [content]: #16, The Bed of Roses [Un lecho de rosas] which manages to portray Hernan Cortez as a victim of this own army in his reluctance to torture the Aztec leaders Cuautemoc and Tacuba for their treasures. One can only sigh and agree with the wag who stated that history is strictly written by the victors.

Nevertheless, the short stories are on the whole easy, entertaining and informative for all who wish to either brush up or test Spanish as a second language. I suggest purchasing this reasonably priced book if these are your goals.

Stories from Mexico/Historias de Mexico is a wonderful book for improving Spanish reading skills. In fact, the other two books in the series, Stories From Spain and Stories From Latin America are equally great. Each book makes wide and varied use of vocabulary so that each one of the books teaches new words. The translations are usually extremely faithful, which is important when the point is to build vocabulary knowledge and not literary beauty. These books are even great for teaching English to Spanish speaking ESL students. While spending my summer in Costa Rica I used Historias de Mexico with one of my English students and she loved it. The stories are short, so one does not become frustrated and they are very entertaining. Buy this book! I would LOVE to see a professional recording come out on this series.

I have had trouble finding side-by-side readers appropriate for my level. (I would say I am at an intermediate to advanced-intermediate level) This book is perfect for my level, in fact, the best I have found so far. The stories are normally around three to four pages long and interesting. Another book I would recommend is "First Spanish Reader."

This is a fantastic book for Spanish review and practice. Very easy to check yourself and translate vocabulary because of the accurate English translations. The stories give you cultural insight,as well.

Just purchased the other day, "Historias de Mexico" is the first book I've read in the Spanish language. After having read the first story "El Sol y La Luna," I felt such a mark of satisfaction and accomplishment. Even though the stories are short and most finish with a "thud," or a dull ending, the cultural value and stories are good enough. However after reading several stories, the initial charm waned-off completely.

The real beauty, at least for the student, lies in the rapid learning of new words and phrases and the recognition of verb conjugation [this especially has helped me to see more clearly the differentiation of the Past Definite (Preterite) and Imperfect (and past continuous) in action.] Plus, the book does build confidence in reading Spanish.

I've taught myself Spanish (having studied off an on the last couple of years) and can understand up to 90 percent of the text without looking at the English translation. I rated it as a 5 for its value as a study-aid, but as for the book's literature and reader-engagement, I feel it earns a 3 or less. I don't plan on buying another from this series, and instead, I'm going to read a real Spanish novel.

Great book, interesting stories and legends from Mexico. Intermediate level Spanish, or a little above. The short 2-3 page stories are a good introduction to some of the legends of Mexico. I enjoyed having the side-by-side translation; it made it easier to understand the full translation. not just word by word text. Highly recommended.

This is a small book, but great reading. When the space shuttle was visible from Mexico a friend saw it with great delight and found out that
a young gentleman talked about the rabbit on the moon, which she had never heard of before, so the first story is all about this. Good for those who want to be bi lingual

This book came right away, earlier than expected, and was in good shape. The stories are wonderful, and perfect for language learners.

Entertaining stories that are short and easy to read. These dual language stories are a great way to improve and practice your Spanish. Many of the words are repeated in later stories so it is really easy to memorize the meanings of those words.