On October 6th, the Imperatore Library and the Latinx Affinity group are co-hosting an intergenerational zoom discussion and documentary screening of "Latinos Beyond Reel." The film explores some of the stereotypes of Latinx, Hispanic and Spanish peoples in our news and entertainment media and how these representations affect youth. Contact Dr. Buggs to participate in this event.
Here's a quick preview of the documentary:
In order to get this important conversation started, we asked DE Faculty and Staff to share some of their favorite books by Latinx/Hispanic/Spanish authors that were turned into movies. The books and films challenge some of the stereotypical media representations of this very diverse group of people.
Below is a sampling of their responses. (No spoilers! Links to e-books included at the bottom of this post).
Dr. Ericka Collado, LS Spanish teacher:
Recommendation for a movie based on a book: "'In the Time of the Butterflies' by Julia Alvarez, based on a true story. The book is one of my favorites. When I read it, I couldn't put it down. I laughed, cried, and cheered for the Mirabal sisters."
Favorite scene/quote: "Both in the book and in the movie, the scene that I always remember is the one where Minerva Mirabal graduates from law school. At the time, women were not allowed to attend law school yet she was granted permission by President Trujillo. On the day of the graduation, she does not get the diploma from Trujillo as he states that he allowed her to attend law school but that did not mean she could practice law."
Why it's a must read/must watch: "As a Latina woman who earned a doctorate in education, I can relate to the struggle of Minerva Mirabal to earn a higher education degree. Although, we are fortunate enough not to live in a dictatorship, educated Latinas are often faced with a similar predicament. We may be part of a group of professionals considered the elite in education, yet, we are underprivileged within that elite and as result marginalized for being women and Latinas."
Check out the movie trailer here.
Dr. Collado's suggestions for other books by Latinx/Hispanic authors:
Janet García-Levitas, LS Spanish Teacher:
Recommendation for a book: "'La casa de los Espíritus (The House of Spirits)' by Isabel Allende. I strongly recommend the novel and strongly discourage watching the movie, as the movie is pretty bad and does not reflect the novel well.
Favorite quote: "No se puede encontrar a quien no quiere ser encontrado (You can't find someone who doesn't want to be found)."
Why it's a must read/must watch: "The book tells the story of the Trueba family through four generations, while interweaving the history of Chile throughout their story. It is beautifully written, very interesting and a definite page turner."
Maria Sanchez-Gardner '71, Director of Alumni Relations:
Recommendation for movie based on a book: "Almost a Woman" based on the book "When I was Puerto Rican" by Esmeralda Santiago.
Favorite quote: "In the 21 years that I lived with my mother, we moved 23 times. Each time I packed my belongings, I left a little of myself in the rooms that sheltered me, never home, always just the places I lived. I congratulated myself on how easy it was to leave them, how well I packed everything I owned into a couple of boxes and suitcases.”
Why it's a must read/must watch: "It's an excellent coming of age memoir. The story reached me."
Check out the trailer here.
Maria Sanchez-Gardner's suggestions for books by Latinx/Hispanic authors:
Daniel Carragher, Chair, Human Development Department:
Dr. Carragher's suggestions for other books by Latinx/Hispanic authors:
