Read together, Sylvia Mendoza's The Book of Latina Women: 150 Vidas of Passion, Strength and Success and Margarita Tompkins and David William Foster's Notable Twentieth-Century Latin American Woman: A Biographical Dictionary cover nearly every late-19th century, 20th century, and 21st century Latina who has made an impact in political, economic, social and/or artistic terms. With a dearth of such books in any publisher's booklist, The Book of Latina Women: 150 Vidas of Passion, Strength and Success fills an unnecessary void.
The Book of Latina Women: 150 Vidas of Passion, Strength and Success
Mendoza's background as a journalist shows in these short biographies. Starting with "Trailblazers" such as Queen Isabella de Castile, Benvenida Abravanel, La Malinche, Saint Teresa de Avila, Sor Juana, Maria de las Mercedes Barbudo,, Juana Briones and Sophia Hayden, Mendoza then launches into chapters separating notable Latina women by subject, with sections for:
- Athletes
- The Arts
- The Sciences
- Television
- Activists, Leaders and Politicians
- Entrepreneurs
- Writers and Editors
- Doctors
- Educators
- Entertainers
Some of the selections for inclusion have been traditionally ignored as significant contributors to society, such as Sonia Manzano, the actress who plays the role of "Maria" on Sesame Street. Mendoza devotes nearly two pages to the contemporary actress, opening the entry with "Sonia Manzano's biggest fans are about three feet tall.
Her best friends are the furry and feathered creatures that live on Sesame Street." (104) The entry continues, outlining Manzano's 15 Emmy Awards for writing and her publication of two children's books. In highlighting the accomplishments of Latina women often ignored by traditional media, Mendoza's book showcases a complex whole behind many Latin American women in contemporary society.
Sylvia Mendoza's Collection and Contemporary Latina Women
The book isn't perfect, though. Some major figures, such as Manuela Saenz, are missing. Some of the entries stop abruptly, and there is an unevenness to the writing. Some entries are sharp and engaging, while others plod along like an undergraduate history assignment. Compare these two entries:
"Dolores Jimenez y Muro lived by Zapata's freedom cry during the Mexican Revolution. Fearless, outspoken, and willing to die for her country, she was a freedom fighter - a soldadera - and quickly became public enemy number one."
"Sophia Hayden was the first woman admitted into the architecture program at the Massachusetts Institute of technology (MIT), graduating with honors in 1890. MIT had the first school of architecture in the United States, which opened in 1865."
These two women's entries appear back to back, and the different treatment is striking. Nonetheless, their inclusion and spotlighting helps to add Latina women back to the historical narrative and provides a springboard for students and scholars. Worth reading, but especially in conjunction with Tomkins and Foster's book, The Book of Latina Women: 150 Vidas of Passion, Strength and Success contributes to the field.
To Buy the Book The Book of Latina Women: 150 Vidas of Passion, Strength and Success:
Mendoza, Sylvia. The Book of Latina Women: 150 Vidas of Passion, Strength and Success. Adams Media, 2004.
To read related book reviews on Latin American History and women's history, please check out the following articles in History Books:
Notable Latin American Women - covering 1500-1900 and highlighting more than 20 women, this book provides more than a glimpse into the lives of Latin American Women.
Through Women's Eyes: An American History - documents form the basis for analyzing women's role in U.S. history, with excellent coverage of U.S.-Mexican and Puerto Rican issues.
Women in Latin America and the Caribbean - an in-depth look at historical, political, social and economic factors in Latin American history and their effect on gender issues and women's experience.
Melanie Zoltan - Melanie Zoltan is a former college professor and administrator who has written for About.com, PCWorld, Brain Child, Thomson Gale, and ...
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