Long Beach Public Library Foundation

What made you choose La Edad de Oro as your recommendation?

This book, La Edad de Oro, holds a special place in my heart because it embodies the spirit of resilience, hope, and the pursuit of knowledge despite adversity. José Martí, a Cuban icon of independence and freedom, first published this book in 1889. For me, this book was not just a collection of stories; it was a beacon of light during challenging times.

Martí’s words, penned in exile, spoke of a Cuba he longed to see—one where children were nurtured with love, educated with wisdom, and inspired to dream boldly. As a Cuban myself, La Edad de Oro reminded me of the importance of preserving my heritage, even when far from home. It taught me to cherish my culture, language, and history, no matter where life took me.

This book resonates with me because it represents the resilience of the human spirit, the power of education, and the beauty of dreaming beyond one’s circumstances. It reminds me that even in the darkest of times, there is always a glimmer of hope, a spark of inspiration that can ignite change and illuminate the path forward.

I believe La Edad de Oro can inspire others by showing them that literature is not just words on a page; it is a mirror reflecting our deepest aspirations and a window into a world of possibilities. It encourages readers to embrace their heritage, celebrate their identity, and strive for a better future, just as Martí envisioned for his beloved Cuba.

Where there any stand-out scenes?

There are several standout scenes and passages from La Edad de Oro that have deeply impacted my life. One of the most memorable passages is from the preface, where José Martí writes about the importance of children and the role they play in shaping the future:

“Los niños, los niños, los niños son. Los niños, los niños, los niños serán. Y entre ellos, en primer término, los pobres, a quienes no es lícito negar cuanto es posible darles: no para compensarles de la herencia de las lágrimas, sino para redimirlos de ella.”

Translated, this passage emphasizes the importance of children, especially those who are less fortunate, and the need to provide them with everything possible, not to compensate them for the inheritance of tears, but to redeem them from it. This passage has resonated with me deeply, reminding me of the responsibility we have to nurture and educate the next generation.

Another impactful scene is the story of “Los Zapaticos de Rosa” (The Little Pink Shoes). This story tells the tale of a poor Cuban girl named Rosa who, despite her humble circumstances, remains kind-hearted and generous. When a wealthy woman passes by and admires Rosa’s beautiful pink shoes, Rosa selflessly gives them to her, even though they are her only pair.

This story is a powerful reminder of the importance of kindness, generosity, and empathy. It teaches us that true wealth is not measured by material possessions but by the goodness of our hearts. “Los Zapaticos de Rosa” has left a lasting impact on me, inspiring me to always be compassionate and considerate towards others, regardless of their background or circumstances.

What do you hope other readers get from reading your book recommendation?

I hope that other readers, like myself, will be inspired by the timeless wisdom and profound insights found in La Edad de Oro. I hope that they will see the importance of education, empathy, and kindness in shaping a better future for all. I hope that this book will encourage readers to cherish their heritage, celebrate their identity, and strive for a better world, just as José Martí envisioned for his cherished Cuba. Ultimately, I hope that La Edad de Oro will ignite a spark of curiosity and compassion in the hearts of its readers, inspiring them to dream boldly and act with courage and conviction.

Did someone read to you when you were a child?

Yes, my brother..

What was the last book you read?

The last book I read was Cien Años de Soledad (One Hundred Years of Solitude). Find it at your local library branch here.

How relevant or relatable are the themes or messages of the book to your own life or to society today?

The themes and messages of La Edad de Oro are highly relevant and relatable to my own life and to society today. The book’s focus on the importance of education, empathy, and kindness resonates deeply with me. In today’s fast-paced and often divisive world, the message of nurturing the next generation, especially those who are less fortunate, is more important than ever.

Additionally, the book’s emphasis on the power of literature and storytelling to inspire change and shape a better future is something that I strongly believe in. In a world where information is constantly bombarding us, the ability to step back, reflect, and appreciate the beauty of language and storytelling is invaluable.

Do you prefer paperbacks or e-books?

I don’t have a preference myself, but many people enjoy the convenience of e-books, while others prefer the feel and experience of reading a physical paperback.

What are your favorite genres to read?

Poetry

What made you choose Hello, Universe as your recommendation?

Erin Entrada Kelly is the first author of Filipino descent to be awarded the most prestigious award in children’s literature, the Newbery Medal, and she won it for this book. Hello, Universe tells the story of a shy Filipino boy named Virgil Salinas and three fellow middle schoolers whose worlds collide in unexpected ways. Published in 2017, this book resonated with me because it was one of the first times I ever saw myself–my culture, my family–in a book, as the stories and experiences of Filipino Americans are not often reflected in American literature. As a longtime children’s librarian, this book made me cry because of its candid and heartwarming depictions of Filipino American intergenerational family life. To me, this book embodies the power of telling diverse stories and how affirming and inclusive literature can and should be.

Where there any stand-out scenes?

There’s a scene where Virgil observes his grandmother, or lola, slicing mangos. The way that Entrada Kelly described this simple act really hit me because it’s something my lola did for me when I was a child and brought up a lot of powerful personal memories.

What do you hope other readers get from reading your book recommendation?

I never realized until I read Hello, Universe how starved I was to see these cultural aspects of my own experience on a page. Representation matters and I hope readers someday get to see themselves reflected in literature if they haven’t already.

Do you prefer paperbacks or e-books?

Paperbacks!

What was the last book you read?

Crying in H Mart. Find it at your local library branch here.

What made you choose The Bluest Eye as your recommendation?

Some of the best learnings come from books that are tough to read. This is one of those books. In this book, her first novel, Morrison, takes a stark look at racism and a quest for equality and authenticity through the eyes of a young African-American girl in the depression era. We have to remember when it was written and how much things have changed, and how much things can still improve.

What are your favorite genres to read?

I love history. My parents got my brother and me library cards when we were in elementary school so we learned how to use them early. Randy and I loved to read. I really loved bios on people. Just like I love documentaries on streaming and television now. I still like true stories about people – people’s stories inspire me.

What do you hope other readers get from reading your book recommendation?

I had wanted to read this book for years and it took me a while to get to it and it was worth it. It is a heartfelt look at a difficult story. Never give up on a good book. As they say, it’s better late than never.

How old were you when you got your first library card?

I was in Elementary school at Los Cerritos Elementary in Long Beach when I got my first Long Beach Public Library card. 

As a kid I asked if I could use my parents library card and the first library I remember going to was at Los Cerritos elementary school. We also went to Harte Library on W. Willow.  

Reading for free was a privilege which our parents were very clear on. Also having a choice of what we were able to read was also a privilege.

What made you choose The Diary of a Young Girl as your recommendation?

I choose The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank as my book because I believe it is a book that speaks to the troubles of our time. The Holocaust and the death of millions of Jews, Soviet POWs, Poles, Roma and Sinti, the disabled and LGBTQ persons at the hands of the Nazis demonstrates in the most horrible of examples the danger and horror of prejudice and bias. But Anne’s diary also speaks of the courage and kindness of those willing to hide and help those who were targeted by the Nazis. Courage and kindness are what we need very much today. Her most famous quote is the first of these three sentences that follow, but the hope she demonstrates in the first sentence and following two are remarkable considering her circumstance when she wrote them, “In spite of everything I still believe that people are really good at heart. I simply can’t build up my hopes on a foundation consisting of confusion, misery, and death. I see the world gradually being turned into a wilderness, I hear the ever approaching thunder, which will destroy us too, I can feel the sufferings of millions and yet, if I look up into the heavens, I think that it will all come right, that this cruelty too will end, and that peace and tranquility will return again.”

Were there any stand-out scenes or particular passages from your recommended book that have impacted your life?

Anne’s quote, In spite of everything I still believe that people are really good at heart.” This is a sentiment I think of when I despair about the world or a personal circumstance. If she could have this optimism in her situation, surely I can in a much less dire situation.

What do you hope other readers get from reading your book recommendation?

I hope they would understand that prejudice never has a good outcome. Kindness and the courage to say that something is wrong or untrue will make this a better country and a better world.

 How old were you when you got your first library card?

I don’t remember not having one.

Did someone read to you when you were a child?

Yes, my mother was a reader and read to my sister and me until we learned to read. This habit has served me well in school and my work life.

Do you prefer paperbacks or e-books?

Although I prefer physical books to e-books, sometimes I am eager to begin a particular book and if the e-book is available from the library, I download it so I can begin reading it right away.

What are your favorite genres to read?

Mystery, historical fiction, literary fiction and humor.

Where is your favorite place to read?

My sofa. 

Is there an author you’d like to meet? Can you share their name or work?

Anne Tyler, I loved her novels Breathing Lessons, Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant, and The Accidental Tourist, among others.

What’s the last book you read?

Cannery Row (which you can find at your local neighborhood library branch by clicking here)

What book will you read next?

The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store

What made you choose Success Runs in Our Race to recommend to the community?

In my opinion, Success Runs in Our Race is a book folk can use to increase their ability to network, get together to get ahead, grow spiritually, and develop the resources leading to greater wealth and relationship success. The book allows us to realize our connectedness to one another and to share, give, and maximize all of our community and business resources.

Were there any stand-out scenes or particular passages from your recommended book that have impacted your life?

“It takes teamwork to make the dream work”

What do you hope other readers get from reading your book recommendation?

More than a guide for personal achievement, Success Runs in our Race is an information-packed bible of networking that also seeks to inspire a social movement and a rebirth of the “Underground Railroad,” in which successful African Americans share the lessons of self-determination and empowerment with those still struggling to scale the ladder of success.

 How old were you when you got your first library card?

9

How did your recommended book make you think or feel about a certain topic or issue?

Made me think about what can happen when Black entrepreneurs, professionals and civic leaders come together to effect positive change in our community.

What did you learn from the book or what did it teach you about yourself or others?

That Black people are often our own worst enemy, relying on others who have more evidence of their disdain for us than concern, to help us solve our problems.

Did someone read to you when you were a child?

My mom

Has a book ever changed your life?

Not the book itself, but the decision to take action based on what I read…Success Runs in our Race

Do you prefer paperbacks or e-books?

Paperbacks

What are your favorite genres to read?

Technical/professional development

Where is your favorite place to read?

On my patio

Is there an author you’d like to meet? Can you share their name or work?

The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream by Barack Obama

What’s the last book you read?

Smart Brevity: The Power of Saying More With Less (Which, by the way is available at Mark Twain Neighborhood Library)