Mis hermanos y mis hermanas

One of the things I love about Texas is the Hispanic culture throughout the state. I’ve always felt lucky to be near such wonderful people and their art, music, and food. Though often portrayed as foreigners in their own land—or ignored completely by the media—Hispanic men and women have significantly contributed to what makes Texas (and the rest of the United States) a great place to live. From Juan Seguin to Henry B. González to Emma Tenayuca to Julián Castro, the Lone Star State has been created and shaped by inspirational and strong, diverse people.

   We are lucky here to have the Centro Cultural Hispano de San Marcos, a local institution that serves the community and helps preserve and celebrate the culture and treasures of Hispanic people. The Centro sponsors many events and classes, including a children’s summer camp. Some of their other programs include readings, a library project, and music and dance lessons.

   The Centro and the people who work there give a lot of time and energy to keep alive the things that make Texas so wonderful. I am proud to say every issue of Texas Books in Review acknowledges our Mexican American friends and all they’ve done for the Lone Star State. In this issue—our debut online—we have several reviews of books about the Mexican American experience in Texas. Joe Orbock shares his thoughts on From South Texas to the Nation: The exploitation of Mexican Labor in the Twentieth Century, and Gene Preuss reviews Leaders of the Mexican American Generation: Biographical Essays edited by Anthony Quiroz. We also have reviews of the latest fiction, poetry, and history books to come out of Texas.

   I’ve lived in a lot of places, but I’m glad to live in a state with such literary traditions. Texas is all about great books, great writers, and amazing stories. I like to think that our small publication celebrates all of those. Take a look at our website and see what our Editor in Chief says in his review-essay about Contested Empire: Rethinking the Texas Revolution in his review-essay. You can also find back issues easily and read up on what you may have missed. Our way of delivering great reviews to you may have changed, but the writing and wit are still same. I hope you enjoy this newest incarnation of Texas Books in Review.