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Idaho
Librarian Vol. 56, No. 1 | ||||||||||||||
| Contents
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The Latino population is the fastest-growing minority in Idaho with 101,690 people according to the 2000 census and projected growth of 114 percent to 205,000 in 2025 (p. 12). At present, much of the rich historical and cultural heritage of this portion of our population might not be widely known outside the Latino community. Robert McCarl, professor of anthropology at Boise State University, offers this book to inform a wider audience and “to illustrate the richness and diversity of Idaho’s Latino cultures” (p. 10). He has enlisted a variety of expert contributors and compiled this short book packed with essays, biographies and interviews focusing on the history, folk traditions and culture of the Latino community of southern Idaho. These selections have been well researched and written. They present the different faces of the Latino in Idaho. They show the part Latinos have played in mining, ranching, farming, railroading, politics and the arts. They give glimpses into the lives of people who have made major contributions in the social, political, and artistic realms of life in Idaho. It is a good blend of Latino history and culture. The contemporary and historical photographs augment the text and add a personal touch. The colorful cover invites browsing, and the book proves to be interesting, informative and entertaining. Latinos in Idaho is for anyone interested in Idaho's Latino heritage, as well as for those interested in developing other folk festivals similar to the Fiesta Idaho 2000.
There
is a lot of information packed into this small volume.
Anyone who would like to flesh out the bones in Idaho history texts
will find it a good place to start. One thread that persists throughout
the book is that more needs to be written about the Latinos and their
culture. In fact, McCarl
states, “The essays in this volume are designed to suggest further
inquiry and research” (p. 8). The
last section of the book is “Idaho Latinos: Sources and Opportunities
for Further Research.”
There
exists a need in the literature of Idaho for information on the minority
cultures in our society. They
are all a part of Idaho’s rich heritage.
Latinos in Idaho is a much-needed addition to the literature
about the Mexican American in Idaho in particular and in the United States
in general. All libraries
should purchase this important book.
I recommend it highly. | |||||||||||||
