Pablita Verlarde: Painting Her People is an impressive artbook that beautifully presents an historical and compelling memoir of the artist, enhanced with twenty-eight of her paintings in full color, including some previously unpublished and rarely seen. Biographer Marcella Ruch spent many hours with Pablita Verlarde recording her stories as first person reminiscences and includes anecdotes drawn from her Pueblo childhood, her mother's early death from TB, her experiences at St. Catharine's Indian School at age 5, her later years at the Santa Fe Indian School (working with Dorothy Dunn to develop her art), and painting murals at Bandelier under the WPA. There are personal reflections on the struggle to raise her children alone, and her eventual fame as an Native American painter. Here also are stories about the experiences of being a Native American woman in the 20s, 30s, and 40s, as well as being an artist able to triumph over many difficulties. Each story is illustrated with one of her paintings of Pueblo life, a photograph from her personal collection, or an historical photograph from the Museum of New Mexico photo archives. A "must" for students of Native American art history in general, and the work of Pablita Verlarde in particular, Pablita Velarde: Painting Her People is also available in paperback (0937206652, $18.95).

Metz 's thoroughly researched and well written biography details the controversial life of one of the Old West's most interesting characters, Pat Garrett - the lawman who shot and killed Billy the Kid. The story takes Garrett from his Southern childhood, to his days as a buffalo hunter on the Texas frontier, thru his tenure as a federal lawman and Sheriff of Lincoln County, New Mexico. Metz addresses the mysterious death of Garrett . It was in that position that he became embroiled in the infamous Lincoln County War. The book also provides in-depth coverage of Henry McCarty - alias Billy the Kid. Thoroughly researched and entertainingly written, Metz's story of Pat Garrett will stand as the standard resource work on this noteworthy Old West character. James P. O'Connor - Nov. '9

This is an impressive documentation of the annual Holy week pilgrimage to the santuario in the village of Chimayo in the foothills of the Sangre de Christo Mountains in northern New Mexico. The text provides illuminating insights into the history and tradition, both Indian nd Hispanic, of the shrine and the pilgrimage. The photographs, excellently reproduced, present a sensitive, inspired and inspirational, documentation of the people, the place and the journey. There are hikers nad bikers, children, old people, campfires, men bearing crosses, and on the back cover an image that points up the interface between modern life and ancient tradition. It shows a large, illuminated highway department sign that says: "PILGRAMS (sic) EXIT TO FRONTAGE." Quotations, some in Spanish, some in English, illustrate the variety of stories and motivations behind these journeys. This is a magnificent chronicle of an important piece of New Mexico tradition.

Platicas: Conversations With Hispano Writers Of New Mexico is a unique collection of interviews with six remarkable, contemporary Hispanic writers (Rudolfo A. Anaya, Denise E. Chavez, Erlinda Gonzales-Berry, E.A. "Tony" Mares, Orlando Romero, Sabine R. Ulibarri) that, taken together, represent a seminal and informative sketch of New Mexican Hispanic intellectual and artistic history. Nasario Garcia's interviews elicited candid commentary and spontaneous conversations that reveal much about life experiences, the creative process, and the unique role that culture, tradition, and geography play in the literature that these writers have produced. Platicas is an outstanding, highly recommended contribution to students of American literature, and Hispanic studies.

I have read everything about the Santa Fe prison riot, and many other books about prisons. This is by far the best I have read. Why? Because Dolph Saenz was there, and because he puts effectiveness ahead of ideology. Unlike the politicians and idealogues, Mr. Saenz put his [rear end] on the line to help end the riot peacufully.
The Santa Fe prison riot is one of the most fascinating events in American penal history. Unlike Attica, which involved deaths only in the re-taking of the prison, this involved inmate on inmate and inmate on guard violence throughout the entire seige. I've visited the prison and received a tour by guards who were there. It is truly mind-boggling in the scope of the violence that occured.
My film production company has optioned the rights to Mr. Saenz' life story. As a former policeman in Albuquerque and Latin America, Mr. Saenz has seen many exciting historical events unfold. He has always confronted threats to public safety with bravery, humor and patriotism. This book is his true account of the grisly results of what happens when an apathetic public, opportunistic politicians, and negligent security combine to allow an explosion of epic proportions. Do not for a minute think it won't happen again, if we remain ignorant of the conditions that exist in prisons all across America. Read this book to gain a greater understanding of the tragic miscalculations that are still taking place today.

Dr. Stuart has mastered the art of bringing ancient times to life. He details the beauty and splendor of the area in an extraordinary fashion. I recommend this book!

Fascinating book by Forrest on a special place at a special time in southwestern history. Very well researched. Very well written. Wonderful foreword by acclaimed New Mexican writer, conservationist, and historian deBuys. A delight all around.

PsyEarth Quest is a workable blueprint for a future society based in peace and built by technology. Anyone who liked Celestine Prophecy will enjoy this phenomenal book. It's one of the best visionary fiction novels I've come across. FYI: "The Touchstone," "Queen of the Sun" and "A Fall to Grace" are a few others.

Ms. Keegan does an excellent job of showing the rest of American how one contemporary Pueblo family lives. The photos show how both the everyday, modern lifestyle and the tradition "old ways" fit comfortably together. The Roybal girls' story is told with respect to their family and their culture. As a librarian and as a member of one of the Pueblo tribes of New Mexico, I appreciate being able to find such fine examples of Indians and their lives in modern America. The photos are beautiful and bring to life the world of Sonja and Desiree, as well the Pueblo of San Ildefonso. It is a book I would definitely recommend for anyone interested in learning more about American Indians and our place in contemporary America.

If you plan to travel in the Santa Fe/Taos/ Albuquerque area and want to see the Pueblos, this is a must. It is concise but complete.

Each Pueblo is described and history given. You'll even know how to pronounce the names properly. such as Cochiti or Acoma.

You'll know where to buy pottery, jewelry or art work.

See the beautiful Southwest.