A "creative" biography (mixture of fiction and non-fiction) about an uncommon common man.
Heather Rodriguez, a college student in San Antonio, Texas, is given an assignment to interview an elderly person for a class project. She choose Lorenzo "Lencho" Anzaldua, an 86 year old man in a nursing home. Thus begins the story about the relationship these two forge, and about Lencho's life as a Mexican-American immigrant in South Texas during the turbulent 20th century.
The story is told in a series of interviews with alternating flashbacks from the point sof view of significant people in Lencho's life. It is the story of a thoroughly self-made man told with compassion, humor and candor. It is sprinkled with Spanish expressions and gives the reader a glimpse of the Mexican-American culture of that time and place.
Professional Reviews
ForeWord Clarion Review
...Ford's book is cleverly devised, using the college student's assignment to link her father's last das with his recollections of past adventures. It contains a satisfying mix of narrative and dialogue, a realistic peppering of common Spanish conversational phrases, and an unvarnished gliimpse of Mexican-American cultural history.
Though the unusual mix of fact and fiction in this book might bother some readers, the indominable personality of Lencho is what stands out. He is a strong, stubborn man who labored extremely hard to build a life for himself and his family in a less than hospitable land. Americans of Hispanic origin may be especially appreciative of Ford's efforts to capture the cherished memories of her father--his strong work ethic and often hilarious escapades, romances, and brushes with the law, which are painted against a backdrop of hardship poverty, and racial prejudice.
~Barbara Scott
Margaret Kohel Evans invites her mother's grandchildren to a delightful visit with their grandmother, sharing charming memories of her across eighteen life themes.
Jack Kelly was a child performer, son of New York model, Nan Kelly, brother of actress, Nancy Kelly, brother-in-law of actor Edmond O'Brien and cinematographer Fred Jackman, Jr. On TV, from 1957 until 1962, he was James Garner's brother on the show,
Destiny's Daughter by Frances Altman highlights events in the life of Mary Edwards Walker, maverick suffragist, Civil War doctor and only woman Medal of Honor recipient.
