[.ca] La Cuentista: Traditional Tales in Spanish and English (ISBN 1878610422)

Wonderful!:
This a great book for two reasons. First, the stories are interesting and well-written. Second, if you are learning Spanish, as I am, the dual language is very helpful. Read Spanish on one side and check yourself on the other. The author has written another book or two which are very good too!

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT, AND MUCH TO CHERISH:
King Arthur instructed a boy to tell his story; Hamlet beseeched Horatio to relate his. Oral tradition has a rich literary history and, of course, has always played a vital role in preserving the world's narrative. Each culture is unique and rich in anecdotal flavor. Cuentos, traditional Hispanic stories, that have been passed from generation to generation relate that culture's values, traditions, and history. Most of the tales found in both Spanish and English in La Cuentista are from northern New Mexico communities. Each is unique and rich in anecdotal flavor. The author, a native of that region, garnered most of her material firsthand from friends, neighbors and fellow workers. An opening section titled "Story Notes" reveals her sources. These vignettes, most of which apply to the human condition, give readers soemthing to think about, and much to cherish. - Gail Cooke