Grandma's Santo on Its Head / El Santo Patas Arriba de Mi Abuelita - by Nasario García (Paperback)

About the Book

"In Grandma's Santo on Its Head: Stories of Days Gone By in Hispanic Villages of New Mexico, I have endeavored to re-create facets of our rich cultural heritage in rural New Mexico. The bilingual accounts, which I translated myself, are creations of my own imagination, but they do emphasize a realistic portrayal of events and characters and their modus vivendi . . . . The English version of each story is accompanied by a brief essay that puts in perspective the historical and cultural importance of the topic"--Preface.

Book Synopsis

Children and adults alike will enjoy Nasario's brilliant telling of the events that were part of his growing up. As I read the stories I heard Nasario's voice and I could see clearly the people and places he describes. I was reminded that the stories our grandparents told not only entertained us, they taught us valuable lessons.

The magic of storytelling is still with us. At home or in the classroom, stories such as these will spark the imagination and encourage reading.--Rudolfo Anaya, author of Bless Me, Ultima
The popular cuentos that parents and grandparents in rural New Mexico once upon a time told their children are a rich source of the folklore of the region and offer satisfying entertainment. In this collection of bilingual stories about the Río Puerco Valley, where Nasario García grew up, he shares the traditions, myths, and stories of his homeland. He recounts stories of the evil eye and rooster racing, the Wailing Woman and the punishing of the santos. Preceding each tale is García's brief explanation of the history and culture behind the story.

From the Back Cover

In this collection of bilingual stories about the Río Puerco Valley, where Nasario García grew up, he shares the traditions, myths, and stories of his homeland.

Review Quotes

A delight to read, and while entertaining, also provides valuable insight into folkloric practices of the region.--Journal of Folklore Research

About the Author

Nasario García has published over thirty books of folklore, poetry, fiction, and children's stories, including Beyond My Adobe Schoolhouse: My Life in Education (UNM Press).