Mama: Latina Daughters Celebrate Their Mothers

by María Pérez-Brown

Nothing comes close to the emotional bond that exists between a mother and her daughter. Through the fascinating personal histories of some of the most influential Latinas in America, Mamá is a testament to the love, hard work, and commitment Latina mothers traditionally have for their daughters. In Mamá , Latina daughters finally honor their mothers and inspire readers, by paying homage to the strong women who have sacrificed and struggled, laughed and cried, and fought hard to create a better life for their daughters. Readers will discover the beauty as well as the complexity of the mother-daughter bond. Maria Perez-Brown spoke with Latinas from a variety of nationalities, races, and lifestyles; some are famous, and some not so well known. The women she interviewed include actresses, doctors, filmmakers, as well as such public figures as Cristina Saraleglui, Esmeralda Santiago, Jaci Velásquez, Rosario Dawson, and Celia Cruz. In their own words, these daughters tell us about their relationship with their mothers -- and of a bond every Latina will recognize. A perfect gift, Mamá will remain a treasure for years to come. This book, like those who breathe within its pages, is a memorial in honor of the women who have shown that true character is exemplified by sacrifice and inspiration, hard work, and, of course, love.

Genres: Nonfiction

256 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

Maria Perez-Brown has been writing and producing children’s content for over twenty years. She is the author and creator of several television properties, including Nickelodeon’s Gullah Gullah Island, the Emmy-nominated series that won two Parents’ Choice Gold Awards and inspired over fourteen children’s books based on the series. She is also the creator of Nickelodeon’s award-winning tween series Taina. Perez-Brown is the author of "Mama: Latina Daughters Celebrate Their Mothers'" (HarperCollins, 2002). She is a graduate of Yale University and New York University Law School. She lives in New York City with her husband, Keith and daughter Azuri.

Reviews

[David Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

good

[Book Concierge · Rating 3 out of 5]

Perez-Brown is President of Dorado Entertainment, and the creator and executive producer of Nickelodeon’s Gullah Gullah Island and Taina. She interviewed the 30 Latinas profiled here about their mothers and how their mothers prepared them to become the successful women they are today. The stories are accompanied by lovely photographs taken by Julie Bidwell.

My Hispanic Book Club chose this as our May selection – to honor our mothers (or other women who helped mentor us). Several of the stories really resonated with me; I saw my mother (and grandmother) in many of them. I think non-Latinas will connect with some of these tales as well. No one culture has a monopoly on fiercely protective mothers who overcome any obstacle to see that their children have a better life.

[Gina Ruiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

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