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Shame the Stars Series #1
Shame the Stars
In the midst of racial conflict and at the edges of a war at the Texas-Mexico border in 1915, Joaquin and Dulceña attempt to maintain a secret romance in this reimagining of Romeo and Juliet.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published September 15, 2016
12 people are currently reading
999 people want to read
About the author
Guadalupe Garcia McCall
18 books360 followersI was born in Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico. My family immigrated into the U.S. when I was six years old. I grew up in Eagle Pass, a small, border town in South Texas. Eagle Pass is the setting of both, my debut novel in verse, UNDER THE MESQUITE, and my 2nd novel, SUMMER OF THE MARIPOSAS, fall of 2012 from TU Books. After high school, I went off to Alpine in West Texas to study to become a teacher. I have a BA in Theatre Arts and English from Sul Ross State University. In Alpine, I met my husband, Jim. We have 3 grown sons. Currently, I am an Assistant Professor of English at George Fox University in Newberg, OR and live with my husband in the Pacific Northwest.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
August 19, 2016
A TOP SHELF review, originally published in the August 19, 2016 edition of The Monitor
Growing up in the Rio Grande Valley, we get two versions of local history. In school, teachers hand down a sanitized, state-approved vision of American exceptionalism and the moral superiority of the men who turned Texas into first a Republic and then a southern state.
At home, however, we hear something quite different, stories passed down from bisabuelos to tías and primos. It’s a harrowing, heart-breaking narrative of usurpation, marginalization and lynching, of the slow and insidious othering of our Mexicano ancestors as the border crossed them and the U.S. ground them into the arid earth.
In these oral histories we learn that the Texas Rangers were not the benevolent agents of lawfulness textbooks would have us believe. In fact, from about 1914 to 1917, the rinches (their name slurred by indigenous tongues, broken jaws, noosed necks) waged a war of terror against Mexicanos / Tejanos along the border under the pretense of stopping a possible revolution on this side of the river.
Guadalupe García McCall, diving deep into this hidden history to get at the tragic truth, has crafted a young-adult novel that explores the complex situation along the border in the summer of 1915, when violence exploded and families were torn apart. But make no mistake — Shame the Stars (out next month from Tu Books) is not just a fascinating bit of historical fiction for teens. It is one of the most important works of 21st-century South Texas literature, a book that I urge Valleyites in particular to read.
The broad-strokes plot will be familiar to most: Joaquín del Toro — heir to the Las Moras Ranch — is in love with Dulceña Villa, whose father owns El Sureño, the main Spanish-language newspaper in the fictional town of Montesco. Though their parents have been close since before their births, the rising racial and political tensions in the Rio Grande Valley push the families apart, and the lovers are forbidden from seeing each other.
They do so anyway, of course.
What differentiates Joaquín and Dulceña from Romeo and Juliet, however, is their intense love for their gente, their dedication to a community that finds itself increasingly oppressed by Captain Elliot Munro and his band of Texas Rangers. These supposed lawmen have begun circumventing the law to carry out summary judgments and executions of any Mexicano or Tejano (what we’d call Mexican-American) they suspect of collusion with rebels.
Joaquín’s father first sides with the Rangers while Dulceña’s father publishes poems and articles by mysterious activists using pseudonyms. And in the shadows, people whisper the name of La Estrella, a revered woman who aids the oppressed people of Morado County, including insurgents actively fighting the Rangers.
As the teens defy their families and bring themselves into greater and greater conflict with Munro and his butchers, they discover that not everyone is who they appear to be, and startling revelations about their families set the lovers at the very heart of the struggle for peace and respect along the border.
Beautifully written in García McCall’s inimitable, lyric style, the chapters — narrated by Joaquín — are separated by a wide variety of historical and fictional documents: Joaquín’s poems, letters exchanged by the teens, newspaper clippings, excerpts from books of the time, etc. With its list of recommended readings and a powerful essay by the author about the genesis of the novel, Shame the Stars lends itself to incorporation into English and history classes throughout South Texas and beyond.
This novel was my most highly anticipated read of 2016. It delivered. Read it.
Growing up in the Rio Grande Valley, we get two versions of local history. In school, teachers hand down a sanitized, state-approved vision of American exceptionalism and the moral superiority of the men who turned Texas into first a Republic and then a southern state.
At home, however, we hear something quite different, stories passed down from bisabuelos to tías and primos. It’s a harrowing, heart-breaking narrative of usurpation, marginalization and lynching, of the slow and insidious othering of our Mexicano ancestors as the border crossed them and the U.S. ground them into the arid earth.
In these oral histories we learn that the Texas Rangers were not the benevolent agents of lawfulness textbooks would have us believe. In fact, from about 1914 to 1917, the rinches (their name slurred by indigenous tongues, broken jaws, noosed necks) waged a war of terror against Mexicanos / Tejanos along the border under the pretense of stopping a possible revolution on this side of the river.
Guadalupe García McCall, diving deep into this hidden history to get at the tragic truth, has crafted a young-adult novel that explores the complex situation along the border in the summer of 1915, when violence exploded and families were torn apart. But make no mistake — Shame the Stars (out next month from Tu Books) is not just a fascinating bit of historical fiction for teens. It is one of the most important works of 21st-century South Texas literature, a book that I urge Valleyites in particular to read.
The broad-strokes plot will be familiar to most: Joaquín del Toro — heir to the Las Moras Ranch — is in love with Dulceña Villa, whose father owns El Sureño, the main Spanish-language newspaper in the fictional town of Montesco. Though their parents have been close since before their births, the rising racial and political tensions in the Rio Grande Valley push the families apart, and the lovers are forbidden from seeing each other.
They do so anyway, of course.
What differentiates Joaquín and Dulceña from Romeo and Juliet, however, is their intense love for their gente, their dedication to a community that finds itself increasingly oppressed by Captain Elliot Munro and his band of Texas Rangers. These supposed lawmen have begun circumventing the law to carry out summary judgments and executions of any Mexicano or Tejano (what we’d call Mexican-American) they suspect of collusion with rebels.
Joaquín’s father first sides with the Rangers while Dulceña’s father publishes poems and articles by mysterious activists using pseudonyms. And in the shadows, people whisper the name of La Estrella, a revered woman who aids the oppressed people of Morado County, including insurgents actively fighting the Rangers.
As the teens defy their families and bring themselves into greater and greater conflict with Munro and his butchers, they discover that not everyone is who they appear to be, and startling revelations about their families set the lovers at the very heart of the struggle for peace and respect along the border.
Beautifully written in García McCall’s inimitable, lyric style, the chapters — narrated by Joaquín — are separated by a wide variety of historical and fictional documents: Joaquín’s poems, letters exchanged by the teens, newspaper clippings, excerpts from books of the time, etc. With its list of recommended readings and a powerful essay by the author about the genesis of the novel, Shame the Stars lends itself to incorporation into English and history classes throughout South Texas and beyond.
This novel was my most highly anticipated read of 2016. It delivered. Read it.
September 19, 2016
A brilliant book about an important, yet trivialized time in our Texas History as Tejanos. Beautifully crafted and elegantly told, this book is a MUST READ and a MUST HAVE book in EVERY school library.
December 5, 2016
A powerful family saga set in the borderlands of Texas and Mexico during the Mexican Revolution. The Romeo and Juliet main characters, Joaquin del Toro and Dulcena Villa, are having to deal with the tension between their families and the violence of the time period including the persecution by the Texas Rangers directed at Tejanos. McCall has done a fine job telling a complex story. At times, this is a violent story, but the storytelling is authentic and relevant.
August 1, 2018
Review coming soon.
September 29, 2016
Look at that cover! Isn't it gorgeous? Lovely, luscious writing, fascinating time period of which I;d never read anything about before. I might be biased, but Joaquin is my new favorite hero (with that name! *swoon*. *My son's name is Joaquin, LOL*). I love the women in this book so much too: Dulceña, La Estrella (my daughter is Estrella!), and even the priest, Joaquin's brother. Everyone should read this book. The saying that if we don't know history we're doomed to repeat it is so true!
April 10, 2017
Recounts an important part of Texas/US history that many may not know about. The main character is very well drawn and is a sensitive poet who see the world in a really unique way. There is some violence, but it is logical. The setting is atmospheric and really draws you in.
October 6, 2016
Even though the characters are fictional, this story does a great job at recounting very important details of Texas history. This is done very creatively and interesting. The main characters are very relatable and liked. Can be seen as a modern Romeo and Juliet. A must read book.
April 14, 2019
Must have book in every middle school and high school library. Romeo and Juliet reimagined in Texas.
October 24, 2016
Review copy: purchased
Under the Mesquite and Summer of the Mariposas, McCall’s previous books, are fantastic works of storytelling. Her writing is lyrical whether she’s creating prose or poetry. Having read and loved her first two books, I was predisposed to enjoy this newest novel. In addition, as a former resident of Texas, the story immediately caught my attention. Though I lived there for sixteen years, my knowledge of Texas history was sketchy at best so this seemed like an excellent way to find out more about my former home. The story along with the thorough author’s note was eye-opening to say the least.
In Shame the Stars, McCall shares a part of history not often covered in our school history texts. The conflict might be mentioned, but it is highly unlikely that students would learn about the lynchings, executions and other atrocities. This novel is one way to learn some of that missing history. The story begins with Joaquín expressing his frustration at the way tejanos are treated and how their rights are being trampled by the Texas Rangers. Over time Joaquín witnesses more and more injustices by Rangers. They see no need to have a search warrant, they kill without trials and behave as if the law does not apply to them. For Joaquín it seems that danger is surrounding their community and he and his father have very different ideas about what to do about this.
One way Joaquín deals with his feelings is through writing poetry. Most of the story is told in typical narrative style, but every so often a poem, a newspaper clipping, letter or other snippet of text is included. I appreciated the addition of non-traditional texts. These felt like primary sources and made it seem like readers could see a piece of the past.
Beyond this unveiling of history, the story is also a romance. Joaquín has loved Dulceña for years and falls more deeply in love with her as time passes. She loves him too, but makes it clear that she doesn’t want the role of damsel in distress or quiet little lady to be tucked away at home. She’s an intelligent and brave young woman who has dreams of her own and she will not let her dreams be ignored just because she’s female. I appreciated her and the other strong women in this book. There are women leading and fighting for their families and communities in many ways.
The book is often compared to Romeo and Juliet not only because of the great love between the two young people, but also because their families are at odds. The families have been very close in the past, but both fathers have completely different ideas about how to best protect their family in dangerous times. The break between the families is a result of love and protection rather than a hatred for one another and that makes it all the more heartbreaking.
Recommendation: Get it now. This is an intriguing historical romance that will leave readers with much to ponder. Shame the Stars presents a beautiful love story set against a backdrop of deadly conflict.
Under the Mesquite and Summer of the Mariposas, McCall’s previous books, are fantastic works of storytelling. Her writing is lyrical whether she’s creating prose or poetry. Having read and loved her first two books, I was predisposed to enjoy this newest novel. In addition, as a former resident of Texas, the story immediately caught my attention. Though I lived there for sixteen years, my knowledge of Texas history was sketchy at best so this seemed like an excellent way to find out more about my former home. The story along with the thorough author’s note was eye-opening to say the least.
In Shame the Stars, McCall shares a part of history not often covered in our school history texts. The conflict might be mentioned, but it is highly unlikely that students would learn about the lynchings, executions and other atrocities. This novel is one way to learn some of that missing history. The story begins with Joaquín expressing his frustration at the way tejanos are treated and how their rights are being trampled by the Texas Rangers. Over time Joaquín witnesses more and more injustices by Rangers. They see no need to have a search warrant, they kill without trials and behave as if the law does not apply to them. For Joaquín it seems that danger is surrounding their community and he and his father have very different ideas about what to do about this.
One way Joaquín deals with his feelings is through writing poetry. Most of the story is told in typical narrative style, but every so often a poem, a newspaper clipping, letter or other snippet of text is included. I appreciated the addition of non-traditional texts. These felt like primary sources and made it seem like readers could see a piece of the past.
Beyond this unveiling of history, the story is also a romance. Joaquín has loved Dulceña for years and falls more deeply in love with her as time passes. She loves him too, but makes it clear that she doesn’t want the role of damsel in distress or quiet little lady to be tucked away at home. She’s an intelligent and brave young woman who has dreams of her own and she will not let her dreams be ignored just because she’s female. I appreciated her and the other strong women in this book. There are women leading and fighting for their families and communities in many ways.
The book is often compared to Romeo and Juliet not only because of the great love between the two young people, but also because their families are at odds. The families have been very close in the past, but both fathers have completely different ideas about how to best protect their family in dangerous times. The break between the families is a result of love and protection rather than a hatred for one another and that makes it all the more heartbreaking.
Recommendation: Get it now. This is an intriguing historical romance that will leave readers with much to ponder. Shame the Stars presents a beautiful love story set against a backdrop of deadly conflict.
July 31, 2017
The book Shame the Stars, by Guadalupe Garcia McCall is a literary statement. The author explains in her acknowledgment that this novel was written with the intent of informing schools about the injustices done to the Mexican community by the government. The education System does not inform students of the horrific experiences many Mexican and Mexican-American families suffered. Students are not taught about the discrimination that families livening in the borders between Mexico and the United States experienced, all because the border crossed them. Mexican families suffered discrimination and lynching at the hands of the local authorities, and this are things that have to be talked about! Shame the Stars serves as a pillar of support for education because it sheds light on this subject. All though the book is fiction it has factual excerpts of newspapers within the chapters
December 29, 2019
“Shame the Stars” is set in 1915, and tells the story of Tejano families struggling to understand and survive brutalities inflicted upon them by the Texas Rangers (a group of “lawmen” who randomly killed and raped Mexican Americans, imprisoning them without trail, and stealing their land.) Read the rest of the review on my blog: https://shouldireaditornot.wordpress....
October 7, 2016
This book tells a great love story that not only portrays social controversy of the community in South Texas, but also the racial oppression that took place in its time. It is a great book for those who are interested in Texas history as well as a good romance novel. This book is an eye opener because it exposes the violence omitted from history books in our schools.
May 23, 2017
McCall writes a novel that unearths the violent history of the borderlands and the terror that the Texas Rangers(rinches) inflicted upon the Mexican American inhabitants. This novel is presented as a love story but this element is more of a backdrop to the violence and tension between Mexican American and Texas Rangers. It is a well written novel that seeks to convey something important.
October 4, 2016
I absolutely enjoyed this book! It does an excellent job at telling how it was during the Mexican Revolution. The love the protagonist has for Dulcena is so heartwarming! This book is definitely a must-read!
October 19, 2016
Great story. Excellent research. Enjoyed.
July 3, 2017
YA HISTORICAL FICTION
Guadalupe García McCall
Shame the Stars
Tu Books
Hardcover, 978-1-6201-4278-3, (also available as an e-book), 320 pgs., $19.95
September 15, 2016
Joaquín and Dulceña are teenagers in love. Joaquín is the privileged, sensitive, traditional son of a distinguished ranching family in South Texas, Tejanos who have owned Las Moras since 1775. Dulceña, daughter of the local printer, is a spirited, smart, modern, independent young woman who wants to be a journalist and travel the world. Due to a political falling-out between their parents, the childhood sweethearts keep their relationship on the down-low.
In 1915 the Mexican Revolution spills across the border and into the couple’s plans. Existing racial tensions, and abuses and vigilante actions of the Texas Rangers, are stoked by the Plan de San Diego and accusations of treason, sedition, and insurrection. When Joaquín’s father’s relationship (“It’s good to know where the snake likes to lay in the brush. It’s the only way to survive”) with Captain Munro of the Texas Rangers (“Munro has no friends, only allies and pawns”) is exposed for the sham it always was, Las Moras, lives, and freedom are threatened.
Shame the Stars by Guadalupe Garcia McCall is fine YA historical fiction. Think West Side Story, think Romeo and Juliet, complete with quinceañera masquerade party and a balcony scene. Inspired by her son’s history lessons, McCall set out to learn a part of our history not frequently taught in Texas classrooms. The result is Shame the Stars, a way for the novelist to contribute to our understanding of our shared past, and, hopefully, informing a brighter future.
McCall affords her complex characters further development, especially Joaquín. The eighteen-year-old’s first-person narrative begins in the conservative, naïve voice of a child, but develops into the nuanced voice of an adult over the course of the novel as he discovers the world, including his parents, no longer fits childhood conceptions.
Joaquín fills his journal with the overwrought poetry of a teenager in love in historical times, as is appropriate. The dialogue sometimes seems stilted and formal, partly reflecting the era, and revolutionary jargon can seem melodramatic. In this example, as Munro’s company of Rangers are approaching the ranch, McCall evidences a gift for the lyrical: “Then, as the minutes ticked off, the devil grew bigger and bigger, gorging itself on dirt and debris, gaining momentum as it galloped toward us, until there was more than dust in its midst and there appeared before us a group of pale riders.”
Shame the Stars tackles big themes: justice (particularly the difference between the fickle goodwill of individuals versus the law and civil rights); issues of identity; factions and betrayal; the power of the written word and the vital importance of a free press. The action proceeds quickly and steadily, the plot developing organically but packing staggering plot twists. A couple of subplots involving land dispossession further illumine the period.
A beautifully designed volume, Shame the Stars is a treat for the eyes with poems from Joaquín’s journal and actual newspaper articles from the time. McCall provides a necessary cast of characters, along with additional reading recommendations, and sources for the articles reproduced as artwork in the book.
Dividing friends and families no less than the U.S. Civil War did, the struggle for civil rights in South Texas confronts Joaquín and Dulceña with the first adult decisions of their lives, as they decide, individually and together, who they want to be.
Originally published in Lone Star Literary Life.
Guadalupe García McCall
Shame the Stars
Tu Books
Hardcover, 978-1-6201-4278-3, (also available as an e-book), 320 pgs., $19.95
September 15, 2016
Joaquín and Dulceña are teenagers in love. Joaquín is the privileged, sensitive, traditional son of a distinguished ranching family in South Texas, Tejanos who have owned Las Moras since 1775. Dulceña, daughter of the local printer, is a spirited, smart, modern, independent young woman who wants to be a journalist and travel the world. Due to a political falling-out between their parents, the childhood sweethearts keep their relationship on the down-low.
In 1915 the Mexican Revolution spills across the border and into the couple’s plans. Existing racial tensions, and abuses and vigilante actions of the Texas Rangers, are stoked by the Plan de San Diego and accusations of treason, sedition, and insurrection. When Joaquín’s father’s relationship (“It’s good to know where the snake likes to lay in the brush. It’s the only way to survive”) with Captain Munro of the Texas Rangers (“Munro has no friends, only allies and pawns”) is exposed for the sham it always was, Las Moras, lives, and freedom are threatened.
Shame the Stars by Guadalupe Garcia McCall is fine YA historical fiction. Think West Side Story, think Romeo and Juliet, complete with quinceañera masquerade party and a balcony scene. Inspired by her son’s history lessons, McCall set out to learn a part of our history not frequently taught in Texas classrooms. The result is Shame the Stars, a way for the novelist to contribute to our understanding of our shared past, and, hopefully, informing a brighter future.
McCall affords her complex characters further development, especially Joaquín. The eighteen-year-old’s first-person narrative begins in the conservative, naïve voice of a child, but develops into the nuanced voice of an adult over the course of the novel as he discovers the world, including his parents, no longer fits childhood conceptions.
Joaquín fills his journal with the overwrought poetry of a teenager in love in historical times, as is appropriate. The dialogue sometimes seems stilted and formal, partly reflecting the era, and revolutionary jargon can seem melodramatic. In this example, as Munro’s company of Rangers are approaching the ranch, McCall evidences a gift for the lyrical: “Then, as the minutes ticked off, the devil grew bigger and bigger, gorging itself on dirt and debris, gaining momentum as it galloped toward us, until there was more than dust in its midst and there appeared before us a group of pale riders.”
Shame the Stars tackles big themes: justice (particularly the difference between the fickle goodwill of individuals versus the law and civil rights); issues of identity; factions and betrayal; the power of the written word and the vital importance of a free press. The action proceeds quickly and steadily, the plot developing organically but packing staggering plot twists. A couple of subplots involving land dispossession further illumine the period.
A beautifully designed volume, Shame the Stars is a treat for the eyes with poems from Joaquín’s journal and actual newspaper articles from the time. McCall provides a necessary cast of characters, along with additional reading recommendations, and sources for the articles reproduced as artwork in the book.
Dividing friends and families no less than the U.S. Civil War did, the struggle for civil rights in South Texas confronts Joaquín and Dulceña with the first adult decisions of their lives, as they decide, individually and together, who they want to be.
Originally published in Lone Star Literary Life.
October 18, 2017
I don't know why it took me so long to get around to reading this book. I loved the author's previous two titles, but there was just something about the cover that didn't appeal to me so I kept putting it aside. Now that I've read it, I wish I had not procrastinated, denying myself the earlier pleasure of sinking into this author's prose and learning part of the history of this nation that has not been covered very much, certainly not in the history texts used in its classrooms. Weaving racial and economic tension in 1915 Texas amid the Mexican Revolution with a love story similar to Romeo and Juliet, the author describes how the Tejanos of that time were treated and why disagreement about the way things were done at that time kept the star-crossed lovers, Joaquín del Toro, son of the owners of the Las Moras Ranch from being with his beloved, Dulceña Villa, whose father owns El Sureño, the main Spanish-language newspaper. The story's setting in Monteseco may be fictionalized, but it's clear that the two teens care about social justice and doing the right thing just as much as they care about one another and their secret relationship. Some parts of this book are hard to read as it seems that justice and a fair trial were hard to come by during those times, especially for those with brown skin, and vigilante groups and so-called law enforcement agents often took matters in their own hands. While the forbidden romance and the similarities to parts of Shakespeare's classic story may draw readers to this book, they will stay because of the shocking historical events that unfold here, and like me, be fascinated by the family secrets and deep involvement of women in various efforts to encourage change. All I can say is that I learned a lot, I need to learn more, and I am grateful to the author for unearthing this story for her audience. It's hard to resist comparing those times to present times and thinking about how much or how little things have changed regarding justice and how different groups of individuals are treated. Those of us who stake our faith in the power of writing will feel vindicated at the conclusion of this book since it is clear that words matter and can sway popular opinion, if only we can get those words to the eyes and ears of those who need to see and hear them.
August 23, 2018
G. Garcia McCall weaves together newspaper sources, historical journalism from women like A.V. Negra (black bird), and skillful fiction to create a rich story of the U.S.-Mexico borderlands. All of the plot events happen on the Texas American side, with the exception of the horse and cattle theft incidents. But the conflicts that Tejanos in Shame the Stars had to endure came from endless points of crisis: The Mexican revolution, Mexican bandits, murderous, vigilante Texas Rangers, corrupt judges quick to hang Mexicanos, land theft of Mexicanos who populated Texas before Anglo immigrants, Sediciosos, rebellion, and on and on.
The Del Toro family confronts page after page of conflict. The suspense that Garcia McCall creates for her readers is a masterful balance of tension, humor, love, rebellion, sorrow, and inspiration.
I wish every student along the U.S. - Mexico border would read this book. Pulling from neglected history to create this story of a Texas ranching family is just pure magic. This book makes me want to return to the classroom, just so I could teach this book to my students! For now, I will promote it endlessly in the ISD Library.
The Del Toro family confronts page after page of conflict. The suspense that Garcia McCall creates for her readers is a masterful balance of tension, humor, love, rebellion, sorrow, and inspiration.
I wish every student along the U.S. - Mexico border would read this book. Pulling from neglected history to create this story of a Texas ranching family is just pure magic. This book makes me want to return to the classroom, just so I could teach this book to my students! For now, I will promote it endlessly in the ISD Library.
December 27, 2016
This book covered an area of American history that has been all but forgotten. Billed as a Texas Romeo and Juliet, I found a few areas where that can be implied, but not really. The forbidden love between Joaquin and Dulcena is about the only thing that resembles the historic love story of Romeo and Juliet. The book is about the Mexican Revolution in the early part of the Twentieth Century and how it affected to the native Texans or Tejanos of South Texas. While the story is fiction the author has injected the book with real reports and articles from newspapers at the time. This was a desperate time for Tejanos who were faced with death by corrupt and prejudice Texas Rangers and other law enforcement officials who would lynch a person of Mexican heritage without a trial or even cause. This was a very insightful book that does a great job of explaining what was happening in South Texas during this time.
March 8, 2018
This is an interesting and important topic which I think more people should know about. I would not, however, recommend this book to anyone. The prose is mediocre at best, and the worst bits literally stopped me from reading as I sat and contemplated how a published author wrote them without thinking twice. The narrative flow is confusing and inconsistent, especially towards the end, the love story felt particularly forced, and some of the poems scattered throughout the chapters had me cringing. Although the author’s intentions are clearly positive, and nothing about this book was offensive, the fact that it took me nearly a month to trudge through its mere 290 pages should speak for itself.
February 17, 2019
An excellent historical fiction novel about a sadly little-known part of American history (at least in my part of the country). It is advertised, however, by publishers & critics as an “imaginative retelling of Romeo & Juliet.” I have to disagree. Aside from two teenagers whose families have a falling out who fall in love & a few borrowed phrases from Shakespeare’s play, this isn’t a retelling of Romeo & Juliet. I think that description does not do justice to how truly important this novel is. The author herself in her note at the end says she hopes Shame the Stars teaches young readers to question the sources they encounter as they study & to question why important historical events such as this are not in American History books.
September 15, 2019
In this Romeo and Juliet story set in 1915 Texas, eighteen-year-olds Joaquin del Toro (a poet set to inherit his father’s rancho) and Dulceña Villa (who writes incendiary articles for her father’s newspaper under a pen name) have been in love since they were children. With escalating violence among Texas Rangers who act as vigilantes, ranchers who want justice, and Tejano rebels set on reclaiming Texas for Mexico, the teens’ families end up on opposite sides of the conflict, and Joaquin and Dulceña pursue their clandestine relationship with dangerous consequences for their families. Back matter includes an author’s note, resources, and glossary. McCall’s next book to bring little known history to life, All the Stars Denied, will be released in September.
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June 30, 2022From Follett:
Eighteen-year-old Joaquin del Toro's future looks bright. With his older brother in the priesthood, he's set to inherit his family's Texas ranch. He's in love with Dulcena and she's in love with him. But it's 1915, and trouble has been brewing along the US-Mexico border. On one side, the Mexican Revolution is taking hold; on the other, Texas Rangers fight Tejano insurgents, and ordinary citizens are caught in the middle. As tensions grow, Joaquin is torn away from Dulcena, whose father's critical reporting on the Rangers in the local newspaper has driven a wedge between their families.
Eighteen-year-old Joaquin del Toro's future looks bright. With his older brother in the priesthood, he's set to inherit his family's Texas ranch. He's in love with Dulcena and she's in love with him. But it's 1915, and trouble has been brewing along the US-Mexico border. On one side, the Mexican Revolution is taking hold; on the other, Texas Rangers fight Tejano insurgents, and ordinary citizens are caught in the middle. As tensions grow, Joaquin is torn away from Dulcena, whose father's critical reporting on the Rangers in the local newspaper has driven a wedge between their families.
July 29, 2017
I didn't know anything about this historical time period featured in this novel, set in 1915 in Texas. It captures the deadly conflicts among the Mexican revolutionaries, Mexican Americans, and Texas Rangers. However, the characters are sort of two-dimensional. I think this book would work well for middle school students although it would help to give them some background information beforehand. To simply read it as a Romeo and Juliet story, as it is marketed, is to miss the point of the book, in my opinion. Good read.
October 8, 2018
Until recently, I had not realized the depredations done against American Tejanos during the early part of the twentieth century. This book explores that. It was quiet complex: revolutionaries and bandits. Each were dangerous and there were even different types of revolutionaries. In addition, it was a time when women still did not have the right to vote. This book explores the roles of women in both Mrs. del Toro and Dulcena. Finally, there were socio-economic differences. There were patrons, like the del Toros, who had many peon family working for them. All these things are dealt with in this book. Quite well done.
March 7, 2019
I am rounding up here and would probably rate this more around. 3.5. I found the book interesting enough that I didn’t want to stop reading, but I also was left wanting more. I wanted to be more connected with the characters and the story because the history she was writing about definitely should have moved me more. I admit I haven’t heard about any of this in history classes of the past and just happened to find this on my own while digging through the library shelves. I’m glad I found it and now find the need/desire to learn more about what happened down south in the early 1900s.
April 1, 2021
3.75/5
I was excited to read a book that took place close to home and delved into the history of my ancestors. A history that most have forgotten because you won't find it in any textbook (get it together, Texas).
At first, I was discouraged because it focused on the love story between Joaquín and Dulceña. Very Romeo and Juliet and I am not a fan of Shakespeare. Thankfully it picked up and shifted focus to the rebellion that was meant to be the center of the story. It was nice seeing Spanish not italicized and there is a glossary in the back for those who need it.
I was excited to read a book that took place close to home and delved into the history of my ancestors. A history that most have forgotten because you won't find it in any textbook (get it together, Texas).
At first, I was discouraged because it focused on the love story between Joaquín and Dulceña. Very Romeo and Juliet and I am not a fan of Shakespeare. Thankfully it picked up and shifted focus to the rebellion that was meant to be the center of the story. It was nice seeing Spanish not italicized and there is a glossary in the back for those who need it.
November 19, 2016
in 1915 in south Texas the Texas Rangers were the law. Immigrants were arriving taking land from Mexican-Americans who had owned and farmed for generations. Texas Rangers were killing and harming many of the original owners. The Mexican Revolution is on.
Joaquin and Dulcinea were a young couple in love as their parents took different sides in the conflict
This is an excellent historical fiction novel about this time period.
Joaquin and Dulcinea were a young couple in love as their parents took different sides in the conflict
This is an excellent historical fiction novel about this time period.
January 7, 2018
I enjoyed this book and love seeing this part of Mexican-American history bring brought into this story. I like the inclusions of newspaper clippings into the story. I really didn't care for the relationships between Joaquín and Dulcena but can see why a love story would be included to add some hope in a dark time ( this could just be how I see it). overall, I would recommend this book to anyone interested in Mexican-American history.
August 27, 2019
Take Romeo and Juliet , bring out of Shakespeare's world and in to Mexico/Texas at the time of the war there and you have a great adaptation for students. Might be great for my ELL kiddos to read. It had a bit of Spanish in it, which for me, I had to use a translator or the back of the book for: which made me aware of how slowly my kids might have to read in order to translate. Eye opening experience.
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