Llewellyn's Little Book of the Day of the Dead

Llewellyn's Little Books #15

by Jaime Gironés

Celebrate the revered Mexican holiday of Día de los Muertos with this beautiful little book. Packed with activities, recipes, spells, and rituals, this pocket-sized guide is a must-have tool for honoring the sacred dead. Author Jaime Gironés shares authentic ways to respectfully enjoy this holiday, from creating an altar to baking pan de muerto (bread of the dead).

Sharing his personal experiences and recommendations, Jaime guides you through the Day of the Dead's origins, history, and modern celebrations. Discover how to build an altar, set out your ancestors' favorite foods, and invite the spirits to a feast. Explore the significance of marigolds, sugar skulls, and monarch butterflies. You'll also learn how to say goodbye when celebrations are over. This book provides everything needed to honor the dead and share your love and abundance with them.

Genres: Nonfiction, Holiday, Spirituality, Paganism, Latinx

196 pages, Hardcover

Published September 8, 2021

Reviews

[The Sassy Bookworm · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐

Interesting little book about The Day of The Dead. The author gives us a nice outline of the history, which I found super interesting. A chapter dedicated to "death", the history and our relationship to it. There are also recipes, activities, spells, etc. Mine didn't have any photos in it, which I think would have added a little something extra to it. But overall it was an intriguing little read!

**ARC Via NetGalley**

[Natalie Cranberry · Rating 2 out of 5]

WOOF

I picked this book up at my local library with the intension of learning something about a holiday that has always fascinated me.

Gironés started off so strong. There were educational bits about which regions worshipped which deities before the Spanish arrived and how those legends were mixed with the introduction of Christianity. There was discussion of different attitudes and tones based on region, how individual traditions blossomed due to geographical barriers. All very interesting and nuanced.

Then it took a turn when Gironés decided to discuss some other cultures and their similar practices. I usually love when books do this, but a mere paragraph for each one with few details? Why bother? And then something that made my eyes roll so hard I almost lost my contact lenses--Samhain, the mother holiday of modern Halloween, being attributed to England. As if England hasn't stomped on and claimed enough of Ireland. This was especially disappointing given Gironés insistence on his Wiccan path and the publisher being Llewellyn of all people. That kind of oversight tainted every page after for me.

It then got so far away from what I'd hoped for. Instead of that interesting regional lens used in the beginning, the rest of the book is only about how Gironés does the holiday. It loses the spark of cultural interest and diverse beliefs in favor of the author's experiences.

No, thanks.

[McKenzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

To start, I really appreciate the discussions around cultural appropriation vs. cultural appreciation in this book. The author doesn't want to tell you not to celebrate the Day of the Dead, but to make sure that if you don't come from that background to really check your intentions and make sure that you're giving the culture and its practices the respect and recognition it deserves before you do. I personally wouldn't feel comfortable incorporating any of these practices into my own life because it would feel disingenuous, but I really enjoyed reading about the history, the culture, and the practices. However, there are some activities in here that I wouldn't say are only for those practicing the Day of the Dead, such as the making of candied pumpkin (Yes, there is a recipe. I'm excited to try it out this fall).

Overall, I would recommend this for latine practitioners maybe looking to get more in touch with their roots or readers looking to gain some more insight and cultural appreciation for the Day of the Dead and the activities and practices surrounding it.

Thank you to Llewellyn Publications and Netgalley for providing me with an eARC of this book, however, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone not of Hispanic descent, I kept finding myself drawn to Día de los Muertos. I wanted to get to know this celebration and possibly incorporate it into my own practicing, with honor, of course. This book had insight into the different regions and their differences in the celebrations and gave me more understanding. This 'little book' had all the necessities to create an altar, the supplies needed and some recipes as well.

[Kirsty McCracken · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many thanks to Netgalley and Llewellyn Worldwide Ltd for the ARC!

I have always loved Halloween (hear me out here, I know they're not the same thing but I have a point). Yes my soul screams for candles and knitwear and pumpkins and autumn colours and cinnamon smells and skulls and witchy vibes. Ok that's what I LOVE. But I have also loved Halloween ever since I was little as soon as I learned it's when the veil between the living and the dead is the thinnest and the spirits of the dead can come back.
A lot of kids would be freaked out by that, but I loved that idea. I very much grew up in a household that is pro-ghost and magic and that those who leave aren't ever really gone. That being said, the idea to me that there's a day when they can properly come back and interact and you know they're there beside you? I LOVED THAT! It gave me all the comfort and the warm and fuzzy feels.
I was also very much into making sure the photos in pride of place are of people in my life who have died because I always felt it was important (even when I didn't really get the why of why I thought this).

So. Day of the Dead. As someone who has spent the last decade and a half studying Spanish I was bound to come across it. As someone who loves skulls and graveyards I was bound to come across it.
So I did. When I was maybe in my very early teens (we didn't get a lot of Latinx cultural exposure in Northern Ireland when I was growing up. Let's be real. Samhein? Sure. Día de Muertos? Not so much). And my. mind. was. blown. A whole culture celebrating the day when your family can come back and visit? And you help them by keeping their photos out? And you decorate with skulls and flowers? And where you're not SCARED of death but it's accepted and celebrated and never seen as the end?! I swear people could probably hear my brain pop!

Día de Muertos is incredible in my opinion. For all the reasons I've mentioned and for so many more - it's a cultural melting pot of thousands of years of interaction (not always positive I'll be the first to admit) and it takes the fear out of the inevitable.

This book explains ALL of that. Shows you how to appreciate it if it's something new to you. Shows you ways to celebrate it. Where it came from. How it has evolved. It's even got crafts and advice and activities thrown in, and I love the idea of showing kids that death isn't as scary as so many people like to say it is. As long as you're remembered, you're still around. And I love that idea. It's equally scary for reason clearly highlighted in Coco but still.

This book was a delight. Quick, thorough, easy to follow, and full of information. I especially loved that it took a moment to say that there's a difference between cultural appropriation and appreciation at the very beginning.

[Courtney R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Llewellyn's Little Book of the Day of the Dead" by Jaime Gironés is a jewel of a book, offering readers a beautifully crafted exploration of the rich and meaningful traditions surrounding the Day of the Dead. Gironés' deep reverence for this cultural celebration shines through in every page. This little book is a treasure trove of wisdom, providing valuable insights and practical guidance for anyone seeking to connect with their ancestors and celebrate the cycle of life and death.

What sets this book apart is Gironés' ability to blend cultural authenticity with approachable, accessible language. He weaves together the historical and spiritual aspects of the Day of the Dead, allowing readers to appreciate the depth of meaning behind the various customs and rituals. Gironés' storytelling is both informative and heartfelt, making it easy for readers to immerse themselves in the traditions and connect with the spirit of the celebration.

The book's compact size belies its wealth of information. Gironés covers a wide range of topics, from the origins of the Day of the Dead to the significance of altars and offerings. Each chapter is thoughtfully structured, providing historical context, practical tips, and personal anecdotes that add depth and relatability to the content. Gironés encourages personal exploration and creativity, empowering readers to create their own Day of the Dead rituals and celebrations that resonate with their unique spiritual journey.

I was provided an advanced copy of this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Vanessa Haynes · Rating 2 out of 5]

First of all, DNF, mainly because of the intro. This is written by someone who was born in 1989, and so the whole opening of the book is about 'Cultural appropriation' NONSENSE! I happen to think the great leaders of the world who died trying to liberate us from this kind of BS, are rolling over in their graves EVERYTIME those words are mentioned. I lived on the Mexican border for many years, created many wonderful friendships, and LOVED Mexico in general. They are people, the same as me! I celebrated Day of the Dead EVERY YEAR, it was something our family looked forward to. My ex-husband's mother was Yaqi\Apache on one side and Mexican on the other. We are all mixed like that, check out your own DNA. There IS NO CULTURAL APPROPRIATION! There is a big melting pot of human beings, some do things different from others, but that is what makes the human culture rich and interesting. If I celebrate Day of the Dead, I am not 'appropriating' anymore than if someone celebrates Samhain. I'm 75% Irish, should I get mad if people celebrate St. Patrick's Day? These kids need to get a grip, get a clue, and realize that half of the crap they shout is anti-human being.

[Anya · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a heartwarming, beautiful little booklet about the Day of the Dead. I loved how this is an own voices book and that the author starts with the topic of cultural appropriation vs. cultural appreciation and how if you're not Mexican, you can still celebrate, but to question your own intentions first.
The book is divided into chapters, starting with the cultural background and other countries celebrations and then moving into how to celebrate, set up a little altar, make decorations and bake as well as other activities to do.
I've always been for talking about death and not pushing it away.

Thank you Llewellyn and Netgalley for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

I can highly recommend this to anybody who would like to celebrate loved ones that passed away in a more death positive way.

[Carmen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Since my copy is a digital ARC, I can't tell you what thr physical copy looks like, but the illustrations throughout and the borders on the pages were amazing. I'm happy I was able to see that and I hope that it's available in the Kindle copy (I used the NetGalley Shelf app to read).

There is a several pages of Notes section which I thought was rather helpful.

I'm a big visual learner so I would have loved to see how different ofrendas could be styled based on three, two, or one levels. I think it would helpful if this is the first time someone has come across setting up an ofrenda.

[Stacie Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This little book is perfect for those who want to learn about Day of the Dead. It covers history, customs, and how to responsibly celebrate. It includes traditional recipes and even lays out how to set up an altar for new practitioners.

Little Book of The Day of the Dead holds a lot of information, laid out simply, while not seeming like a children’s book. I’ll definitely recommend this to friends and clients, as I think it will be a great addition to many people’s bookshelves.

Thank you to NetGalley and Llewellyn for the ARC of this book, in exchange for my honest review.

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book says just what it says it does on the cover, it's a little book about the Day of the Dead. Jaime Gironés takes the reader through the history of how we know Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexico today, and other cultures' similar celebrations around the world. The back half of the book walks you through how to celebrate the holiday. I did enjoy this book a lot there was just one part that I felt was taken a bit too lightly and that was the couple paragraphs about Santa Muerte. But as a introduction and some fun activities to try this book is great!

[Andrés Lojero · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has great insight to one of the most interesting and beautiful celebration in Latin America. It's very well written and includes many heart-warming stories from the author and his family. The book is filled with fun activities that will help you create your own Day of the Death altar and understand the meaning of each element. It's definitely a must read if you're interested in learning more about the history of this colorful holiday.

[Karla Strand · Rating 4 out of 5]

See the full review at https://www.spiritboundpress.com/lite...

If you’ve ever wanted a brief and beautiful introduction to the traditional Mexican holiday of Día de los Muertos or Day of the Dead, this is the book for you. A practicing Wiccan since he was 13 years old growing up in Mexico, Jaime Gironés shares his wisdom and experiences in this accessible and quaintly illustrated volume.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't tell you how much I have enjoyed this book. I have been referring back to it and recommending it to friends all over the place that, like myself, want to learn about the Day of the Dead and be respectful. in that learning. The book is organized by chapters with activities, stories, and recipes. It was overall delightful and it will be a re-read for me.

[Shaline Lopez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading about all of the traditions and the origins of these traditions. I learned a lot about the culture and beliefs behind Day of the Dead celebrations, and found it altogether fascinating.

[Tiffany Day · Rating 3 out of 5]

Probably more like a 3.5 - I like the history ans learned a lot in the first half. It gives some good info on celebrations, but the second half is very repetitive. Also, I would have like more pictures in the activities sections.

[Jbondandrews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Of all the Llewellyn's Little books that I have read I enjoyed this. Though I will say that smudging is also an act of cultural appropriation unless it is preformed by an indigenous person is doing the smudging.

[Belle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very interesting. The writing is simple which makes it easy to absorb. It wasn't for me personally but the activities given throughout may certainly resonate with others.

*Free e-copy received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Casandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic introduction and reference book for someone wanting to explore and experience the authentic traditions of the holiday. The perspective is thoughtful, digestible and deeply personal. Highly recommend.

[Justine]

Thanks to NetGalley and Llewellyn Publications for providing an ARC!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely, informative, and a must have on one's bookshelf.

[Elhoim Leafar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read it for recommendation, love it, an incredible author finally bring light to this topic with respect about the culture.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really interesting book that explains the history and traditions surrounding The day of the dead.
Some great recipes and spells.

[L. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute little book with information that was new.

[Whitney Terrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great read! It's a quick guide that educates the reader about the holiday, and I learned a lot.

[Amanda Alfaro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great information on the history and culture of the Day of the Dead!

[Alexandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

To me a very good introduction and activities for this day. Some other days of the dead were mentioned as well. Different things were introduced. Nice book.