This book is an autobiography of an American woman who came to Mexico on what she thought was going to be a brief assignment and ended marrying with a Mexican and staying in Mexico for the rest of her happy life. But the book is much more than this. It describes the clash between the very different cultures of Mexico and the USA which result, almost always, in hilarious situations.

Almost everything described happens in Monterrey, Mexico where she lived with her husband and eventually with her children, but as she mentions in the book, the extended family is extremely important in Mexico and she got to love and respect her "Mamacita" and "Papacito" (mother and father-in-law) as much, or maybe even more, than her own parents. "To Mamacita and Papacito I dedicate this book in loving memory."

The Treviño Borton family is, in my humble opinion, "every family of mankind, the archetypal family about whom all mankind is dreaming." (Quoting from a review of Finnegans Wake). As such, anyone may appreciate this book, but... for Regiomontanos (people from Monterrey) it means much more: it describes the inner workings of the social fabric in the city, it brings to life the infinite subtlety of their ways, it gives a microscopic historical view of the 1930's that you can hardly find anywhere else, it creates a deep longing for a beautiful past.

I, like Borton, married with Monterrey. Her husband was Luis Treviño. My wife is Olivia Treviño and through Borton I finally understood why "the Family" is of such overwhelming importance for my wife.

The interest that this book generated in me was so great that I decided to journey through Elizabeth's world... 70 years later.

I have built a web site where you can see how her house, her Mamacitas house, and many other places she mentions in the book look TODAY... 70 YEARS LATER. ...

Many things have changed during the years but writing from Monterrey I can say, as she once said, "I was then, as now, so safe, so happy, within that fortress - the family."

Reading this autobio, you can see why the author won a Newbery for "I, Juan de Pareja." Recently reprinted, I was given this book as a gift and was stunned by it

This short yet sweet accounting of the author's marriage and life in Mexico is a joy to read. It begins in long ago in California, when a young woman named Elizabeth Borton travels to Monterrey with a Mexican PR worker, a young man named Luis Trevino. A few months later, they are married, and a modern young woman from the US must get used to life in traditional Mexico, with all the joys and cultural rifts that includes. A delightful extended family and Elizabeth's excellent kids add to the cultural enjoyment over the course of the book.

In her colorful, sparkling prose, you are transported to the world of Mamacita and Papacita and Tia Rosa, of Robert's peculiar courtship of his girlfriend and the trials and tribulations of setting up house in a new country. How does Elizabeth adjust to the cultura!l changes, the passionate natures of the people around her, and the expectations of a Mexican wife and mother?

I was feeling depressed until I read this book, but it immediately perked me up. Read it and enjoy!

Based on "thin threads" of truth, "I, Juan de Pareja" explores the relationship between famous 17th-century Spanish painter Diego Velazquez and his black slave, Juan de Pareja. Written in first person as if Juan is really telling his story, it is the chronicle of much of Juan's life and and his colorful experiences as apprentice to a master painter.

There are many excellent aspects of this book, yet I think that the "strength" of the character of Juan is the book's biggest asset. Many books that are simply first person narratives are dry and boring, yet one could never complain of boredom while reading "I, Juan de Pareja." Juan's intelligence shines through in every page and his intuitiveness fills the book with detail. Also, his struggle to paint (because Spanish slaves at the time were forbidden to practice the arts) is fascinating, suspenseful, and ultimately inspiring. This book would not be a 5-star read without a strong character like Juan.

Historical detail also adds great richness to the book. Author de Trevino has captured the mood of 17th century Spain perfectly, and her accounts of Juan's Italian travels fascinate the reader as well. Art facts and descriptions are well-placed, and the reader will find themselves interested in the rich history presented in the book, rather than bored by it.

Furthermore, supporting characters are excellent! The portrayal of Diego Velazquez was well-imagined by the author, and the master painter's comments ring with insight and truth. The nobles, the painter's family, the Spanish king, Dutch painter Ruebens...they all come to life in "I, Juan de Pareja."

Finally, the end of the book is triumphant and fitting. I can't say much more without spoiling the book, but trust me, it's one of the most well-done endings you could find. It is hard to find a single flaw in this book. Vibrant history, excellent characters...why aren't more people reading this book?

I read this book in the sixth grade, and I thought I should just read it because my teacher, Ms. Aperribay, had us and I didn't want to get a "F" for this work. So I read it, bored with it in the first chapter. Then... I thought it was wonderful! Juan de Pareja is a true story of a slave of the famous painter, Diego de Silva y Velazquez, and he studies, just by watching, the arts of true painting. Secretly, he does his own pieces, and they are beautiful! He wishes he could share it with someone, but if he tells, he will be sinned because slaves aren't supposed to paint! This book disserves a 100 thumbs up, but I guess there is no such thing. I read this in spanish, and even though I didn't understand it well, I loved it.

Putatively aimed at a younger audience, this book is in reality directed at a wider audience.

One of the deep pains of knowing something about art is the realization that paintings you know and love aren't a part of today's "Cultural Literacy." This makes books like *Girl with a Peal Earring* and *I, Juan de Pareja* a particular joy. Once you have read these books, the paintings will haunt (and enrich) your subconscious. I read first read *Juan de Pareja* as a child, during a recent trip to the Prado in Madrid, flashes of this book were still with me as I looked at Velasquez's masterworks.

This book, deservedly, has stayed in print through many, many editions, and I hope there will be more to come.