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The Fight in the Fields: Cesar Chavez and the Farmworkers Movement
The illustrated companion book to the PBS documentary of the same name tells the story of the late leader of America's migrant farmworkers and the United Farm Workers Union, and their battle against the giant agribusinesses. TV tie-in.
330 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1997
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
July 20, 2021
A thorough and sympathetic account of Cesar Chavez's life. As an ignorant white guy from the west coast, it is embarrassing that I finally—in 2021—understand a bit about this civil rights hero. As much as Chavez accomplished, it's amazing that workers are still routinely abused while everyone looks away. I guess this is another Christian too 'liberal' to be celebrated broadly by the protestant church.
I will say of the book as a physical medium, that I really wish the pages were narrower or were arranged in two columns since my eyes got lost on the wide lines of text several times per chapter, especially reading while moving.
I will say of the book as a physical medium, that I really wish the pages were narrower or were arranged in two columns since my eyes got lost on the wide lines of text several times per chapter, especially reading while moving.
January 16, 2026
AN EXCELLENT ACCOUNT ACCOMPANYING A FILM ABOUT THE FARMWORKERS' MOVEMENT
The authors note in the Preface to this 1997 book, "Cesar Chavez was the most important Latino leader this country has ever seen... The connection that the farmworkers forged between the haves and the have-nots created a remarkable moment in American history---an era in which people who would not normally meet connected and worked together to correct terrible injustices. The film and the book are an attempt to capture the intensity and focus of this remarkable movement and to help people learn its powerful lessons. With the death of Cesar Chavez in 1993, there is an urgency to preserve these memories while they are still fresh..."
They note, "Coworkers began to shun Chavez because they had heard repeated rumors he was a Communist, an accusation that flew in the face of his Catholic conservatism... The observant Cesar hit upon a countermeasure: he already knew the church wielded great authority and power in the Mexican community, so he went to Father McDonnell and some of the other priests in San Jose and asked them to issue a statement in his defense and offer him their blessing publicly before worshippers." (Pg. 49)
They point out, “Not everyone was comfortable with the emphasis on Catholic imagery. Epifanio Comacho, the caustic here of the first rose strike, refused to carry any images of virgins, crosses, or saints. (He’d already scandalized the more religious among the strikers with a bumper sticker on his truck that read, ‘I too was a virgin once.’) By the time the group reached Sacramento, however, Camacho would be there as well, wearing an expansive Mexican sombrero and waving a union flag.” (Pg. 119)
They observe, “Although some Chicano dissidents accused him of ‘cowardice’ for refusing to attack or harm growers, Chavez would not budge, repeating that patience was a surer path to victory than violence…. He had to do something drastic to make the union recommit to nonviolence and humility. He decided to simply stop eating. Moreover, Chavez resolved not to break his fast until union members renewed their pledges of nonviolence. The inspiration for Chavez’s protest was Gandhi… whose writings Chavez had read over and over. Chavez’s own pronounced Catholic faith and its tradition of sacrifice … made Gandhi’s concept of overcoming enemies through ‘moral juijitsu’ appealing.” (Pg. 141)
They add, “Cesar had lost more than thirty pounds. He had already fasted longer than Gandhi’s hunger strike in 1924, but his message about nonviolence seemed to have gotten across to the union’s rank and file. Chavez decided it was time to publicly break the fast… [Robert] Kennedy sat next to Chavez, who was wrapped in a blanket… The two men, both Catholics, shared a piece of bread blessed by a priest.” (Pg. 144-145)
This is a fascinating and inspiring story, that will be of tremendous interest to anyone studying Chavez and the farmworker’s movement.
The authors note in the Preface to this 1997 book, "Cesar Chavez was the most important Latino leader this country has ever seen... The connection that the farmworkers forged between the haves and the have-nots created a remarkable moment in American history---an era in which people who would not normally meet connected and worked together to correct terrible injustices. The film and the book are an attempt to capture the intensity and focus of this remarkable movement and to help people learn its powerful lessons. With the death of Cesar Chavez in 1993, there is an urgency to preserve these memories while they are still fresh..."
They note, "Coworkers began to shun Chavez because they had heard repeated rumors he was a Communist, an accusation that flew in the face of his Catholic conservatism... The observant Cesar hit upon a countermeasure: he already knew the church wielded great authority and power in the Mexican community, so he went to Father McDonnell and some of the other priests in San Jose and asked them to issue a statement in his defense and offer him their blessing publicly before worshippers." (Pg. 49)
They point out, “Not everyone was comfortable with the emphasis on Catholic imagery. Epifanio Comacho, the caustic here of the first rose strike, refused to carry any images of virgins, crosses, or saints. (He’d already scandalized the more religious among the strikers with a bumper sticker on his truck that read, ‘I too was a virgin once.’) By the time the group reached Sacramento, however, Camacho would be there as well, wearing an expansive Mexican sombrero and waving a union flag.” (Pg. 119)
They observe, “Although some Chicano dissidents accused him of ‘cowardice’ for refusing to attack or harm growers, Chavez would not budge, repeating that patience was a surer path to victory than violence…. He had to do something drastic to make the union recommit to nonviolence and humility. He decided to simply stop eating. Moreover, Chavez resolved not to break his fast until union members renewed their pledges of nonviolence. The inspiration for Chavez’s protest was Gandhi… whose writings Chavez had read over and over. Chavez’s own pronounced Catholic faith and its tradition of sacrifice … made Gandhi’s concept of overcoming enemies through ‘moral juijitsu’ appealing.” (Pg. 141)
They add, “Cesar had lost more than thirty pounds. He had already fasted longer than Gandhi’s hunger strike in 1924, but his message about nonviolence seemed to have gotten across to the union’s rank and file. Chavez decided it was time to publicly break the fast… [Robert] Kennedy sat next to Chavez, who was wrapped in a blanket… The two men, both Catholics, shared a piece of bread blessed by a priest.” (Pg. 144-145)
This is a fascinating and inspiring story, that will be of tremendous interest to anyone studying Chavez and the farmworker’s movement.
January 25, 2012
I read this book for my leadership class, and this week we were discussing vision. For someone who was unfamiliar with Cesar Chavez and the Farmworkers Movement, this book was an easy and very thorough read. I also really enjoyed the reflections by the descendants of the growers. It's a great book to discuss social and cultural capital, the impact that an individual's vision can have on a country, and also how that same vision may change as time progresses.
July 12, 2007
This is a must-read for anyone interested in the farm workers' movement. It combines personal narratives from farm workers who were on the front lines of the orgainzing that Chavez was doing, and a very good general history that includes many of the people who worked alongside Chavez but never received the fame he did. A great book.
April 27, 2009
Viva la causa.
November 16, 2025
This is a complex book of a simple man who fought so hard for justice for migrant workers, largely Mexican and Filipinos. It is an especially important book since my mom taught us about civil rights and workers' rights through her activism with boycotting lettuce and grapes. She did this largely because she was a Catholic, much more than because she was a member of the Communications Workers of America. Her drive to help the farm workers and her love for Cesar Chavez stuck with me and led to my extensive work my entire life as a labor leader and worker troublemaker.
This book is complex because the authors were brave in spelling out that Chavez fought the large growers but also had to bring together the workers not just around a goal but also non-violent tactics against a backdrop of hired thuds that were incentivized by both cash and racism. If that was not hard enough, Chavez had the Teamsters union making sweetheart deals with growers and challenging a true union, including with violence. When Chavez finally had some victories, he thought he had enough power to pass a statewide ballot issue; he failed miserably. But he didn’t stop. He continued to organize farm workers against unbelievable odds then secured enough power with elected officials to pass organizing rights in the state.
When it seemed that he won the fight, the Teamsters again fought and, even when they gave up, the growers attempted to fight the law. The new elected administration of the state reversed the board that safeguarded elections and upheld the law; the state limited staffing and made it increasingly difficult for workers to exercise their democratic rights. Chavez engaged in boycotts, faith-based organizing, media, political pressure, work to turnout his members at election day, and fasts that nearly killed the union leader.
This book is really about the tenacity to fight for even the most basic rights of people against a then corrupt union, knowing that the fight for justice is never ending. Special, powerful interest never quits if they see a possibility of turning back the tide. It’s a message important for activists to keep in mind today when we fight on social and economic issues many thought had been settled.
This well researched book became complex because it included so many details and spoke of the complexity of the simple idea of farmers having collective rights. The book details the good work of Delores Huerta who gave up so much for the good of others. It also details the good work of Larry Itliong who was organizing Filipino farm workers and joined together with Chavez. It was exciting to read about how Filipino and Latino workers joined together at the Filipino Hall to enjoy chicken adobo, lumpia, and tacos. Repeatedly, farm workers were physically abused, including some who were murdered, by company thugs, Teamsters, and local police. Chavez was jailed and repeatedly engaged in long fasts, the first one to bring his own people in line against violent activities.
Right-wing politicians accused the union leaders of unamerican activities. The Nixon administration used the FBI against the union leaders. Violence turned to fatal incidents, repeatedly.
The book also details what the workers were fighting for – adequate water in the fields, bathrooms, and wages above a starvation level. When the workers secured decent contracts, some farms closed while others fought back when they felt they could get concessions from the workers.
The book also covered the unions fight against pesticides that were dangerous and Chavez’s own hard ball style of running the union. It was hard to read about his style when one was raised to believe he was the greatest labor leader – and he accomplished so much. He wanted one union without locals, a hard way to organize and maintain a democratic union.
Sadly, Chavez did unexpectedly at 66, realizing much of his hopes to improve lives and building a union affiliated with the AFL-CIO and respected by so many. He was buried in a wood coffin with many national leaders in attendance. The union he started was later run by his son.
This book is complex because the authors were brave in spelling out that Chavez fought the large growers but also had to bring together the workers not just around a goal but also non-violent tactics against a backdrop of hired thuds that were incentivized by both cash and racism. If that was not hard enough, Chavez had the Teamsters union making sweetheart deals with growers and challenging a true union, including with violence. When Chavez finally had some victories, he thought he had enough power to pass a statewide ballot issue; he failed miserably. But he didn’t stop. He continued to organize farm workers against unbelievable odds then secured enough power with elected officials to pass organizing rights in the state.
When it seemed that he won the fight, the Teamsters again fought and, even when they gave up, the growers attempted to fight the law. The new elected administration of the state reversed the board that safeguarded elections and upheld the law; the state limited staffing and made it increasingly difficult for workers to exercise their democratic rights. Chavez engaged in boycotts, faith-based organizing, media, political pressure, work to turnout his members at election day, and fasts that nearly killed the union leader.
This book is really about the tenacity to fight for even the most basic rights of people against a then corrupt union, knowing that the fight for justice is never ending. Special, powerful interest never quits if they see a possibility of turning back the tide. It’s a message important for activists to keep in mind today when we fight on social and economic issues many thought had been settled.
This well researched book became complex because it included so many details and spoke of the complexity of the simple idea of farmers having collective rights. The book details the good work of Delores Huerta who gave up so much for the good of others. It also details the good work of Larry Itliong who was organizing Filipino farm workers and joined together with Chavez. It was exciting to read about how Filipino and Latino workers joined together at the Filipino Hall to enjoy chicken adobo, lumpia, and tacos. Repeatedly, farm workers were physically abused, including some who were murdered, by company thugs, Teamsters, and local police. Chavez was jailed and repeatedly engaged in long fasts, the first one to bring his own people in line against violent activities.
Right-wing politicians accused the union leaders of unamerican activities. The Nixon administration used the FBI against the union leaders. Violence turned to fatal incidents, repeatedly.
The book also details what the workers were fighting for – adequate water in the fields, bathrooms, and wages above a starvation level. When the workers secured decent contracts, some farms closed while others fought back when they felt they could get concessions from the workers.
The book also covered the unions fight against pesticides that were dangerous and Chavez’s own hard ball style of running the union. It was hard to read about his style when one was raised to believe he was the greatest labor leader – and he accomplished so much. He wanted one union without locals, a hard way to organize and maintain a democratic union.
Sadly, Chavez did unexpectedly at 66, realizing much of his hopes to improve lives and building a union affiliated with the AFL-CIO and respected by so many. He was buried in a wood coffin with many national leaders in attendance. The union he started was later run by his son.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 26, 2021
This book covers the life of Cesar Chavez, and how he was able to rise to power in such an amazing way. Since this book is a historical book that covers his life, it opens up with him being born in 1927 and his life for the first few years. Since he grew up poor and in the midst of the great depression, life was tough for him and he and his family moved to california from arizona in hopes of finding a better life. He went to school for a bit, but stopped at the 8th grade. The book talks about his time in the army and how he hated it, detailing it the worst 2 years of his life. Afterwards he settled down with his high school-sweetheart. Later he met a pastor who taught him the ways of non-violence as an ideology that could work for him, he debated on how he could spread these across the country. Later Cesar was introduced to the community service organization, and since it shared the same beliefs as him he joined it and attempted to spread it to the best he could. He would spread it fast and well, with it gaining much traction in California. Due to this he turned into the president of the organization. Though due to his policies and thoughts of this group, it was seen more as a union than any full fledged group. But he persisted on making this a fully fledged thing. Due to ongoing pressure for many years by other organizations and stress on himself. He really tried to show people that this was a peaceful group and he started to fast, which really only opened him up further to making peace a useful tactic. After much work the group had really gotten a proper political place, and was pressuring Kennedy in the California primary, and while he did lose, it showed that he really could make a difference. Later he would show the importance of farming, which was a major success. Mainly in the grape and lettuce industry. But the people who were growing these were less than happy, and tried to unionize on him. Making further setbacks. Later he supported other political candidates for governor of California, such as Jerry Brown, and due to this he was able to really get his farmers and growers under control and actually agree with him. After many more years of this though he took a lighter approach to it all and decided to really focus on the dangers of pesticide and overall dangers of farming. Before taking a total step back.
This book was quite nice really. It really did a great job in talking about his entire life but making it understandable, and the organization and he problems he faced in trying to make it all work. Very few problems.
This book was quite nice really. It really did a great job in talking about his entire life but making it understandable, and the organization and he problems he faced in trying to make it all work. Very few problems.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 25, 2022
4.5🌟 So surreal having grown up a town outside of Salinas and going to school with heirs to big ag (in fact name dropped for nefarious workplace abuses).
The book itself was phenomenal. And a school book! Win win. You can’t close the cover and not feel passionately about the farm workers movement, as well as the labor and environmental justice movements as a whole.
The book itself was phenomenal. And a school book! Win win. You can’t close the cover and not feel passionately about the farm workers movement, as well as the labor and environmental justice movements as a whole.
February 24, 2023
In the 90s, I learned a lot about labor unions and even met Dolores Huertes. This history book may seem dry, but it’s loaded with facts and lots of photographs.
January 29, 2020
Wow! The fight in the fields has been an amazing book and I have loved the story of Cesar Chavez and the perspective it is told in. The life of Chavez was amazing full of experience and hardships. What a hero!
Overview
The early parts of this book was sad for me to read, it delt with Chavez’s family giving up there home and having to work on fields to provide for the family.
• The book is told in a 3rd person point of view which gives the reader a good perspective on Chavez’s life.
• The flow of the story kept me into the book and wanting to read more of it.
• I would suggest this book to anyone interested in reading about historical leaders who made change in society. This is a great book so far that gives great descriptions of Chavez’s life.
As the book continued on it described the appearance and behaviors that Cesar had as a young boy. This was so cool to hear about Chavez as a teen and also to see how he developed his confidence to stand up for others.
I love the stories that are included in the book. They gave me an example of how the farm workers lived and how they stood up for themselves. The essay by Victor Villaseñor is a great example of how farm workers stood up for others, as it explains how an Anglo didn’t let a dying man drink water so his daughter had to stand up for him.
As I kept reading on the book showed how Chavez joined the CSO and how he became the executive director. After reading this I was surprised that Chavez made such an impact on a short amount of time in the CSO. And the HE RESIGNED!
I was so surprised that I thought I read the wrong line! But as I read on I became calmer and after Chavez’s family moved to Delano he started to form his own association. I love reading this book so far and I loved writing this review.
Overview
The early parts of this book was sad for me to read, it delt with Chavez’s family giving up there home and having to work on fields to provide for the family.
• The book is told in a 3rd person point of view which gives the reader a good perspective on Chavez’s life.
• The flow of the story kept me into the book and wanting to read more of it.
• I would suggest this book to anyone interested in reading about historical leaders who made change in society. This is a great book so far that gives great descriptions of Chavez’s life.
As the book continued on it described the appearance and behaviors that Cesar had as a young boy. This was so cool to hear about Chavez as a teen and also to see how he developed his confidence to stand up for others.
I love the stories that are included in the book. They gave me an example of how the farm workers lived and how they stood up for themselves. The essay by Victor Villaseñor is a great example of how farm workers stood up for others, as it explains how an Anglo didn’t let a dying man drink water so his daughter had to stand up for him.
As I kept reading on the book showed how Chavez joined the CSO and how he became the executive director. After reading this I was surprised that Chavez made such an impact on a short amount of time in the CSO. And the HE RESIGNED!
I was so surprised that I thought I read the wrong line! But as I read on I became calmer and after Chavez’s family moved to Delano he started to form his own association. I love reading this book so far and I loved writing this review.
August 17, 2016
Well researched, evenly balanced book about a greatly influential figure in the international labor movement and Chicano culture. I had no idea that perhaps the greatest enemy of undocumented farmworkers was not the growers' associations, but the Teamsters who served as the thugs and bodyguards for the growers for decades.
January 7, 2011
Cesar Chavez was an inspiring leader whose history doesn't seem to be nearly as well known as it should, at least outside the West. I enjoyed this book and learned a lot about struggles of farm workers in California.
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March 28, 2013This is a companion book to a documentary of the same name and it's a great narrative, studded with primary documents, of an amazing story--a vivid reminder that social change, particularly when it seeks redistribution of wealth, requires looooong struggle and faces fierce opposition.
August 16, 2020
Idk, man.
March 2, 2012
Its a good book. it talks about Cesar Chavez when he was a young man and how did he became a big person. He helped farmworkers by making a movement that civil rights to America's migrant workers.
May 13, 2012
It gives a great intimate history of Cesar Chavez and the Farmworkers struggle. I not only enjoyed it but it gave me a lot to think about in terms of grassroots organizing.
January 18, 2013
One of the best examinations of Cesar's that I have read. If you want to learn about him, warts and all, this is the book for you.
January 2, 2016
Great book!!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews