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It's All In The Frijoles: 100 Famous Latinos Share Real Life Stories Time-Tested Dichos, Favorite Folktales, and Inspiring Words of Wisdom
Collected folktales, lullabies, poems, sayings, and dichos from well-known and beloved Latin figures, both past and present—from actor Edward James Olmos and author Isabel Allende to Nobel laureate Octavio Paz and Saint Teresa de Avila.
Do you wish you could remember all the words to the childhood songs your grandmother taught you, so you could sing them to your children? Have you ever found yourself repeating the dichos, or proverbs, your parents used to lecture you with? If you are looking for a way to get back in touch with your culture, It's All in the Frijoles is the perfect start. A treasure trove of cherished folktales, lullabies, poems, and dichos, this rich collection of Latino wisdom includes inspiring recollections and anecdotes by well-known and beloved figures, both past and present -- from actor Edward James Olmos and author Isabel Allende to Nobel laureate Octavio Paz and Saint Teresa de Avila. It's All in the Frijoles is certain to evoke with fondness many a childhood memory of essential teachings learned from parents and grandparents,
El hombre debe ser feo, fuerte, y formal.
A man should be homely, hardy, and honorable.
El consejo de la mujer es poco y él que no lo agarra es loco.
The advice of a woman is very scarce and the person who does not heed it is crazy.
Pueblo dividido, pueblo vencido.
A people divided, a people conquered.
It's All in the Frijoles captures and perpetuates the essence of Latino tradition and is destined to become a family treasure that is passed down from generation to generation. This legacy of wisdom provides food for thought not only for Latinos but also for people of all other ethnic backgrounds.
Do you wish you could remember all the words to the childhood songs your grandmother taught you, so you could sing them to your children? Have you ever found yourself repeating the dichos, or proverbs, your parents used to lecture you with? If you are looking for a way to get back in touch with your culture, It's All in the Frijoles is the perfect start. A treasure trove of cherished folktales, lullabies, poems, and dichos, this rich collection of Latino wisdom includes inspiring recollections and anecdotes by well-known and beloved figures, both past and present -- from actor Edward James Olmos and author Isabel Allende to Nobel laureate Octavio Paz and Saint Teresa de Avila. It's All in the Frijoles is certain to evoke with fondness many a childhood memory of essential teachings learned from parents and grandparents,
El hombre debe ser feo, fuerte, y formal.
A man should be homely, hardy, and honorable.
El consejo de la mujer es poco y él que no lo agarra es loco.
The advice of a woman is very scarce and the person who does not heed it is crazy.
Pueblo dividido, pueblo vencido.
A people divided, a people conquered.
It's All in the Frijoles captures and perpetuates the essence of Latino tradition and is destined to become a family treasure that is passed down from generation to generation. This legacy of wisdom provides food for thought not only for Latinos but also for people of all other ethnic backgrounds.
336 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2000
25 people are currently reading
144 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
March 19, 2018
True to life cuentos (stories) of respect, hard work, job well done, family many by famous people.....
After awhile they all read the same to me.....
There were poems, stories, dichos (sayings) of the Latino culture. There was some history of the of the ancient Native Cultures as well.
One thing stood out, the first poem I read, was not translated correctly... The translation was of what the poem was intended to convey, but not what its words actually translated to.
After awhile they all read the same to me.....
There were poems, stories, dichos (sayings) of the Latino culture. There was some history of the of the ancient Native Cultures as well.
One thing stood out, the first poem I read, was not translated correctly... The translation was of what the poem was intended to convey, but not what its words actually translated to.
February 12, 2018
Nava has compiled the wisdom of our ancestors through the stories, legends, folktales and sayings they imparted. She divides the book into chapters, each dealing with a basic value: Responsibility, Respect, Hard Work, Prudence, Chastity, etc.
Many of the dichos were familiar to me, having heard them from my parents and grandparents. And many of the real-life stories the writers related were also familiar, and I could have written them about my own ancestors.
Reading the book in one sitting, however, just emphasized how repetitious it is. This was a book-club selection, and so I felt compelled to read it through. Still, it took me over two months to finish it. These short vignettes (many barely a page long), are perfect for a daily meditation, so it’s a nice book to have around the house for that purpose. But I wouldn’t recommend it for a straight read-through.
Many of the dichos were familiar to me, having heard them from my parents and grandparents. And many of the real-life stories the writers related were also familiar, and I could have written them about my own ancestors.
Reading the book in one sitting, however, just emphasized how repetitious it is. This was a book-club selection, and so I felt compelled to read it through. Still, it took me over two months to finish it. These short vignettes (many barely a page long), are perfect for a daily meditation, so it’s a nice book to have around the house for that purpose. But I wouldn’t recommend it for a straight read-through.
Read
November 3, 2014"It's All in the frijoles" is a book famous Latinos share Real-Life stories, time-tested "dichos", favorite folktales, and inspiring words of wisdom. I Like this book because it helped me understand a lot of "dichos" my parents have said before. I also like that the book has both Spanish and English paragraphs.
February 14, 2015
I appreciate the intention of this book, more than the book itself. Could have used some stronger editing.
January 9, 2025
I began reading this book to gain a deeper understanding of my friends and family. Many of my friends are international students, and while I’m Hispanic like them, I was born and raised in the U.S. I’ve noticed some differences between us—differences I hadn’t fully understood before.
Reading this book has also given me clarity about why some relationships and friendships in my life didn’t work out. At this stage of my life, I’ve been searching for guidance. Reading about these accomplished Hispanics and their insights on important topics felt like the meaningful conversation I didn’t realize I was longing for. The songs were sweet. It was nice to ask my mom about stories and songs, to see her eyes light up a little and watch her smile. The stories and songs brought back memories and prompted her to share stories from her time in Mexico—stories she had never shared before. They were sweet and beautiful. The book reflected many qualities I see in my loved ones, qualities I deeply admire.
Great read!
Reading this book has also given me clarity about why some relationships and friendships in my life didn’t work out. At this stage of my life, I’ve been searching for guidance. Reading about these accomplished Hispanics and their insights on important topics felt like the meaningful conversation I didn’t realize I was longing for. The songs were sweet. It was nice to ask my mom about stories and songs, to see her eyes light up a little and watch her smile. The stories and songs brought back memories and prompted her to share stories from her time in Mexico—stories she had never shared before. They were sweet and beautiful. The book reflected many qualities I see in my loved ones, qualities I deeply admire.
Great read!
December 23, 2024
This was a deep and meaningful book with lots of profound wisdom about life
February 26, 2008
I really liked all the short stories and little "ditchos", many of which I heard my grandma saying while I was growing up. It was neat to see that these stories were written by famous Hispanics, both men and women.
October 24, 2010
I liked the approach of this book -- meditations on virtues using Spanish dichos (sayings), Latin American folk tales, and commentary/personal stories from famous Latinos. However, I feel that the shortness of the entries gave the book a lack of depth.
March 13, 2008
what can i say..i am a sucker for latino lit
started-but-didn-t-finish
June 23, 2008I could not quite get into this book so I had to shelf it.
I really love short stories but these were a little too short for my taste (i.e. half to 1 page).
I really love short stories but these were a little too short for my taste (i.e. half to 1 page).
Read
October 13, 2009This book is really dull. I haven't quite given up on it yet, but ......it might be a while before i pick it up again
May 20, 2010
Loved this book!
June 3, 2010
I realy like all these short stories and the dichosand these remind me from my grandparents and all these short stories are true and it can be connected to my family.
August 14, 2012
I loved reading all of the dichos, some I grew up hearing and others I didn't. It's a wonderful book. I can't wait to pass it on to my children.
Currently reading
August 24, 2010a lot of hispanic culture related quotes,lessons,and wisdom.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews