UP FROM ANTON CHICO: A Memoir of a New Mexico Hispanic Family as Told by One of its Members, José ("Joe") Sánchez, in Collaboration with His Wife, Elizabeth

About the Book:Beginning with early memories of his childhood in and around the village of Anton Chico in northern New Mexico, the author takes us along with him on his journey up from humble circumstances and from a time and place before there was plumbing, running tap water, and electricity, into the mainstream of 20th century American life. Although his family, like other Hispanic families in rural New Mexico, were poor and had to struggle to survive, they were a close-knit and resourceful bunch, and, from the children’s point of view, looking back, the 1930’s and early1940’s were idyllic times, full of stories and adventures. The next chapter in the author’s life began when, at the age of 14, he accompanied an older brother and friends to Los Angeles, following the famous Route 66 (only a few years after the fictional Joad family from The Grapes of Wrath made their way to California). Speaking no (or very little) English and having no experience with riding in automobiles, the author was at first intrigued with the sensation of speed. He would compare the speed of the car, which, in war time, could travel no faster than 35 mph, with the slow-moving horse drawn wagon that would take the family to Sunday Mass. Los Angeles was both a frightening and fascinating experience for the young author, who, although he benefited greatly from having to adjust to the new circumstances, never gave up his longing for his home and family. Whereas he and his family may be seen as representative of the larger movement of their community from the land to the city, members of the Sánchez family have nonetheless distinguished themselves by their remarkable achievements. These memoirs are a tribute to the family. Read more