10 books about Puerto Rico

Acquired by the United States from Spain in 1898, Puerto Rico has a peculiar status among Latin American and Caribbean countries. As a Commonwealth, the island enjoys limited autonomy over local matters, but the U.S. has dominated it militarily, politically, and economically for much of its recent history. Though they are U.S. citizens, Puerto Ricans do not have their own voting representatives in Congress and cannot vote in presidential elections (although they are able to participate in the primaries). The island's status is a topic of perennial debate, both within and beyond its shores. In recent months its colossal public debt has sparked an economic crisis that has catapulted it onto the national stage and intensified the exodus to the U.S., bringing to the fore many of the unresolved remnants of its colonial history. Puerto Rico: What Everyone Needs to Know® provides a succinct, authoritative introduction to the Island's rich history, culture, politics, and economy. The book begins with a historical overview of Puerto Rico during the Spanish colonial period (1493-1898). It then focuses on the first five decades of the U.S. colonial regime, particularly its efforts to control local, political, and economic institutions as well as to "Americanize" the Island's culture and language. Jorge Duany delves into the demographic, economic, political, and cultural features of contemporary Puerto Rico-the inner workings of the Commonwealth government and the island's relationship to the United States. Lastly, the book explores the massive population displacement that has characterized Puerto Rico since the mid-20th century. Despite their ongoing colonial dilemma, Jorge Duany argues that Puerto Ricans display a strong national identity as a Spanish-speaking, Afro-Hispanic-Caribbean nation. While a popular tourist destination, few beyond its shores are familiar with its complex history and diverse culture. Duany takes on the task of educating readers on the most important facets of the unique, troubled, but much beloved isla del encanto.

The story of Puerto Rican leader Oscar López Rivera is one of courage, valour and sacrifice. A decorated Vietnam veteran and respected community activist, López Rivera is one of the longest held political prisoners in the world. Behind bars since 1981, he was convicted of the thought-crime of 'seditious conspiracy', though never accused of harming anyone. Through photographs, reproductions of his paintings and graphic content, Oscar's life is made strikingly accessible as the book tells of his emergence as a community activist, of his life underground, and of his years in prison.

Tells the story of the Taino people from their ancestral days in South America through their migration to the northern Caribbean islands where they were the first natives to interact with Columbus, to their rapid and immediate decline under the European gifts of forced labor, malnutrition, disease, and dispersal. Includes a glossary without pronunciation. Annotation copyright by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

Presents the creation myth of Boriquâen, or present-day Puerto Rico, an island inhabited by Taino Indians before the conquests of Christopher Columbus.

From the emergence of the first sugar plantations up until 1873, when slavery was abolished, the wealth amassed by many landowners in Puerto Rico derived mainly from the exploitation of slaves. But slavery generated its antithesis: disobedience, conspiracies, uprisings, and flight. ""Slave Revolts in Puerto Rico"" is a richly documented volume dealing with these expressions of collective resistance. The image of the docile and submissive slave presented by the prevailing historiography until very recently is no longer valid. Documents uncovered by Guillermo A. Baralt provide evidence of over forty uprising attempts, which are detailed in this fascinating book.

A Kid's Guide to Puerto Rico is a fun and colorful way to introduce young readers (ages 9-12) to this U.S. territory and its 3.4 million American citizens. The book is part of a series from Curious Kids Press about countries and cultures around the world. Designed primarily for recreational, high-interest reading, the informational text series is also a great resource for students to use to research geography topics or writing assignments.