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Book Review of Momentos mágicos / Magic Moments

Momentos mágicos / Magic Moments
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In Latin American culture -- with its blend of Indian, Spanish, Catholic, and African influence -- magic is a part of the everyday world. Momentos Magicos, or magic moments, can come in many forms. For storyteller Olga Loya, magic occuyrs every time an ancient story is passed from teller to listener.
The fifteen stories here are full of momentos magicos. Presented in equally vibrant English and Spanish, they include scary stories such as the Mexican story of La Llorona, the Wailing Woman; tales of animals and tricksters, such as the Nicaraguan story of how Rabbit tricked Tiger; of strong women, like Celina, who resisted the powers of El Sombreron; and myths, such as the Aztec legend of La Diosa Hambrieta, the Hungry Goddess. In stories from Mexico, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Columbia, and the Mayan, Chol, and Aztec peoples Olga Loya works her maic to create humorous, vital, and powerful renditions of centuries-old legends.