Raising Raul: Adventures Raising Myself and My Son

I read this book a few years ago and loved it so much that I am looking to buy a new copy so I can read it again. The writing is so VIVID and above all so HONEST, that you feel like she's sitting right in front of you. This book is definitely one of my favorites of all time and I would recommend it to everyone.

Men have no reason to feel uncomfortable about reading and appreciating this book. I love Maria Hinojosa's memoir because it is easy to empathize with her efforts to become pregnant after past near misses. She writes about so much more than just pregnancy and motherhood, though. The book's richness resides in how honest and open she is about her struggle; and its impact on her relationships with her parents, husband, and friends. Even when she discussed painful topics and incidents, I detected no bitterness or sense of blame. Most of all, I appreciate Hinojosa's acknowledgement of spirituality as a constant pillar of her development. This is a rich, down to earth, and moving invitation into one woman's experience of parenthood, marriage, friendship, culture and love. Do not miss it!

I wasn't able to put his book down. It is a great memoir. The way Maria Hinojosa describes everything makes you feel as if you were there, experiencing it right along with her. I myself am an immigrant, so I can relate to alot of things in this book. I think everyone who reads this book will be able to relate to it in some way (even if you aren't an immigrant, Latino, or a woman). This book is full of life and emotion, and you'll never want it to end!

I frequently listen to Maria Hinojosa on NPR (Latino USA) and really enjoy her commentary. Her book is just as enjoyable, particularly since she went through a similar experience to mine (mentally and physically) with trying to get pregnant. I'm thoroughly enjoying reading about the aspects of Latin culture she describes since I am not Hispanic myself, just an interested "gringa".

Maria Hinojosa captures the anxieties and the rewards of deciding to have a child in the 90s. Her intimate descriptions of her relationship with her husband and her mom, were very movings. Her stories of wrestling with her identity as a mexican-american are told with great humor and wisdom. I loved her details of life in New York City, the great melting pot, where people from so many different backgrounds come together. Her book is a sociological and personal portrait that made me feel more prepared to take on fatherhood.