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Harvest of Empire: A History of Latinos in America

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2000

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Book Brief

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Juan Gonzalez

Harvest Of Empire

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2000
Book Details
Pages

416

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

Latin America, United States • 19th-21st centuries

Publication Year

2000

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Harvest of Empire: A History of Latinos in America by Juan Gonzalez examines the intertwined histories of Latin America and the United States, highlighting centuries of colonialism, territorial expansion, and economic exploitation. Divided into "Roots," "Branches," and "Harvest," the book reveals how U.S. policies and actions in Latin America have driven waves of immigration, urging a compassionate and responsible approach to modern immigration issues. Topics include colonialism, territorial expansion, oppression by dictators, and human rights abuses.

Informative

Mysterious

Challenging

Emotional

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

4.5

2,642 ratings

86%

Loved it

11%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Juan Gonzalez's Harvest of Empire is celebrated for its thorough examination of Latino history in the United States, offering deep insights into the socio-political impact of immigration. While readers appreciated its detailed research and compelling narrative, some found the dense information challenging to digest. Overall, it’s a crucial read for understanding America's diverse heritage.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Harvest Of Empire?

A reader who would enjoy Harvest Of Empire by Juan Gonzalez is interested in Latino history, immigration, and U.S. foreign policy. Similar readers have appreciated the depth of The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson and the cultural insights of Open Veins of Latin America by Eduardo Galeano.

4.5

2,642 ratings

86%

Loved it

11%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

Character List

Juan Gonzalez

The author and narrator, who uses his personal and professional experiences to provide a lens through which the history of America and its impact on Latino identity is explored. He draws on his background as a journalist and his family history to add depth to his storytelling.

A central figure in the examination of Latino political power, he was a key player in the Texas Revolution and later suffered displacement due to political shifts, symbolizing the struggles faced by Latinos in American politics.

An American expansionist depicted as a "filibustero," Walker attempted to establish control over parts of Latin America in the 1850s, reflecting the extensive impact of U.S. intervention in the region's history.

The brutal dictator of the Dominican Republic from 1930 to 1961 whose rise and regime underscore the role of U.S. interests in supporting authoritarian leaders for economic stability in the Caribbean.

The first Hispanic justice on the U.S. Supreme Court, her story as a child of Puerto Rican immigrants who rises to the highest judicial office in the country serves as a testament to the possibilities of the American dream for Latino communities.

Book Details
Pages

416

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

Latin America, United States • 19th-21st centuries

Publication Year

2000

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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