The Prince of South Waco: American Dreams and Great Expectations Kindle Edition

Enjoying it.

Very little if any insight into the expierence of the Mexican American coming of age is out there in printed or any other form. Especially this generation who unknowingly began to crack the racial ,ethnic stereo types associated with our culture. Mr.Castro's moving story crosses all racial barriers and lays bare the basic emotions we all share as humans .

Very insightful as to the cultural differences of that time. Tony is an excellent wordsmith. Would highly recommend this book.

I grew up with Tony and we went to the same junior high and high schools. The pictures in the book brought back a lot of memories.

Tony Castro has written a poignant coming-of-age book that provides startling and frequently disturbing insights into growing up Hispanic and talented in central Texas in the 1950s and 1960s. He lays bare the tortured and sometimes heartbreaking soul of his youth and life as a young adult. Those of us who grew up in Waco can readily identify with the descriptions of a small city being dragged into the 20th Century in terms of race and culture.I must disclose that I am mentioned briefly in the book. The wedding to my wife of 39 years is described in vivid and idealist terms. Tony was best man at that wedding. Some years later, I was best man at his. I was also witness to many of the events described in the book as Tony has been a close friend of mine for more than 40 years. Any bias in this review is strictly mine, and I alone am responsible. Yet, this is a book that transcends the stereotype of books about youth of any age. As well, it transcends descriptions of the racial issues that plagued the United States in a former age and, to some extent, continue to this day.The human condition is by nature filled with heartache and difficulties, some of our own making and some not. With a sense that borders on the Kafkaesque, Tony reveals his painful and stinging awareness that he is different in terms of skin color, religion, and culture. In his flowing prose, Tony frequently offers a background richly textured in Western literature with which he is intimately familiar. It is a painful self-examination of a life that, ultimately, is fueled by a passionate optimism to succeed and to be self-fulfilling. It is beautifully written and a fascinating emotional and intellectual exploration of times past, present and future. It is a love story without end.Tony PedersonProfessorBelo Distinguished Chair in JournalismSouthern Methodist UniversityDallas, Texas

Aside from the reviews from "friends" here with obvious catch-phrases, I would like to say I couldn't get through this "coming of age" (hackneyed term for genre as well--beware!) gvetch. It should be re-titled "The Last of the Chicano WHINE."In an era where Latino history needs to be recounted and brought to the forefront, this story just doesn't cut it. He should stick to sports writing.

Tony Castro has written a compelling rite-of-passage memoir. His story of growing up Latino in Central Texas in the 1950s and 60s and overcoming learning disabilities and language barriers embodies the essential American story of cultural assimilation. His perseverance in finding his own path has helped him become one of our very best writers. This is a riveting story that I cannot recommend highly enough.