Books o' the Month: Exit Unicorns and Commander Jose Castro in the Two Californias

Exit Unicorns by Cindy Brandner is the first in a series that takes place during the time period of The Troubles in Ireland.  It is a self-published book (as I understand it, correct me it I am wrong) and I applaud the author's tenacity.  She writes a compelling story and she did what she needed to do to get it out there.  

There is more to California history than the Missions and the Gold Rush.  Most importantly, California was populated by numerous indigenous tribes before the arrival of the Spaniards.  There was also a turbulent twenty-five years of Mexican rule after independence was won from Spain and the native born Californios struggled for self-rule.  This is where Commander Jose Castro comes in.   The publication, Commander Jose Castro in the Two Californias by Julianne Burton-Carvajal, offers a fascinating examination of his life and times as reflected in correspondence written by, to, or about him and, luckily, saved for posterity.  The translated letters make for very interesting reading--and even better when you are able to read them in Spanish!  I found the missives between Castro, his wife Modesta, and his son Estevan especially intriguing.

I am woefully late to the party this month (blame spring break and other general distractions) but please take a look at Adrienne's Turn the Page ... Tuesday for this month to find more great reading suggestions!