Hoyt Street: An Autobiography

By Mary Helen Ponce

Book Overview

"Church movies we saw were mostly westerns--old westerns, in black and white. Father Mueller drove to 'Los, 'as we called Los Angeles, to pick up the films and assorted reels. He never explained why western movies were all he got; I figured he knew a cowboy." It's the 1940s. Little Mary Helen Ponce and her family live in Pacoima, a Mexican American barrio near Los Angeles. Unmindful of their poverty, Mary Helen and friends Beto, Concha, Virgie, la Nancy, and Mundo sneak into the circus, run wild at church bazaars, snitch apricots from the neighbor's tree, and poke fun at Father Mickey, the progressive priest who plays jazz on the church organ. Experience the shame of first-generation Americans examined at school for lice, and the desire of a little girl who longs for patent leather shoes instead of clunky oxfords. Share Mary Helen's joy as she savors the sun on her face during walnut-picking expeditions, and basks in her family's love all year long. Drawing on a child's freshness of vision, "Hoyt Street depicts growing up Mexican American as the norm, not as the sociological phenomenon. It will touch your heart and make you laugh out loud.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0826314465
• ISBN13: 9780826314468
• Release Date: January 1993
• Publisher: University of New Mexico Press
• Length: 338 Pages
• Weight: 1.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.1" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

Great it's my familys History

I dont think we've ever met but my dad said I should tell you I am part of your family.My name is Rachel Marie Ponce daughter of Steven Tomas Ponce.I would like to meet you some day. bye, Rachie