Thirteen Senses: A Memoir

I love this book. Read when I was in high school and I wanted my teen to have it too. I love the hardcover because it’s definitely a book I want to keep for as long as possible.

Following this author and he never disappointed. The story is full of feeling, love, and excitement all the way through the book. The characters are so well fledged out and I can " see" them in my mind.I love the history of California and these families are truly the " spice" in in the soup. A blending of cultures and the basis of a wonderful foundation for our wonderful state of California.You won't be disappointed.

When I began reading Thirteen Senses, I was in awe of Victor Villasenor's wonderful family (which he has immortalized in his stories).As the story begins, the family gathers to celebrate the renewing of the marriage vows of Victor's parents, Lupe and Salvador. And, like all families, there is family drama. There are some big surprises for everyone, from the spirited and lovely Lupe. So I was surprised to find that this family is much like my own--human and full of human frailties, and bits of craziness and fun, too.And then the story goes back in time, to the beginning of Lupe and Salvador's marriage: Two young people in love start out in the world of bootlegging-- prior to the Stock Market Crash-- when Southern California was still mostly orange groves and flower fields. Daring bootlegger Salvador and the beautiful, refined Lupe discover the ups and downs of marriage in those very exciting, rocky times.Family is a guide for Salvador and Lupe, in the form of their loving, troublesome, angry, wonderful living family members; and the loving, very alive spiritual beings who are just as real. For, as their little Indian mothers teach them, there will always be the drama of Creation in every marriage. The teachings of their native American ancestors help Lupe and Salvador to find how to make miracles. These miracles will help them survive the dangers that face them--and that indeed, face all of us.

The book was wonderful, I couldn’t put it down

Absolutely wonderful! Even on my fourth read! I have shared this book with my children and many friends. In it I see the joy of living in light of God’s Word and Presence. This story is in many ways, all our story, learning to love in spite of failings, hurts, and losses. Learning to forgive not because we deserve forgiveness but because we unite in God’s purpose when we do it! Here’s to Life in and with God our creator!

I really enjoyed the "13 Senses" though not as much as some of Villasenor's other books. It is a great story about the author's parents when they were in the first years of marriage. I really enjoyed the descriptions of the time period and how things have both changed and not changed through the years. This book actually gives me some real hope during this time of economic manipulation by the powers that be. It sounds like the Great Depression was similar in its cause and manipulation by the rich. The reason for the 4 stars for a book I really enjoyed was the bothersome exclamation points and capitalization used to such a degree!!! I picked a page and counted 33 exclamation points on just this one page with some capitalized words thrown in. If you enjoy history, study of religion, study of Mexico or California or a good love story, this is your book.

This book continues with the love story of Salvador and Lupe Villasenor and the first three years of their marriage. Where Rain of Gold left off after the marriage ceremony, Thirteen Senses opens with the renewed vows on the day of their 50th anniversary and takes the reader back to the beginning day of the wedding reception. There is so much more to learn from Dona Margarita in this book....life lessons for the newlyweds and the reader. The Spirit and Wisdom of God is on every page along with daily miracles that the reader can experience right along with Lupe, Salvador, Dona Margarita and Dona Guadalupe ! This book is worth reading over and over and over and is better than any movie produced ! I did not want it to end but yet I couldn't put it down !.....just to keep on reliving those wonderful love miracles through Dona Margarita. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED READING !!!