Eye from the Edge: A Memoir of West Oakland

by Ruben Llamas

Overview

Oakland is on the San Francisco Bay, California. It is literally on the edge of the North American continent. Ruben, the author, writes a detail-rich memoir of this city, a melting pot for many during the late 19th, and 20th Century. Near rail yards, Oakland Port, a gateway of transportation from east to further west, San Francisco. Urban life for youngsters, their freedoms, their energy, and their ability to get along. Music of the times and how it changes. Sports, for the kids, baseball, bicycling, and boxing. Church and police authority are involved in the kids' lives. Graduates from high school are able to get adequate jobs for young families. Then challenges through management and corporate expectations. Also includes family heritage from Chihuahua, Mexico, generations moving north from revolution, settling until disease and death prompt some family members to come to America (with their papers in their hands), only in the 1930s to be sent back. History repeats itself. An authentic memoir. Includes some general history of this area of California. Many photographs tell the story of American culture in the 20th Century.

Product Details

BN ID:	2940016545158
Publisher:	Earth Patch Press
Publication date:	03/29/2012
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	192
File size:	9 MB

About the Author

Ruben Llamas middle child of six, born in Oakland, California before World War II. His father owns a music store below their home. Music all around, but Ruben is active and starts his working career as a shoeshine boy around age 8. He observes his surroundings and his memories are authentic and detailed. After parochial elementary and high school, he and his high school sweetheart face the challenges of urban expansion.

Editorial Reviews

"I most like the way the author takes the reader by the hand and leads them through his neighborhood. . . .His stories are amazing because they not only touch the social injustices in Oakland as he was growing up, his words also "mirror" what is STILL happening today across the country. . . the first real memoir of a true American with no "pop star" appeal that will definitely hold the reader's attention." (Amy Lignor: Best Selling Author, Tallent & Lowery-13)

in Person - Amy Lignor

"Great book . . .Ruben has done for 20th Century Oakland what Betty Smith did for the Turn of the Century Williamsburg section of Brooklyn, NY, except that hers was a novel and Ruben Llamas' book is non-fiction -- the real thing." PC Trimble "Railroad Historian" 2012

Promotional Material - Paul Trimble

One time shoeshine boy, first-generation American and now-Carmichael, Calif., PayLess Drug Store retired exec Ruben Llamas spins a detail-rich memoir of his post-World War II life growing up in West Oakland. . . his family's bustling music store, barbershop and jewelry repair shop. . .later in life (finding) scant history about his old stomping grounds. . .a concise depiction of the lively melting pot that was (and still is) Oakland. . . .memorable sports and music scenes. . (with) photographs

Oakland Magazine Nov 2012 - Judith Gallman