Ricardo L. García, an emeritus professor, crafts narratives deeply rooted in the experiences of coal camp life. His fiction delves into the complexities of justice and human relationships within these distinct communities. García's distinctive style captures the unique atmosphere and socio-historical context of his settings. Through his work, readers encounter explorations of heritage, community bonds, and the persistent search for fairness.
Set against the backdrop of northern New Mexico's coalfields during the final years of World War II, the narrative follows six-year-old Matias Montaño, reflecting the author's own experiences. It highlights the lives of coal-mining families, showcasing their resilience, joy, and dedication to education and hard work. The story emphasizes their pursuit of the American Dream, portraying both the struggles and the heroism of ordinary people in a challenging environment.
A unique journey unfolds as nine professors and a graduate student travel from Montana to San Francisco, sharing forty tales in rhymed verse. Inspired by Chaucer's Canterbury Tales, they explore themes ranging from humor to nature, all while adhering to the whimsical rule of speaking in rhyme. The diverse cast of characters, including Virgil Vulgate and Smokey Cloud, adds depth to their pilgrimage toward technological enlightenment in Silicon Valley. This collection blends poetry and storytelling, celebrating creativity and camaraderie along the way.
From the coal camps of northeastern New Mexico comes a tale of families and friends struggling to rise above working and living conditions In this prequel to Coal Camp Days, the Chicorico miners battle to establish a labour union that promises to rectify dangerous and oppressive mining conditions.