THE OTHER FACE OF AMERICA

While Hispanics comprise an ever-increasing portion of the U.S. population and its economy, they have minimal political clout. Journalist Jorge Ramos offers a series of essays discussing the fact that despite the growing "Latinization" of the United States, these immigrants face ever-mounting obstacles and discrimination. Ramos is a passionate advocate whose words are brought to life by Robert Ramirez, who reads with intensity and a masterful sense of nuance. Although some of the material is dry, Ramirez's performance never lags. To the contrary, Ramirez captures Ramos's passion and helps to convince listeners that Latinos should be as entitled to share in the American Dream as any other immigrant group. D.J.S. © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/ MAY 06]