Puerto Ricans in the United States: A Contemporary Portrait - Tapa blanda

This outstanding book captures the historical, cultural, demographic, and socioeconomic realities of Puerto Ricans. Very well written and argued, it is invaluable - and destined to become required reading. - William Velez, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee "An essential contribution. Carefully conceived, well written, and thorough, it will become a staple in Latino, Puerto Rican, and race and ethnic studies classes." - Pedro Caban, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign

Though now a significant ethnic group in the US, Puerto Ricans are rarely studied - and often misunderstood. Edna Acosta-Belen and Carlos Santiago change this status quo, presenting a nuanced portrait of both the community today and the trajectory of its development. The authors move deftly from Puerto Rico's colonial experience, through a series of waves of migration, to the emergence of the commuter patterns seen today. Not least, they draw on extensive data to dispel widespread myths and stereotypes. Their work is a long overdue corrective to conventional wisdom about the role of the Puerto Rican community within US society.