Stars Always Shine by Rick P. Rivera

Paperback: 192 pages; Bilingual Review Pr; (September 25, 2001) ISBN: 193101003X


This Novel Shines January 26, 2003
Rick Rivera’s “Stars Always Shine” is a beautifully-crafted story of attorney Michelle Stanton (”Mitch”) and English-degreed Placido Moreno (”Place”) who flee the fast lane and become ranch hands for Jacqueline and Mickey Kittle. Thrown into the mix is the holdover Salvador, an undocumented Mexican, who worked for the previous owners. Though technically not much happens, the characters go through major life changes as they confront their own and others expectations in matters of culture, language and the work ethic. The most compelling relationship is between Place — who feels a bit like a “pocho” because of his poor Spanish and “Americanized” ways of thinking — and Salvador who is both amused and confounded by Place’s ability to be in two cultures at once. With the help of Place, Salvador becomes more a part of the United States. Conversely, Salvador helps Place with his Spanish. Rivera is masterful at painting believeable characters who are not unlike ourselves. And his meticulous descriptions of Sonoma County’s terrain and climate bring that part of California alive. On top of it, I learned so much about the practicalities of running a ranch from irrigation to medicating cattle. This is a very fine book.


By Daniel Olivas

Tags: Rick P. Rivera, Stars Always Shine