Ernesto Caravantes was among the multitudes of people who were affected by the Recession of 2008, the financial impact of which continues to be felt to this day. Rather than focus on how people can return to their former consumerist lifestyle, he decided to explore how people can trade one paradigm of conspicuous consumption for another of frugality and simplicity. The author uses a reader-friendly approach to exploring these issues, and combines both personal narrative and practical advice to make his point. With over one hundred easy-to-do fun ideas and entertaining activities that are free or very low in cost, the reader is shown the possibility of a life beyond spending. Caravantes explains that now is the time to embrace a simpler manner of living, one free of the constant need to spend and acquire. He also says that the human spirit can be nurtured by such a change. He emphasizes that it is our connection to others, to ourselves, and to the larger forces in the universe which ultimately matter the most

From Melting Pot to Witch's Cauldron explores what can happen when good intentions go askew. Ernesto Caravantes points out that the original wishes of the founders of the American Republic, as well as the desires of modern luminaries like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Cesar Chavez, have not been realized. Caravantes traces this problem to the radical activism of the 1960s, which introduced the notion of multiculturalism. In so doing, that activism completely erased all chances of seeing the dreams of these activists being brought into fruition. The author points out that the true and original aim of the multiculturalism movement was to have people of divergent ethnic backgrounds become unified by their differences, yet what is occurring is just the opposite - xenophobia and ethno-centrism have developed among the different ethnic groups in the United States. This book is a must-read for students of multicultural studies in colleges and universities.

The Mexican-American Mind is a book intended to give the reader a glimpse into the mental machinations of members of the Mexican-American cultural group, which has grown into one of the largest minority groups in the nation. In this collection of essays, the reader becomes privy to understanding how Mexican-Americans feel about, as well as interpret, almost all areas of culture: including men's roles, women's roles, relationships, marriage, religion, travel, and education. Caravantes gives expression to many cultural tendencies, which many have noticed, but few are willing to admit to in such a candid manner. Ultimately, this book, with its sociological inclinations, has an ultimate goal of acute cultural awareness among members of this population, as well as greater cultural awareness among those who service them.

Clipping Their Own Wings: The Incompatibility Between Latino Culture and American Education addresses one of the most urgent problems in the United States' educational system: Latino underachievement. While most educators believe that the problem lies in the present school system and in budgetary constraints, this book takes a bold stand, arguing that in fact Hispanic culture is incompatible with educational success in the United States. Clipping Their Own Wings outlines a unique solution to this growing problem: Selective Cultural Adoption (SCA). SCA is a method by which Latinos can retain certain meaningful characteristics of their culture and, at the same time, adopt key aspects of the Anglo-American culture that will help them succeed, especially in the area of education. This hands-on book illustrates how teachers and parents can improve the educational experience of young Latinos in America.