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A Cafecito Story

julia alvarez bill eichner belkis ramirez

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A Cafecito Story is a story of love, coffee, birds and hope. It is a beautifully written eco-fable by best-selling author Julia Alvarez. Based on her and her husband's experiences trying to reclaim a small coffee farm in her native Dominican Republic, A Cafecito Story shows how the return to the traditional methods of shade-grown coffee can rehabilitate and rejuvenate the landscape and human culture, while at the same time preserving vital winter habitat for threatened songbirds.
Not a political or environmental polemic, A Cafecito Story is instead a poetic, modern fable about human beings at their best. The challenge of producing coffee is a remarkable test of our ability to live more sustainably, caring for the land, growers, and consumers in an enlightened and just way. Written with Julia Alvarez's deft touch, this is a story that stimulates while it comforts, waking the mind and warming the soul like the first cup of morning coffee. Indeed, this story is best read with a strong cup of organic, shade-grown, fresh-brewed coffee.

72 pages, Paperback

First published January 1,2001

This edition

Format
72 pages, Paperback
Published
March 1, 2004 by Chelsea Green
ISBN
9781931498548
ASIN
1931498547
Language
English

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About the author

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julia alvarez

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Julia Alvarez left the Dominican Republic for the United States in 1960 at the age of ten. She is the author of six novels, three books of nonfiction, three collections of poetry, and eleven books for children and young adults. She has taught and mentored writers in schools and communities across America and, until her retirement in 2016, was a writer-in-residence at Middlebury College. Her work has garnered wide recognition, including a Latina Leader Award in Literature from the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, the Hispanic Heritage Award in Literature, the Woman of the Year by Latina magazine, and inclusion in the New York Public Library's program “The Hand of the Poet: Original Manuscripts by 100 Masters, from John Donne to Julia Alvarez.” In the Time of the Butterflies, with over one million copies in print, was selected by the National Endowment for the Arts for its national Big Read program, and in 2013 President Obama awarded Alvarez the National Medal of Arts in recognition of her extraordinary storytelling.

Photo copyright by Brandon Cruz González
EL VOCERO DE PUERTO RICO

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Community Reviews

Rating(4.1 / 5.0, 80 votes)
5 stars
34(43%)
4 stars
23(29%)
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23(29%)
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80 reviews All reviews
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Neon_Shadow
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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The title is deceiving, because it's not really a story. It tries to move you, but it only remains as useful information about coffee.

Coffee is a beloved beverage around the world. It has a rich history and a wide variety of flavors and brewing methods.

Some people enjoy a strong, bold cup of coffee in the morning to wake them up and get them started for the day. Others prefer a smooth and creamy latte or cappuccino.

There are many different types of coffee beans, each with its own unique characteristics. The origin of the beans, the roasting process, and the brewing method all play a role in determining the final flavor and quality of the coffee.

Whether you're a coffee connoisseur or just someone who enjoys a good cup of joe, there's always something new to learn and discover about this wonderful beverage.
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Immanuel_9
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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One thing I've learned from the life I've lived is that the world can only be saved by one man or woman putting a seed in the ground, or a story in someone's head, or a book in someone's hands. This simple yet profound statement holds so much truth.

Every small act of kindness, every thought-provoking story, and every book that inspires can have a ripple effect that spreads far and wide.

In the Afterword, the author shares a beautiful contrast. Their poor and frugal Dominican family would never skimp on the 'strength' of their coffee. Instead of having a large quantity of weak coffee, they would drink a smaller cup that was rich enough to leave stains on the bottom and sides.

I can't help but relate to this. Quality over quantity is a principle I firmly believe in. I, too, would rather have two ounces of something of great quality than a whole pot of something mediocre.

Just like that strong cup of coffee, a small but meaningful action or idea can have a much greater impact than a large but insignificant one.
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Lucille_Delilah
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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A quick fable by one of my favorite authors. Her story makes me even more committed to shade-grown coffee.

In this charming fable, the author weaves a tale that beautifully captures the essence of the importance of shade-grown coffee. The story unfolds with vivid descriptions and engaging characters that draw the reader in and make them care about the message it conveys.

Through the fable, we learn about the many benefits of shade-grown coffee, not only for the environment but also for the farmers and communities that rely on it. The author's words paint a picture of a sustainable future where coffee can be grown in harmony with nature, providing a livelihood for those who work hard to produce it.

This fable has truly touched my heart and made me more determined than ever to support shade-grown coffee. It serves as a reminder that our choices as consumers can have a significant impact on the world around us. By choosing shade-grown coffee, we are not only enjoying a delicious cup of joe but also making a positive contribution to the environment and the lives of others.

I highly recommend this fable to anyone who is interested in learning more about the importance of sustainable coffee production. It is a short but powerful read that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for this wonderful beverage.
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sodamntired
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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Beautiful woodcuts,

but not much of a story. The inspiration for the short story was much more interesting.

It came from a coffee farm that was truly remarkable. The owner of the farm had a deep passion for coffee and the environment. He would carefully tend to the coffee plants, ensuring they received the right amount of sunlight and water.

The farm was like a little paradise, with its lush greenery and the wonderful aroma of coffee in the air. It was here that the idea for the "green fable" was born.

However, I'm sad to see that this coffee farm that inspired such a great story is no longer running. Perhaps due to changing economic conditions or other challenges, it had to close its doors.

Nevertheless, the memories of that beautiful farm and the inspiration it provided will always remain with me.
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GonzyChan
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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I have a particular penchant for certain things over others. Among these cherished elements are the steep green slopes that seem to rise majestically, inviting exploration. Then there's the strong coffee that has the power to knock you down with its intense flavor and aroma. And let's not forget the community that exists solely to support its members, a haven of warmth and togetherness.

This place had all three of these wonderful aspects, and on top of that, it was accompanied by some solid writing. It was truly a captivating combination.

Unsurprisingly, I found myself completely in love with it. [4.5 stars for making me want to seriously consider a move and envision myself growing coffee in the glorious sun, living a life intertwined with nature and a supportive community.]
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chipathy
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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**Original Article**:
This is a simple article. It talks about a few things. It's not very long.

**Expanded Article**:

This is a rather simple article.

It delves into a few aspects.

It doesn't go into great detail or cover a vast range of topics.

Despite its brevity, it manages to convey some basic information.

Perhaps it serves as a starting point for further exploration or a quick overview of certain ideas.

While it may not be the most comprehensive piece of writing, it still has its own value.

It can give the reader a taste of what might be discussed in more depth elsewhere.

Overall, this simple article has its place in the world of written communication.

It shows that sometimes, a concise and straightforward approach can be just as effective as a more elaborate one.

It leaves room for the reader's imagination and encourages further thought and investigation.

So, even though it's not very long, it can still make an impact.

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KarmaSwanson
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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This is an odd little book.

It is simple in nature and is written deliberately in a simplistic manner, giving the impression of a fable.

The moral of this fable is to buy organic, shade-grown, fair-trade coffee.

Although the message might seem a little heavy-handed or perhaps even blatant, the story itself is truly lovely.

The theme of the birds in particular resonated deeply with me.

I simply can't envision a more compelling advertisement for visiting the Dominican Republic.

The physical book is truly a keepsake.

It has been designed with great care and is illustrated with gorgeous woodcuts.

This book has been sitting on my fiction shelf for years.

However, now that I've finally read it, I believe it belongs right next to Pollan's works.

It offers a unique combination of a charming story and an important message, all presented in a beautifully crafted package.

It's a book that not only entertains but also makes you think about the choices we make and the impact they have.

Overall, it's a wonderful addition to any bookshelf.

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oryouohagi
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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Corto, bonito.

It's a short and beautiful description. It gives the impression of something concise yet charming.

Y una invitación a tomar cafecito.

And there is also an invitation to have a little coffee. This adds a touch of warmth and friendliness to the overall picture.

Es como escuchar la historia del viaje que ha hecho un amigo.

It's like listening to the story of the trip that a friend has taken. This simile helps to create a vivid image in the reader's mind, as if they are sitting with a friend, sharing in their travel experiences.

Overall, these few lines manage to convey a sense of simplicity, beauty, and friendship, making the reader curious to know more about the story behind them.
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