Community Reviews

Rating(4.1 / 5.0, 80 votes)
5 stars
34(43%)
4 stars
23(29%)
3 stars
23(29%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
80 reviews
July 14,2025
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Aww,

www...léanlo is so short and truly very nice to feel good.

Moreover, I had a craving for a coffee.

This short moment of enjoying the simplicity of www...léanlo and having a desire for a warm cup of coffee can bring a sense of comfort and relaxation.

It's those little things in life that often make a big difference in how we feel.

Whether it's the brevity of a website or the longing for a favorite beverage, they all contribute to our overall well-being.

So, let's cherish these small pleasures and take a moment to appreciate the beauty in the simplicity of life.

After all, sometimes the shortest things can have the most profound impact on our emotions and state of mind.
July 14,2025
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I was supposed to obtain this book in Spanish.

But, unfortunately, that's not what I received through the inter-library loan. Instead, I got it in English.

After reading it in English, I find myself in a bit of a quandary. I'm not entirely certain if all the book's subtleties and nuances would come across as clearly in an all-Spanish text.

You see, a significant part of the book's charm and essence lies in the beautiful interplay between English and Spanish, between the north and the south, and between the world of mechanization and the world of nature.

This unique combination gives the book a depth and richness that might be lost if it were presented solely in one language.

It makes me wonder how different the reading experience would have been if I had received the Spanish version as originally intended.

Nevertheless, having read it in English, I can still appreciate the book's overall message and the wonderful way in which the author has crafted this story.

Perhaps one day, I will have the opportunity to read the Spanish version and see for myself how the language and cultural context enhance the narrative even further.

Until then, I will continue to reflect on the book and the interesting questions it has raised about language, culture, and the power of storytelling.

July 14,2025
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Anyone who drinks coffee - or knows someone who drinks coffee - should read this book.

Coffee is a beloved beverage around the world, enjoyed by millions on a daily basis. It has the power to wake us up in the morning, give us a boost of energy during the day, and even provide a moment of relaxation and enjoyment.

This book offers a wealth of information about coffee, from its history and origin to the different brewing methods and flavors. Whether you are a coffee connoisseur or simply someone who enjoys a good cup of joe, you will find something of interest in this book.

It also explores the health benefits and potential drawbacks of coffee consumption, as well as the cultural and social significance of coffee in different parts of the world.

So, if you are a coffee lover or know someone who is, don't miss out on this opportunity to learn more about this fascinating beverage. Pick up a copy of this book today and start exploring the wonderful world of coffee.
July 14,2025
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Inspiring story of how Alvarez and her husband were able to help the Dominican people save their coffee plantations.

Faced with huge companies taking over their land and resources, Alvarez and her husband refused to back down.

They knew that the coffee plantations were not just a source of income for the Dominican people, but also a part of their cultural heritage.

So, they set out on a mission to educate the people about their rights and to help them organize themselves.

With their hard work and determination, they were able to mobilize the community and put pressure on the big companies.

In the end, their efforts paid off and the Dominican people were able to keep their coffee plantations.

This is happening all over the world and it is important to see how the efforts of just a handful of people can have such a significant impact.

Alvarez and her husband's story is an inspiration to us all and shows that we can make a difference if we are willing to stand up for what we believe in.
July 14,2025
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Besides the beautiful woodcuts, this extremely short story about shade-grown coffee in the Dominican Republic truly lacks substance. It is far too brief to be considered a book. Instead, it would be more appropriately presented as an informative pamphlet on sustainable and responsible coffee farming and buying.

The story fails to provide in-depth details about the process of shade-grown coffee cultivation, the benefits it offers to the environment and local communities, or the economic implications for coffee farmers. It merely skims the surface, leaving the reader with a sense of dissatisfaction and a desire for more comprehensive information.

As an informative pamphlet, however, it could serve a useful purpose. It could educate consumers about the importance of choosing shade-grown coffee, which helps to preserve biodiversity, reduce soil erosion, and support the livelihoods of small-scale farmers. The pamphlet could also include practical tips on how to identify and purchase sustainable coffee products, as well as information about the different certifications and labels available.

In conclusion, while the short story about shade-grown coffee in the Dominican Republic may have some aesthetic appeal, it falls short in terms of content. By transforming it into an informative pamphlet, it could have a greater impact and contribute to the promotion of sustainable and responsible coffee consumption.

July 14,2025
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My copy is without the dustjacket. This may seem like a minor detail to some, but for me, it holds a certain charm.

The absence of the dustjacket reveals the book's true essence, its bare cover and binding. It gives the book a more质朴 and authentic look.

Without the dustjacket, I can see the texture of the paper and the craftsmanship that went into creating the book. It makes me feel closer to the book, as if I am experiencing it in its most raw form.

Sometimes, I wonder if the lack of a dustjacket is a sign of a well-loved book. Maybe it has been read and passed around so many times that the dustjacket has been lost or damaged.

In any case, I cherish my copy without the dustjacket. It is a unique and special book that holds a place in my heart.
July 14,2025
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I have a profound love for coffee, and I also hold a great admiration for Julia Alvarez. Therefore, I decided to pick up her short work, "A Cafecito Story", with the anticipation of learning about the history of how she and her husband acquired the Altagracia coffee farms in the Dominican Republic.

Her husband indeed provides an explanation of this in the epilogue, and I found it truly fascinating. The story itself, "The Cafecito Story", is only approximately twenty short pages long, or forty if you take into account both the English and Spanish translations. She uses a parable to describe how she learned about the abuses suffered by coffee farmers in her home country and eventually came to purchase the farm that she now oversees.

However, after reading this short work, Alvarez left me with a sense of wanting more. Given my extremely high expectations for her work, it is probably about time that I reread one of my favorite books of hers.

Overall, I would rate this work 3.5 stars. It has its interesting aspects, but it also left me longing for a more in-depth exploration.
July 14,2025
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A short eco fable for coffee lovers everywhere!

Once upon a time, in a small village, there was a coffee lover named Tom. Tom loved coffee so much that he would drink several cups a day.

One day, Tom noticed that the coffee beans he was using were becoming more and more expensive. He decided to investigate and found out that the coffee plantations were being damaged by deforestation and overuse of pesticides.

Tom was very concerned and decided to do something about it. He started to buy coffee beans from sustainable sources and encouraged his friends and family to do the same.

With Tom's efforts, more and more people in the village started to buy sustainable coffee beans. The coffee plantations began to recover, and the environment was protected.

Tom was very happy that he had made a difference. He continued to enjoy his coffee, knowing that it was not only delicious but also good for the environment.

This short eco fable shows us that even as coffee lovers, we can make a positive impact on the environment by choosing sustainable coffee beans. Let's all do our part to protect the planet!
July 14,2025
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Beautiful.

This book is very short, only about 45 pages. But don't be misled by its brevity. It really made me think deeply, even though I don't even drink coffee. I had no clue before reading this how much time, love, and attention are put into creating a perfect cup of coffee. The coffee beans used are organic and are raised on a cooperative farm in the Dominican Republic. The process of growing these beans, harvesting them, and then transforming them into a delicious cup of coffee involves countless hours of hard work and dedication.

Moreover, the book's artwork is truly lovely. The illustrations add another layer of charm and beauty to the already captivating story. They bring to life the details of the coffee-making process and the people and places involved. Overall, this is a wonderful little book that I would highly recommend to anyone, whether they are a coffee lover or not.
July 14,2025
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A truly great personal story unfolds here, deeply intertwined with the author's life. It begins with a passion for coffee, which is not just a beverage but a cherished ritual. However, the author soon realizes the sterility of agro-business and the homogeneity of strip-mall culture that often surrounds it. This prompts a search for something more meaningful and sustainable. The journey leads to the discovery of sustainable farming, a practice that not only respects the environment but also allows for a more genuine connection to the land and the produce. Along the way, the author learns the importance of following one's heart. This short and sweet narrative serves as an inspiration, accompanied by valuable resources for those who wish to follow up and explore these themes further.

July 14,2025
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I don't even drink coffee. However, I have a deep admiration for Julia Alvarez. It was a great pleasure to come across another piece of her work that I hadn't read before. As a professional woman, I often find myself wondering about returning to the farm. Therefore, I am especially interested in the stories of others who have gone through a similar process.

This is a very short and direct story, almost like a parable. It delves into the author and her husband's experiences with sustainable agriculture in the Dominican Republic. If you decide to pick it up, make sure to read the afterword by her husband.

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, a story in someone's head, or a book in someone's hands. This simple yet profound statement emphasizes the power of individual actions and the potential for each of us to make a positive impact on the world around us.

Whether it's through the act of planting a seed and nurturing it into a growing plant, sharing a story that inspires others, or putting a book into someone's hands that opens their mind and heart, we all have the ability to contribute to the betterment of the world.

Julia Alvarez's story serves as a reminder of the importance of sustainable agriculture and the role that each of us can play in protecting the environment and creating a more sustainable future. It also highlights the power of storytelling and the ability of words to touch hearts and change lives.

I highly recommend this story to anyone who is interested in sustainable agriculture, the power of storytelling, or simply wants to be inspired by a beautiful and meaningful piece of writing.
July 14,2025
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A Cafecito Story is an incredibly interesting book that takes readers on a captivating journey. The story centers around a man named Joe. When he embarks on a vacation to the Dominican Republic, he encounters Miguel and his large family, which includes his wife and six kids. They are all coffee bean farmers. Joe ends up staying there for three years, during which time he not only learns the art of growing coffee but also teaches the family how to read and write. As time passes, Joe makes the decision to live with them.

One Christmas, when he returns home, he orders coffee and is disappointed with the taste. So, he brings out some of the coffee beans that he and Miguel had naturally harvested and grown. He shows the girl working at the counter that his kind of coffee tastes much better. Then, Joe tells her to drink a second cup and proceeds to tell her fortune from the stain. It is then revealed that the lady behind the counter is actually the author of the book.

I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good story that combines unexpected twists with factual information. It offers a unique and engaging reading experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
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