These enchanting tales of colorful and gritty characters in the barrios of Puerto Rico and New Haven are an engrossing read. Lloyd Rogler is a distinguished, prize-winning sociologist, himself half Puerto Rican and half American, whose research has explored the cultural connections and disconnections that mark Anglo-Latin encounters and the strategies through which the poor and the migrant triumph over adversity. Reading the book is like sitting in a bar next to the author, who is saying, 'This is what it was really like.' -Gilbert W. Merkx, Director of the Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies, Duke University ...Rogler's tales recreate his own querencia: they return to the place that gives him strength, security, to a metaphoric home, to a desired place of reflection. Also, these re-storyed narratives humanize an academic endeavor and provide students, researchers, academics, and the general public with an invaluable gaze into the power of the sociological imagination within an ethnocultural context. But they also provide an opportunity to move fast forward from a critique of positivist social science that traverses through the strengths and limitations of naturalistic research and is re-situated in the confluences of critical theoretical perspectives.... -Iris Zavala Martinez, The City University of New York, Center for Puerto Rican Studies This is essential reading for all students of the social sciences, and for anyone interested in the human condition. -Kal Wagenheim, journalist and author of The Puerto Ricans, Babe Ruth, and Clemente!Rogler's tales of his early research on Puerto Ricans on the island and the mainland chronicles the development of a distinguished sociologist through a collection of characters, incidents and encounters as vivid and engaging as one would hope to find in a well-crafted novel. Seamlessly combining detailed recollections and imaginative reconstructions of his pioneering work among persons living in poverty, Rogler demonstrates a rare blend of scientific curiosity and humanistic understanding. The tales are wise, entertaining and deeply felt. -Philip Sicker, Fordham University; Co-editor, Joyce Studies Annual An inspiring life journey, described with tender elegance, compassion, humor and wisdom, Barrio Professors is Lloyd Rogler's compelling message of humanism, culture and science embraced by nostalgia, courage and authenticity. The parade of unforgettable characters and places like San Juan, New Haven and Iowa City are, in this book, memorable stations of an eternal querencia, that of a world we know imperfect, but always dream better. -Renato D. Alarcon, Professor of Psychiatry and Medical Director, Mood Disorders Unit, Mayo Psychiatry and Psychology Treatment Center I have always found Professor Rogler's work illuminating. This book adds a new dimension to his work and to the research literature. I highly recommend it to everyone who is interest in mental illness, cultural diversity, or social research. -Michael B. Friedman, Columbia University and Director of the Center for Policy and Advocacy of Mental Health Associations of New York City and Westchester ...Barrio Professors would fit nicely as a supplementary text and springboard to class discussion in both undergraduate and graduate courses. A brisk and engaging read, Barrio Professors gives three-dimensional life to important issues in a nonacademic life to important issues in a nonacademic literary format...the questions with which Rogler wrestled then, and upon which he reflects in this volume, are hardy perennials meriting our continuing consideration. For both seasoned researchers and newcomers to the field, there is much to value and savor here.... - David Glenwick, Fordham University for The Community Psychologist
