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Dream In Color, a book by Linda and Loretta Sanchez with Richard Buskin, is focused on the first Hispanic sisters to serve in congress at the same time.
Loretta and Linda Sanchez are the daughters of immigrants Maria Macias and Ignacio Sanchez. They grew up in a family of seven siblings, Loretta and Linda being the oldest. Their father was very strict and insisted that they went to Cal State Fullerton, or Chapman, both local colleges. Linda ended up at Cal Berkeley, much against her fathers’ will, and Loretta went to Chapman.
Loretta and Linda had a very vibrant childhood. They lived in a three bedroom house that nine people occupied. As they were growing up, their traditional Mexican dad governed their lives, deciding which classes they should take, which sports they should play, and so on. Unlike other Latino fathers who insisted that his daughters stay home to take care of the family, he pushed his daughters, and the rest of his children, to get a college education. Both Linda and Loretta attribute their dad to their dedication in Congress and throughout their lives.
The Sanchez sisters are also the first siblings to serve in Congress at the same time since the Washburn brothers in 1851. The sisters mention how they helped each other learn the ropes of Washington D.C. as well as get acquainted with the politicians on Capitol Hill. Linda says “She [Loretta] continued to help even after I’d entered the House, assisting in my effort to secure a slot on the Judiciary Committee, making recommendations when I was setting up my office, and generally showing me the lay of the land.”
The Sanchez sisters have no problems in admitting that they have helped each other gain votes in congress. They attribute their success to those who have helped them. They firmly believe that without those people it could not have been possible.
A large portion of Dream in Color goes through details of Linda and Loretta’s trials and accomplishments in Congress. They talk about everything from dealing with Republican senators and getting bills passed. Loretta even traveled to Vietnam to advocate human rights. She was involved in an attempt by Vietnamese soldiers to mistreat the women who have gone there; this was caught on video, posted on YouTube, and became an “international incident.”
Dream in Color is a very inspirational book for any woman hoping to make something out of herself. It proves that success does not start with money, fame or luck. It starts with love, support and dedication. The book ends with both Loretta and Linda stating the importance of education and encouraging readers to work towards a better future for our children.
In my opinion, Dream in Color was a very inspirational read. The Sanchez sisters overcame many obstacles as children, and they were fortunate enough to have a loving and supportive family. Their life story is the perfect example of the “American dream.” Their parents came to this country with almost nothing, yet raised seven children who all attended college and surpassed all stereotypes. They are living proof for the argument that as long as someone is persistent in their goals, they will achieve them.
February 2010
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