More than a family story or biography, Ruben Arredondo's book is an important American Odyssey of an American family searching for a life dream. Through hard work, Spartan thriftiness, and discipline, the Arredondo family accomplished that American dream. Certain people have what it takes to succeed in life, but in a teenage boy it's rare to see the qualities that will make his life a success. Thirteen-year-old José Arredondo had the cleverness, drive, and work ethic to achieve his dream of owning his own rancho in Mexico. Despite horrors in the ambivalence and chaos of the Mexican Revolution in the 1910s, he set out to a new country, and through hard work and determination, he and his family helped contribute to the growth of America's railroad system and Mojave Desert prosperity and, in so doing, established a proud American family. This too is a story of overcoming obstacles and achieving more than José ever expected. And the family is still contributing to the American dream. But what about José's rancho dream? Well, you'll just have to read this fine book, which will delight readers to the end: a railroad adventure, a detail of Mojave Desert life, a World War II history, and a success story-this book is a many-faceted read! Includes numerous photos and the Arredondo Family Cookbook. -Clifford Walker author, historian, and long-time Mojave Desert resident Mojave Desert, Santa Fe Railway