The Tainos: Rise and Decline of the People Who Greeted Columbus

I bought this book because my new daughter-in-law is part Arawak Indian and I wanted to educate myself as well as embrace my new grandchild's heritage. The Arawaks were the Tainos. This book is very informative on the Tainos, including precise location. Very well written from beginning to end. Thoroughly enjoyed it.

This is a very well researched book that will tell you everything that is known about the Tainos. My only complaint with the book is that it told me more than I ever wanted to know. I really was only looking for some information about who the Tainos were and how they lived before heading to Puerto Rico on vacation. This book is much more detailed and analytical. It's great if you're really, really interested in knowing all the details but it is not by any means "an easy read." If you're looking for a "beach read" this probably isn't it-- unless you have a Phd focused on ancient cultures.

This book is quite outdated. It still seem to think that Tainos became extinct. After testing the DNA of hundreds of Puerto Ricans, it was discovered that the reports of extinction were highly (very) exagerated. Not a surprise for those of us who knew better. Still there is some information that is still valid, just don't swear by it.

As a Puerto Rican looking to learn more about my heritage (pre-European) this book was FANTASTIC!

This book is great. Very informative and well written. I learned a great deal about my cultue, heritage and ancestry. It left me with a thirst for more.