BOOK ALERT Maya Gods & Monsters
Maya Gods & Monsters:
Supernatural Stories from the Underworld and Beyond
Lidar image technology and a series of National Geographic specials have introduced a growing number of people to the ancient Maya civilization. This book invites in even more readers into the worldview and the mystical realm that reflect the heart of the Maya people. Through captivating stories and exotic illustrations, it also draws upon ancient myths and lore and gives life to their quirky gods.
Michael Coe, respected anthropologists, and author says of Maya Gods & Monsters: Supernatural Stories from the Underworld and Beyond, “Inspired by myths, stories, and images from over two thousand years of Maya civilization and religious beliefs, Carol Karasik has given a highly readable and lively vision of the supernatural world of these remarkable people.”
Abuelita Luna by Alfonso Huerta
Karasik provides insight as to why the Maya have so many ceremonies to communicate with the underworld. “These stories have many versions. All these gods have many faces. Maya gods and goddesses live in a private world. They seldom interfere in the great and small affairs of humanity. They created human beings who would praise them — this is all. When not summoned through offerings and prayers, they keep to themselves …”
Whitebone Centipede by Alfonso Huerta.
One of the symbols of the Maya is the story about The Water Lily Jaguar. “Water Lily Jaguar swims in the silver rivers of the rainforest. Water Lily Jaguar swims in the silver pool of the moon…” This story is just one of fifteen that blend the natural and the supernatural within the world of the Maya.
Corn God by Alfonso Huerta.
The book also includes a brief history of the Maya, a map of Mesoamerica, a glossary and a revealing piece titled “The Story of the Book,” which explains the importance of the “Popol Vuh,” often called the Maya Bible. The author explains, “Mainly because the Hero Twins’ selflessness and sacrifice offer moral lessons by which to live. The defeat of death is the theme of all religions. Readers don’t have to believe in many creations to understand the cycle of life, death, and rebirth that is at the heart of the Maya philosophy…”
Pahatun by Alfonso Huerta.
The dreamy figures depicted by Alfonso Huerta help spur one’s imagination while being true to the colorful characters from the mythical Mesoamerican tradition. Huerta is a native of Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico and provides a unique artistic perspective, which blends an awareness of the beauty of everyday objects with surrealism and lush tropical colors.
Dancing Jaguar by Alfonso Huerta.
Author Carol Karasik weaves together wise retellings of ancient stories based on the latest explorations of hieroglyphic texts and iconography, along with a profound understanding of the oral and written literary tradition of the Maya.
She has published a variety of books on Maya culture such as the award-winning “Mayan Threads: A Woven History of Chiapas.” The author is a poet, writer, and editor who has worked on books and films in the fields of anthropology, art, ecology, and educational philosophy.
Cipactli by Alfonso Huerta
She lives in Chiapas, Mexico. Ms. Karasik continues to introduce audiences to the cosmic vision of the ancient and modern Maya.
Maya Gods & Monsters: Supernatural Stories from the Underworld and Beyond
amazon.com/Maya-Gods-Monsters
To see more work by Alfonso Huerta visit:
dosmundos.net or email: luckyalfi6@yahoo.com
Smoking Mirror by Alfonso Huerta
About the Reviewer
Mark D. Walker (MillionMileWalker.com)
Mark’s passion for Guatemala started as a Peace Corps volunteer, followed by a career working for eight international organizations including MAP International, Make-A-Wish International, and as the CEO of Hagar, which works with survivors of human trafficking.
According to Midwest Review, his book, “Different Latitudes: My Life in the Peace Corps and Beyond,” www.amazon.com/Different-Latitudes-Peace-Corps-Beyond/dp/1935925814 is a story of one man’s physical and spiritual journey of self-discovery through Latin American, African, European and Asian topography, cuisine, politics, and history.
Snake Volcanoes by Alfonso Huerta.
His most recent article, “My Life in the Land of the Eternal Spring” ragazine.cc//mark-walker takes place on a coffee plantation in Guatemala and was published by Wising Up Press as part of the Crossing Class: The Invisible Wall anthology.
“The Making of the Kingdom of Mescal: An Indian Adult Fairy Tale” revuemag.com/in-the-kingdom-of-mescal was published in the print Revue in April 2018.
Mark is a board member of Partnering for Peace and Advance Guatemala and was the recipient of the Service-Above Self Award from Rotary International. His wife and three children were born in Guatemala.
REVUE magazine article by Carol Karasik – Illustrated by Alfonso Huerta
Reviewed by Mark D. Walker
The art in this book is incredible! Alfonso Huerta’s work is stunning. Utter perfection.
Thank you for publishing Mark Walker’s insightful review of Maya Gods and Monsters, along with Alfonso Huerta’s beautiful illustrations, in your excellent magazine. Some of the tales in this book have been told for at least 2000 years throughout the Maya area. Similarly, Alfonso Huerta’s illustrations capture ancient images and bring the gods to life. Overall, Maya Gods and Monsters is a colorful primer for readers of all ages who are interested in the essence of ancient and modern Maya culture.