A Cross of Thorns: an Evening with Author Elias Castillo

Elias Castillo will read and sign his book A Cross of Thorns.

A Cross of Thorns shatters the image of California’s Missions as idyllic places where Franciscan friars and Indians lived in an environment of mutual respect. In reality, the Missions were death camps where more than 60,000 Indian workers died, many as a result of whippings, disease, and malnutrition. Since its publication Pope Francis has said the catholic church will canonize Junipero Serra. The book contains historic details that argue against sainthood.

The book is the result of more than six years of research and study of original documents including eyewitness accounts by early travelers, records kept by the friars, and historic letters by church and government authorities in Alta California and Mexico.


Elias Castillo is a three time Pulitzer Prize nominee and winner of 13 journalism awards, working for the San Jose Mercury News and Associated Press.

Under a grant from National Geographic, he led the first scientific exploration of Mexico’s vast Copper Canyon. The expedition gathered the first geological survey and environmental data of an area that rivals the dimensions of the Grand Canyon.

Castillo, who holds two degrees from San Jose State University, was born in Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico, where his stepgrandfather, Jose Severo Castillo, was publisher of an influential reformist newspaper.

Website: https://goo.gl/UpCDIo
When: Monday, July 13, 7 pm
Library: Mountain View Public Library Mountain View Public Library
Location: Community Room
Other Information:Registration appreciated but not required
Contact: Emily Weak
Contact Number: 650-526-7020