In the grim reality of Southern California's grape fields, even the sun is a dark spot. For the migrant grape pickers in Crossing Vines, Rigoberto Gonzalez's novel that spans a single workday, the sun is a constant, malevolent force. The characters endure back-breaking, monotonous work as they succumb to the whims of their corrupt bosses. Each minute the sun rises higher in the sky is an eternity.
The textures, smells, sights, and emotions of their daily existences engulf the lives of the Mexican laborers. Scarce drinking water, sweltering heat, splintered fingers, contempt...
In the grim reality of Southern California's grape fields, even the sun is a dark spot. For the migrant grape pickers in Crossing Vines, R...
"We're everywhere, and it's time to come out of the closet: I speak of the tongue-tied generation, buyers of books with titles like Master Spanish in Ten Minutes a Day while You Nap. . . . We grew up listening to the language--usually in the kitchens of extended family--but we answered back mostly in English."
Demetria Martinez wields her trademark blend of humor and irony to give voice to her own "tongue-tied generation" in this notable series of essays, revealing her deeply personal views of the world. Martinez breaks down the barriers between prayer and action, between the...
"We're everywhere, and it's time to come out of the closet: I speak of the tongue-tied generation, buyers of books with titles like Master Spani...
