An Anthology of Mexican American Literature on Families "In Between Worlds"

Mexican American literature has a rich and vibrant history, with authors exploring the unique experiences of Mexican Americans living in the United States. One of the most important themes in this literature is the idea of "in-betweenness", the feeling of being caught between two cultures and identities. This theme is particularly evident in stories about families, as they navigate the challenges of raising children in a new country while maintaining their cultural heritage.

"The House on Mango Street" by Sandra Cisneros

Sandra Cisneros's semi-autobiographical novel "The House on Mango Street" is a classic of Mexican American literature. The novel follows Esperanza Cordero, a young girl growing up in a poor Mexican American neighborhood in Chicago. Esperanza's family is struggling to make ends meet, and she often feels like an outsider both in her own community and in the larger American culture. The novel explores the challenges of growing up in a poor and marginalized community, as well as the importance of family and community in overcoming these challenges.

Nepantla Familias: An Anthology of Mexican American Literature on Families in between Worlds (Wittliff Collections Literary Series)

by Sergio Troncoso

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2008 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	238 pages
Paperback	:	60 pages
Item Weight	:	3.67 ounces
Dimensions	:	6 x 0.15 x 9 inches

FREE

"Bless Me, Ultima" by Rudolfo Anaya

Rudolfo Anaya's novel "Bless Me, Ultima" is another classic of Mexican American literature. The novel tells the story of Antonio Marez, a young boy growing up in rural New Mexico in the 1940s. Antonio's family is deeply rooted in the Mexican American culture, and they struggle to maintain their traditions in the face of discrimination and assimilation. The novel explores the importance of family and community in preserving cultural heritage, as well as the challenges of growing up in a changing world.

"The Milagro Beanfield War" by John Nichols

John Nichols's novel "The Milagro Beanfield War" is a satirical look at the clash between Mexican American farmers and a wealthy developer in New Mexico. The novel follows the efforts of the farmers to save their land, which has been sacred to their families for generations. The novel explores the themes of environmental justice, cultural preservation, and the importance of community in the face of adversity.

"In the Time of the Butterflies" by Julia Alvarez

Julia Alvarez's novel "In the Time of the Butterflies" tells the story of the Mirabal sisters, four sisters who were assassinated in the Dominican Republic in 1960. The novel explores the themes of political oppression, women's rights, and the power of family. The novel is a powerful indictment of the Trujillo dictatorship, and it has become a classic of Latin American literature.

"The Dream Thieves" by Carlos Castañeda

Carlos Castañeda's novel "The Dream Thieves" is a surreal and hallucinatory exploration of the Yaqui Indian tradition of shamanism. The novel follows the experiences of a young man named Carlos as he apprentices to a Yaqui shaman. The novel explores the themes of altered states of consciousness, personal transformation, and the nature of reality.

The novels discussed in this article are just a few examples of the many great works of Mexican American literature that explore the theme of families "in between worlds". These novels are important because they give voice to the experiences of Mexican Americans and help us to understand the challenges and triumphs of this community. They also remind us of the importance of family and community in our lives, and they inspire us to work towards a more just and equitable world.

Nepantla Familias: An Anthology of Mexican American Literature on Families in between Worlds (Wittliff Collections Literary Series)

by Sergio Troncoso

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2008 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	238 pages
Paperback	:	60 pages
Item Weight	:	3.67 ounces
Dimensions	:	6 x 0.15 x 9 inches

FREE