P R E S E N T E D B Y : D E N I S E M I T C H E L L

Bordering Fires by Cristina Garcia

Early InfluencesSpotlight: Juan Rulfo

-Juan Rulfo was a Mexican photographer and author.

-His novel, Pedro Paramo, written in 1955, was about a man named Juan who recently heard news of his mother’s death. He travels to her hometown to meet with his father and along this journey comes across a ghost town of sorts.

- This short novel hasbecome critically acclaimed in inspiring a whole new breed of authors and writers.

Chicano Voices ISpotlight: Gloria Anzaldua

-Gloria Anzaldua was a noted scholar and leader in Chicano cultural theories.

-She has made multiple contributions to the ideas of feminism in addition to Chicano studies.

-How to Tame the Wild Tongue, focuses on language and its significance in culture, and society. This piece explores Chicano Spanish and various aspects of its impact and meaning to society.

-Gloria Anzaldua died in 2004 due to complications associated with diabetes. Her writing and influence continues to live on. May she rest in peace.

Contemporary Mexican VoicesSpotlight: Octavio Paz

-Octavio Paz was a Mexican poet, writer, and diplomat. He also received a Nobel Piece Prize for literature.

-His poem I Speak the City, explores the complexity of identity in defining multiple levels of the human struggle.

- I Speak the City, is a truly compelling piece as it becomes a bridge for understanding. Connecting inner emotions with outer surroundings and experiences.

Chicano Voices IISpotlight: Ruben Martinez

-Ruben Martinez is an author, journalist, and musician.

-His major work, Crossing Over: A Mexican Family on the Migrant Trail, follows the story of the Chavez family, and their tragic attempts to cross the border. This book follows the stories of other families as well.

- Martinez takes an interesting approach to this study in that he lives with these families, he hopes with these families, and he longs just as they do. But what they ultimately find in their journey for opportunity is hardship, and racism.