Following several calls in recent scholarship for increased attention to the study of the Central American diaspora in the United States, this article offers readings of Honduran-born author Roberto Quesada's novels "Big Banana" (1999) and "Nunca entres por Miami" (2003). Written in New York City, where he has resided since…

This thesis is intended to delve into the one-and-a-half generation of Cuban-American's bicultural identity in Virgil Suarez's novel "Going Under." Through an interpretation from the perspective of diaspora consciousness, this paper will identify how the main character constructs his individual identity through a network of usually…

Detailing the integration of Spanish language teaching in an authentic setting, this article contributes to empirical research on the positive value of community-engaged learning in foreign language pedagogy. "Reading to Play, Playing to Read" is an innovative model for community-engaged teaching that combines learning goals from…

In this paper, I begin with the identification of a moment of intertextuality between "Un viejo que leia novelas de amor" (1989) by Chilean Luis Sepulveda and "La voragine" (1924) by Colombian Jose Eustasio Rivera as an analytical motif for a reevaluation of the environmentalism and political ecologies in the Spanish American "novela de la selva"…

Dominican-American writer Julia Alvarez's works demonstrate varying degrees of self-representation. Crucial to the ongoing process of identity construction that takes place in Alvarez's novels is the figure of the mother, who at once facilitates and threatens the daughter's negotiation of an autonomous identity. In both Alvarez's own life and in…

Represents an autobiographical essay of Virgil Suarez's life, his migration to the United States, and the mentors who have led him to his life's work as a writer. (GR)

Describes the generations of Cuban and Cuban American writers who have borne witness, in Spanish and now in English, to the oppression of Castro's regime, the pain of leaving Cuba, and the family conflicts occurring in the new land. Highlights the tragic figure of Reinaldo Arenas, a homosexual writer, anti-Castro activist, and immigrant. (GR)

Reflects on the traditions of Jewish Latin American literature, with its roots in the culture of Sephardic Jews who left Europe. One of the central themes of this literature, which is frequently written in the traditional Judeo-Spanish "ladino," is migration. (SLD)

Highlights numerous Hispanic fiction writers who are beginning to experience popularity. Describes Hispanic genre such as "magic realism" in which real action is tinged with dreamlike surrealism. Discusses Hispanic writers' experiences with small independent presses as well as major publishers. Expresses such concerns as patronization and the lack…

This guide is a collection development tool of national scope for librarians who need in-depth coverage of Latino periodicals suitable for public, school, and academic libraries. Periodicals evaluated include general interest and popular magazines and newspapers that appeal to Spanish-speaking, bilingual, and English-speaking library patrons and…

Introduces readers and researchers to the rapidly growing body of work referred to as "Nuyorican" literature, works by second-generation Puerto Ricans of the New York Puerto Rican political and cultural awakening of the late 1960s. Includes anthologies, prose fiction, poetry, drama, criticism, and journals. (SR)

Explores how poetry can be used in support groups as an adjunctive treatment technique to empower and to raise consciousness of Latina battered women. Offers examples of Latin American women's literary works to demonstrate the connections poetry has to everyday lives, and how Latina spouse-abuse survivors can gain a deeper understanding of…

This book features scholarly criticism on works by 19 famous authors, such as N. Scott Momaday, James Welch, Toni Morrison, Alice Walker, Rudolfo Anaya, Sandra Cisneros, Amy Tan, and more. These authors' works are widely taught, but little critical comment is yet available about them. Written specifically for instructors in literature courses,…

This anthology of creative works and essays paints a portrait of the rich and complex mixture of Latino cultures in the United States. The collection is broadly inclusive in terms of genre, discipline, and ethnicity and is intended for readers interested in any or all of the major aspects of Latino culture. The book is organized around six…

This bibliography contains entries for 230 items in the field of Chicano Area Studies by the Coleccion Tloque Nahuaque, within the Library of the University of California at Santa Barbara. Books and booklets are listed which contain materials on a number of areas including art, arts and crafts, bibliographies, bilingual education, border studies,…