'Bordering Fires'

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer introduces, discusses and analyzes the book "Bordering Fires: The Vintage Book of Contemporary Mexican and Chicano/a Literature" by Cristina Garcia. Specifically, the writer provides a report on the book, including the major themes and ideas presented. The writer maintains that 'Bordering Fires' is a compilation of essays and writings about the Hispanic experience on both sides of the U.S./Mexican border, which attempt to define the unique cultural identity these people share. The writer concludes that written by some of the most well known and respected Chicano/a voices, the book creates a cultural heritage for anyone who reads it.

From the Paper:

"Another man writes of his obvious charms to his female customers at the gift counter in a department store, and how he works the system and gets caught. There is something innocent about all these stories, even though the characters are not all innocent or even in some cases likable. However, just like the theme of the book, they show the melting pot that forms Chicano/a culture, and how so many different people and personalities make up these people. It also shows the view they have of one another, which is not always positive, and indicates again that all these writers are writing about people who are searching for their culture, their voice, and their purpose in a life that pulls them in two directions at once.
"Finally, the New Departures section is the hope of the culture in the future. These beautiful works, which read more like fairy tales or myths, indicate the hope the authors have for the future of Chicano/a culture and how it will change and grow, just as it always has done. One story sums up the theme of this book and this section quite well."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Garcia, C. 2006. Bordering Fires: The vintage book of contemporary Mexican and Chicano/a literature. New York: Vintage Books.

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