illegal aliens

Published in 1995, The Tortilla Curtain by T.C. Boyle is still as timely today in its exploration of the dilemmas of illegal immigration.  Boyle does not judge, does not side, he merely presents his story -- the sad reality of people trying to achieve the American dream.  Set in Los Angeles, on one side are the Mexican illegal aliens struggling with poverty and dehumanization, yet holding on to the hope of a better life, while on the other are the California residents caught in a cycle of fear, mistrust and the need to protect their achievement.  Cándido and his wife, pregnant América, are

Barbara Kingsolver wrote The Bean Trees during pregnant insomniac nights, inside a closet so she wouldn’t wake her sleeping husband. I know. When I was pregnant during sleepless nights I turned the AC on full blast and ate ice cream out of the container in bed while my husband tried to avoid hypothermia under three blankets and his parka. As a wannabe writer who complains about the time I lack to write while working full time and taking care of my four year old, I vacillate between admiration and envy over Ms. Kingsolver’s feat.

The protagonist, Taylor Greer, is also one of those people