Border-Line Personalities: A New Generation of Latinas Dish on Sex, Sass, and Cultural Shifting – Hilarious Personal Essays on the Bicultural American Experience

by Michelle Herrera Mulligan

A collection of essays from some of the best writers in America, about what it means to be a fully functional, and sometimes fully dysfunctional, 21st–century, born–in–the–USA Latina Tired of the trite cultural clichés by which the media has defined Latinas, the editors of this collection of personal essays by both established and emerging authors, have gathered them with the intention of representing their varied experiences, through hilarious anecdotes from each of their colorful lives. While there is no one Latina identity, the editors believe that by offering a glimpse into these writers’ dynamic lives, they will facilitate a better understanding of their unique challenges and their dreams, and most important, their oftentimes shared histories. The contributors to this collection mirror the compassionate pleas Latinas usually reserve for each other over conversations in dark bars and late night gatherings. “Do they have to think that just because I’m a Latina that I can speak Spanish, curl my hair, paint my toe nails, and dance a rumba--all at the same time?” This, along with other interesting questions, results in a spectacular line up that has Latinas musing on their battling the world, the men that have done them wrong, and of course the mothers who, more often than not, just never understood that their daughters were more Americanas than not.

Genres: Nonfiction, Cultural Studies

336 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2004

Reviews

[Emelda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’d really give it a 3.5.

The last essay was boooooring. And I take offense that the unhealthy, non-monogamous relationship was referred to as “polyamorous” (after I got all excited when they mentioned it in the intro!). There were a few token queers, so I guess there’s that. I was happiest when people were talking about their childhoods and, or especially, when the writing was partially en español, even if I had to look up some words in the dictionary because I’m the worst Chicana ever (but they had essays by women who didn’t speak Spanish- yay people like me!).

[Jez · Rating 5 out of 5]

a gift from Ms. B that made me4 feel right at home.

[Joanna Hernandez · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to love this book because I love all books that discuss finding your identity as a Latina in the US, but it was kind of boring. The women express their own version of being a latina and living in the US is like. It’s overall an okay book.

[Kristy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Remember buying this at the Barnes and Noble near Fisherman's Wharf In SF. I moved to SF to do something big, be alone, and find myself. This book was a silly part of my subsequent (i think fourth) attempt of self discovery. I was in my crunchy SF intercultural awareness class at the time.

One of the editors is from my hometown. Think I thought maybe her involvement in this book would ensure that I understood something new about myself. It's a book full of essays from various Latinas. Truth be told, I don't remember a single entry from this book.

This could mean the book produces one of two or both lessons:1) Acculturation is so different for everyone I did not completely connect with any of the contributers. (Hard for me to connect with an essay that starts with "Mujeres-let me be straight up.") and/or 2) Each experience had common threads that are universal but evolve differently and are so natural to me at this point, I consider them the norm; therefore not a grand discovery.

Also when this book says Latinas it means it. The contributers are from various Latin cultures and level of American acculturation. I guess I wanted them to all be from Texas or California. Be ready for this readers. You're actually going to have a diverse experience.

I wish I knew how the editors chose the final picks for the book.

On a side note: I have thoughts about the title. "Border-line" Is this a reference to borders of countries, borders of generations, and cultural virgin/whore line so predominant in Latin American culture all at the same time?

[Paula · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sigh. What I thought might provide insight into the "Latina-American perspective" did nothing of the sort. Of course, you might think I'd have guessed that sooner. After all, the back cover states that the essays lend "credence to the theory that no one can label any one item, idea, or person more Latina than the other." Doesn't this negate the very concept of the book? If one person can't be more or less Latina, wouldn't that make me a Latina?

At any rate, this is a collection of essays from more-or-less famous Latina authors on being Latina. (Interestingly, there's none from Cisneros, who I really do like. I guess she had better things to write about.) The essays are divided up into sections like "Family" and "Sex," which you could have guessed from the title. But the only thing I really got from them is that all writers come from messed-up backgrounds. Why must all writers come from bizarre, crazy families and suffer being the outcast? As a writer from a normal background, I find this stereotype really annoying.

I read this book only a week or so ago, but I've already forgotten most of it. Overall, I'd describe this book as "frustrating," but I couldn't even get all that worked up about it.

[Sasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm conflicted. Picking up the book, I expected there to be a greater focus on identity-- Just what does it mean to be a Latina in this day and age? How does reality negate existing stereotypes? etc etc. But this doesn't read like a compilation of introspective pieces on the ethnic (Latina) self; rather, the short memoir-style stories cover all topics, at times only very loosely tying back into what is supposed to be the overarching theme. So is it a book on Latina experience or just a number of stories written by ladies who happen to be Latina? Which, don't get me wrong, is still an incredibly positive thing to have out there and we could use a lot more of. All in all, as a collection of stories- with most being amusing and/ or engaging- I'll take it.

[Cinemagirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could I would launch a campaign to put this book in the hands of every young latina. I read it when I was 18 and it opened my eyes! Having already dealt with some of the issues talked about in the book and in the middle of experiencing others this book really gave me some good insight from women like me. It was a good feeling to read the stories and hear women explaining the way they felt and or feel and being able to identify with that. It was like having a "Being a latina in the U.S." Instruction manual. A friend of mine(who is also latina) gave it to me after she'd found it stimulating and I am forever grateful to her!

[Lidia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was hoping to relate to one or more of these indidvidual stories, seeign as how I am a first generation Latina born here in the USA. However, I didn't find myself relating to any of them so it made me like the book less. I understand that everyone has different experiences, but I can't even think of any of my latina female friends that could relate to these stories, which made them more ficticious to me.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book that speaks to my American Mutt-ness. The women writers in this book express their own versions of being a Latina living in the U.S. Each story is different and it made me appreciate my own unique story. Best part, it's at the Logan Square library!

[Jeanette · Rating 3 out of 5]

i picked this book up at the bookstore in oaxaca because it seemed really interesting, and it was. easy reading about women in different latin cultures.

[Kelly · Rating 2 out of 5]

I started to read this book a few years ago and I was disappointed. However, after seeing such good reviews I think I may have to give it another chance.

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really appreciate these women for being so honest in their stories. I could relate to alot of their conflicts. I especially like "American girl" "Se Habla Espanol" and "You're half spanish right?"

[Katherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

A collection of essays by Latina writers on a variety of topics. Interesting, if a bit too long or too many essays.

[Andrea]

You have to read this book!!!! (even if you're a man)

[Sofia The Great · Rating 5 out of 5]

love this book. IT spoke to me.

[Lanette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book!!! I would recommend this book to everyone especially latina women!!! Love it, love it, love it!!!

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good essays I was able to read and connect with except the last essay. Could've used a better story to close out the book.

[Veronica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stories that every Latina must read.

[Glendalee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some of these essays were good while others I rushed through because they didn't capture my attention.

[Cristell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel of stories is very insightful, and extremely relatable.