Harold Augenbraum

Lengua Fresca: Latinos Writing on the Edge Harold Augenbraum

Brief Description: Brazen, bold, edgy, and fresh: an unexpected take on Latino life, spotlighting some of the culture's most exciting innovative and emerging voices. An entertaining, provocative and often exhilarating collection, Lengua Fresca celebrates some of the most original and cutting-edge work to emerge from the cultural collide that is Latino life in the United States. Featuring an eclectic mix of Latino writing--including fiction, journalism, essays, comics, and even cultural ephemera--this unique anthology showcases literature found in unexpected places. Selections include stories from Salvador Plascencia, Christina Henriquez, and Ana Menendez; graphic pieces from the Hernandez brothers (creators of the groundbreaking comix Love and Rockets) and Lalo Alcaraz (creator of La Cucaracha); and essays by Stephanie Elizondo Griest and Dagoberto Gilb on pop culture topics such as The George Lopez Show and Taco Bell. The growth of Spanglish, the lingua franca of Hispanic communities, is highlighted as well. Compiled by the editors of the classroom favorite Growing Up Latino, Lengua Fresca offers an unconventional window on a vibrant, quickly expanding culture. Review Quotes: "This eclectic mix of writing -- fiction, journalism, essays, comics -- showcases Latino life in America." The Chicago Sun-Times"The pieces selected in this anthology take on the intermingling of tongues, the fluidity of borders and the moments where public and private rub up against each other. . . The writing, true to the anthology's title, tries to keep the conversation fresh, relishing very unexpected turns." The San Francisco Chronicle"Avant-garde literature from a new generation of Latinos. . . .[Co-editors Augenbraum and Stavans] begin their book with excerpts from their lively correspondence concerning what is and who is Latino. . . . Each entry is unique." Library JournalReview Quotes: "Avant-garde literature from a newgeneration of Latinos. . . .[Co-editors Augenbraum and Stavans] begin theirbook with excerpts from their lively correspondence concerning what is andwho is Latino. . . . Each entry is unique."Review Quotes: "The pieces selected in this anthology take on the intermingling of tongues, the fluidity of borders and the moments where public and private rub up against each other. . . The writing, true to the anthology's title, tries to keep the conversation fresh, relishing very unexpected turns."Review Quotes: "Avant-garde literature from a new generation of Latinos. . . .[Co-editors Augenbraum and Stavans] begin their book with excerpts from their lively correspondence concerning what is and who is Latino. . . . Each entry is unique." Review Citations:

Library Journal 11/15/2006 pg. 72 (EAN 9780618656707, Paperback)

Contributor Bio:  Augenbraum, Harold Harold Augenbraum is the Executive Director of the National Book Foundation. Contributor Bio:  Stavans, Ilan Ilan Stavans is Lewis-Sebring Professor in Latin American and Latino Culture at Amherst College. He is the author of many books, including Spanglish: The Making of a New American Language and The United States of Mestizo. He is also general editor of The Norton Anthology of Latino Literature.