Watercolor Women Opaque Men

2006 Independent Publisher Book Award for Story Teller of the Year In this updated edition of Ana Castillos celebrated novel in verse, featuring a new introduction by Poet Laureate of Texas Carmen Tafolla, we revisit the storys spirited heroine, known only as Ella or She, as she takes us through her own epic journey of self-actualization as an artist and a woman. With a remarkable combination of tenderness, lyricism, wicked humor, and biting satire, Castillo dramatizes Ellas struggle through poverty as a Chicano single mother at the threshold of the twenty-first century, fighting for upward mobility while trying to raise her son to be independent and self-sufficient. Urged on by the gods of the ancients, Ellas life interweaves with those of others whose existences are often neglected, even denied, by societys status quo. Castillos strong rhythmic voice and exploration of such issues as love, sexual orientation, and cultural identity will resonate with readers today as much as they did upon the books original publication more than ten years ago. This expanded edition also includes a short preface by the author, as well as a glossary, a readers guide, and a list of additional suggested readings.