Trace Elements of Random Tea Parties

by Felicia Luna Lemus

Book Overview

"Buckle up, doll," urges the narrator of Trace Elements, "I promise I'll try not to tangle your quincea era dress."
So begins the adventure of Leticia Marisol Estrella Torez, who moves north to Los Angeles in an attempt to break from her past: from starched dresses and sleek, tight braids; from Nana, the traditional grandmother who raised her; and also from the seductive Weeping Woman--the siren of Mexican folklore said to fly through...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 158005126X
• ISBN13: 9781580051262
• Release Date: August 2004
• Publisher: Seal Press (CA)
• Length: 247 Pages
• Weight: 0.74 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.5" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

Non-Random Talent Shines

With her debut novel, Felicia Luna Lemus treats us with a story filled with corazon and a deceptively easy style. Her protagonist, Leticia Marisol Estrella Torrez, is a young Angeleno who struggles to blend her lesbian life with that of her traditional Mexican-American family. Funny, soulful and heartbreaking, this is a fine novel that establishes that the personal is often political. I hope this is the beginning of a long writing career for Felicia Luna Lemus.

Yummy

Rarely do I take the time to right a review for books. Most follow the same hum drum scenerios. Though this one follows the ole "grrl finds grrl" bases, the voice of the author was quirky, colorful and left me praying I didn't get to the end of the book any time soon. I'll be scanning bookstore shelves for up and coming titles from this wonderful author. Bravo Ms Lemus!

A Magical Coming of Age Story

This is a story of a Mexican-American young woman leaving her grandmother's traditional ways and becoming her own person. Even though the specifics of this novel include "coming out," and coming to terms with "dyke identity," this novel's protagonist more importantly works toward learning to be comfortable with her cultural history. The language is fluid, changing to suit the story, from lush, descriptive and tender to snappy and tough. It was a real page-turner. I can hardly wait for her next novel!