The Maria Paradox

I am first generation Mexican American and I had been struggling with a lot of the very same issues that the book talks about. It has explained many things to me about the Latino culture that I could not before put into words. It has helped me so very much to first of all, know that I am not alone and am not crazy, and secondly, that there are ways to deal with this conflict of having two cultures in a healthy more productive manner rather than simply becoming enchilada. My friends and I have had very very very lengthy discussions about the subjects of having two cultures, dealing with our moms who were born and raised in the Old World Traditions, experienced suffering and humiliation for not being traditional and particularly the difficulty of finding the 'ideal' man versus getting the 'real' man. This book has put words to my old feelings and I am eternally grateful. It is, by far, one of the most enlightening and soul saving books I have ever read - and I read A LOT!

I recommend this book to all immigrant women. It is such a magnificent book for women that come to this country from afar.