Border Town Chica - by Patricia Alarcón Missler (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Patricia Alarcón Missler finds her roots in a tasty world of chocolate éclairs, platefuls of nachos enjoyed on dates, and tamales nibbled on after Christmas Eve mass. More importantly she discovers that "familia" is at the heart of everything in her proud Mexican American life.

And that's what she shares in Border Town Chica, A Memoir. Missler paints colorful interconnected stories portraying a young girl growing up in the small south Texas border town of Brownsville. Readers see the author as a six-year-old picking out a special pastry, and as a young woman picking out a special boyfriend, and go along for the camaraderie and adventures shared with familia and friends.

Summers spent across the border at Tía Loli's. A trip to the racetrack with Papi. Bandidos on the road. Two sisters on their own in Mexico City. "Don't look back, we're being followed..." Standing atop the Teotihuacán Pyramids. Fortunetellers in a cave bar. The college "daze" in Austin and more...

Readers from diverse backgrounds will relate to these poignant stories, which transcend cultures and reach deep into the core of us all. Inspiring, humorous, and insightful-at times intimately personal-Border Town Chica, A Memoir, breaks from the stereotype of the Mexican American experience.

Review Quotes

"There is a well-known saying among writers, 'Happiness writes white.' But in reminiscences of a joyful childhood, perfect nachos, and blissful summer days, Border Town Chica sets happiness to the page in ink."

- Rena Priest, Washington State Poet Laureate

"A thoroughly engaging and enjoyable tapestry of personal experiences and insights, Border Town Chica

delivers universal affirmations of life that manage to both entertain and inform. From moments of simple beauty, complications, lessons, joy and pain, the conveyance here is clear-pay attention and be both gracious and grateful. The world would be a far better place should more of us

choose to follow the author's example."

- D. W. Ulsterman, bestselling author of the San Juan Islands Mysteries

"[This book. . .] reminded me so much of my own childhood growing up in a Sicilian household. I could relate to the strong family unit, the huge amount of respect for parents, and the colorful cultural background. Your stories are delightful recollections . . .from the delicious cuisine and exuberant fiestas, to the tale of the evil eye. You don't play around with the evil eye! And then of course, the Christmas tamales which made me hungry. This book is an opportunity to appreciate and celebrate life's everyday moments with love and joy."

- Bob Badami, Hollywood Film Music Supervisor

"Border Town Chica is a charming collection of childhood remembrances written with the warmth of a steaming handmade tortilla taken fresh out of the pan. Patricia's mouth-watering descriptions of her favorite foods served up with a heap of family love and care will restore your faith in humanity and your appetite! Delightful vignettes to savor for your bedtime read. Highly recommended!"

- Elizabeth B Jenkins, International Bestselling Author

"Poised, polished remembrances."

- Kirkus Reviews