Recs if you like Under the Feet of Jesus...

I know there are already several lists with a California theme, but I am hoping this acts as a syllabus of sorts for books that deal with the core myth, history, violence, dream, and contradiction of California. Suggestions are welcome!

Recommended Latino and Hispanic books. Leave other Recs in comments.

This is the list from The Atlantic. "In 1868, a little-known writer by the name of John William DeForest proposed a new type of literature, a collective artistic project for a nation just emerging from an existential conflict: a work of fiction that accomplished “the task of painting the American soul.” It would be called the Great American Novel, and no one had written it yet, DeForest admitted. Maybe soon."

This list is like a Lacroix- someone yelled Mexico in the other room while it was canned. Author is Mexican, Book is set in Mexico, maybe Mexico is mentioned often or tangential to the plot, Characters are of Mexican descent, depicts Chicana/Mexican-American experience, Mexico in the title, Author flew over Mexico while writing the book/j etc. As long as the reason it's on here makes sense to me :) but hopefully will be obvious to everyone; adult books only- will put Spanish versions if they are already entered on pagebound

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