Memoir About Learning To Live Beyond Stereotypes

Anna Maria Lopez De Leon’s first book, The Tortilla Children, is a powerfully evocative work that delves into her family’s history which spans centuries, continents, both old world  and new, and even more significantly explores the innermost workings of her heart, soul, memories, hopes, dreams and realizations.  Lopez De Leon writes of her experiences the way she lived them, minces no words and spares no emotion in revealing her journey from scared brown child unapologetic artist, writer, and Latino woman.  Her own personal journey takes the reader on a luminescent journey through Texas, Mexico, New York and through many rooms of her heart.  Lopez De Leon, also an artist, created the cover for this important memoir. The following is an excerpt:

There is a primal need inside each of us to belong. If we are not born into a place that we feel a part of we search it out looking for that comfort zone, that connection as to who we are. Until then we are merely fooling ourselves into believing that we are fine or just denying the ache. We need that nest.

In reading The Tortilla Flats as a youth I felt that Steinbeck showed that the road to freedom and happiness is not the most complicated but merely accepting and turning back to whom we are, to the familiar our roots. And it might take swallowing our pride to get there but for some it is necessary.

I was drawn to my greatest love and friend like a magnet. As it turned out, though oceans apart, we had more in common than anyone would ever imagine. Our skin color may be on the opposite ends of the spectrum, but our souls and history are joined. We both have ancestors that built pyramids and ate unleavened bread. We both have Latin passions that burn in our eyes. We are opposite but not opposing.

We came together in this country that fights to keep us apart. Much is asked but more is given in the realization of a dream. Those that do not dream may remain safe from pain, but lose out in life. In these times, the journey to be one with our own and equal in our worth seems to be growing longer, but it is a journey that for some must be made. And like those that came before us, we go on before others. We have a dream that spans generations. Lest we lose our way, that dream must be in our every day, our every thought, our reason.

My dearest friend opened my eyes to this dream, eyes that were sad and hopelessly surrendered to the idea of “knowing my place.” She taught me that it is against my nature to give in. She gave me hope that a day would arrive when we would not be looked upon as ‘less than.’ My friend reminded me that we have a history that is beyond Taco Bell and sarapes. She taught me that humility is a beautiful attribute and strength. And that no matter how many changes are made and how much is altered for comfort and convenience “truth is the truth.”