Poetry. This gripping suite of 12 dreams, infused with the conflict along the border of Mexico and the United States, traces humanity's addiction to violence and killing--from boys stepping on ants to men shooting animals, men shooting women, men shooting enemies. The dreams begin in a desert landscape where poverty and wealth grate against each other, and the ever-present war becomes "as invisible as the desert sands we trample on." The dreams, however, move toward a greater peace, with Saenz providing an unforgettable reading experience.

Author City: EL PASO, TX USA

Benjamin Alire Sáenz—novelist, poet, and writer of children's books—was named one of the "Fifty Most Inspiring Authors in the World" by Poets & Writers magazine. He was also a finalist for PEN/USA's literary award for children's and young adult literature. Sáenz received the American Book Award and teaches in the bilingual MFA program at University of Texas, El Paso.