Literary Nonfiction. Memoir. Latino/Latina Studies. "In a way you could say that my family was one of the causes of the Los Angeles riots of 1992." So begins Nash Candelaria's insightful memoir that focuses on how and why he chose to become a writer. As he explores his family's more than 300-year history in New Mexico as well as his own journeys in the Southwest, the author reveals intimate details about his life and the truths he learned about family, self, and the world around him. With sparse, clear language, Candelaria tells a tale of conquistadors, family, a Depression-era childhood, and his personal transformation into a writer. Part family history and part self-examination, SECOND COMMUNION is a must-read for aspiring writers, those interested in Southwest history, and students and teachers of Chicano literature.

Author City: SANTA FE, NM USA

Nash Candelaria has been described as the historical novelist of the Hispanic people of New Mexico. His five novels, hailed as landmarks in Hispanic literature, include MEMORIES OF THE ALHAMBRA, a seminal novel in Chicano literature; NOT BY THE SWORD, an American Book Award winner; INHERITANCE OF STRANGERS; LEONOR PARK; and A DAUGHTER'S A DAUGHTER. His short stories have appeared in a number of literary magazines and anthologies as well as in two collections: THE DAY THE CISCO KID SHOT JOHN WAYNE and UNCIVIL RIGHTS AND OTHER STORIES. His most recent publication is the memoir SECOND COMMUNION. He and his wife live in Santa Fe, New Mexico.