5 Books to Read About the Texas-Mexican Experience

Daniel Pena is the author of Bang: A Novel
Daniel Pena is the author of 'Bang: A Novel' | Courtesy of Arte Publico Press
Alex Temblador

Books have this magical way of helping readers to discover a new world or experience a new way of living. Texas is home to a variety of significant cultures, but perhaps none more so than the Mexican culture. For those who wish to learn more about the Texas-Mexican experience, we’ve compiled a list of five wonderful books that will lead you on a journey of understanding into the unique culture, lifestyle and people of Texas.

Woman Hollering Creek: And Other Stories by Sandra Cisneros

Sandra Cisneros is a San Antonio-based Mexican American author whose collection of short stories Woman Hollering Creek: And Other Stories offers a wonderful example of the Texas-Mexican experience. The title itself refers to Woman Hollering Creek, an actual creek near San Antonio, whose name derives from the La Llorona legend. The legend tells the story of a woman who drowned her newborn baby in the river after being shunned by the father, and now haunts the creek screaming for her child. Cisneros’ short-story collection provides insight into Mexican American women’s experiences in Texas. Within each story, we meet Mexican American women of different ages and witness internal and external struggles, such as not being able to speak Spanish, confronting cultural norms like “not marrying a Mexican” or dating white men, escaping small town life and dealing with the intricacies of family.

speech icon man in bubble

Destinations Unlocked:

Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture trip

Looking for an expert's perspective?

Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.
speech icon man in bubble
left arrow trip map

CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
speech icon man in bubble

1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini
speech icon man in bubble

2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
speech icon man in bubble

3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
speech icon man in bubble

2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Europe

COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
speech icon man in bubble

3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Asia

SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
speech icon man in bubble

3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Africa

IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

This collection highlights the experience of Mexican American women in Texas

Bang: A Novel by Daniel Pena

The world often puts strict lines between who is good and bad; however, Daniel Pena erases those lines in his newest novel Bang. The novel follows an undocumented Mexican family whose journey begins in Harlingen, Texas, a small town near Brownsville. Uli and Cuauhtémoc crash a small plane on the Mexican side of the border after a late-night joy ride. The boys are separated in Mexico. The reader then follows the boys and their mother in various chapters, all working to find each other and return to Texas. Unfortunately, they all get caught in the web of the cartel and military struggle and must make decisions based on survival. Pena accurately portrays the Texas-Mexican border and how the American Dream provides hope to families looking to escape horror for a better place.

A Mexican immigrant family in Texas finds themselves back in Mexico, fighting for their lives

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz

Benjamin Alire Saenz wrote Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe to challenge the notion that the Mexican American story is that of immigration – because in Texas (like many other states) it’s not. Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe follows two 15-year-old boys, Ari and Dante, who become friends in El Paso, Texas in 1987. The book is a coming-of-age novel that focuses on the boys’ friendship and how they come to terms with being gay, whether it’s through the eyes of their family, their heritage, society or themselves.

A story about two young Mexican American boys and how they come to terms with being gay

María, Daughter of Immigrants by Maria Antonietta Berriozabal

Maria Antonietta Berriozabal’s memoir Maria, Daughter of Immigrants is a compelling story of Berriozabal’s family who immigrated from Mexico to Texas, as well as her own journey through Texas politics as the first Latina elected to San Antonio’s City Council in 1981. Berriozabal’s family history and how she was raised displays how she gravitated to politics with the intent to make social and environmental change. While her memoir is captivating in its portrayal of her own family, it also dives deeper into the Mexican American presence in Texas lifestyle and politics, and the Chicano movement’s place in affecting leadership, politics and social systems in Texas’ past, present and future.

A memoir that focuses on one Mexican American family and the legacy of Mexican Americans in Texas politics and society

Mexican Enough: My Life Between the Borderlines by Stephanie Elizondo Griest

Stephanie Elizondo Griest grew up half Mexican and half white in a South Texas town where she felt conflicted in trying to choose between her Mexican heritage and American nationalism. Her memoir Mexican Enough: My Life Between the Borderlines is a real example of how Mexican American kids in Texas, especially those of mixed heritage, grow up between “the borderlines,” as Griest puts it. In this memoir, Griest heads to Mexico to learn more about where her mother came from, and soon becomes entrenched in social movements of Mexico, some of which relate to the Texas-Mexico border.

Stephanie Elizondo Griest’s book highlights the personal journey of many mixed Mexican Americans in Texas searching for their identity
culture trip left arrow
 culture trip brand logo

Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip

meet our Local Insider

Hanna

women sitting on iceberg

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?

2 years.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.

WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?

I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!

culture trip logo letter c
group posing for picture on iceberg
group posing for picture on iceberg

Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.

map of volcanic iceland trip destination points
culture trip brand logo
culture trip right arrow
landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

X

Holiday Sale Offers on Our Trips

Incredible Savings

Edit article