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Once
Upon a Quinceañera –
Coming of Age in the USA
By bestselling author, Julia Alvarez
Quinceañera is the fifteenth birthday celebration for a
Latina girl that is quickly becoming an American tradition.
Also known as a “sweet fifteen”, the tradition is often as
costly as a lavish wedding. Many “quinces” feature ball
gowns, extravagant meals, DJs, limousines, among many other
“must-haves”. No expense is to be spared, even for working
class families. Yet, this elaborate ritual hearkens back to
traditions from native countries and communities, offering
young Latinas a chance to connect with their heritage.
‘Once Upon
a Quinceañera’ is an enlightening, accessible and
entertaining portrait of an aspect of contemporary Latino
culture, as well as a critical look at the rituals of coming
of age, plus the economic and social consequences of the
Quinceañera. Acclaimed author Julia Alvarez explores the
history and cultural significance of the “quince” in the
United States, and the consequences of treating teens like
princesses. Through her observations of a Quince in Queens,
interviews with other quince girls, and the memories of her
own experience as a young immigrant, Alvarez presents a
thoughtful and entertaining portrait of a rapidly growing
multi-cultural phenomenon, and emphasizes the importance of
celebrating Latina womanhood.
Julia Alvarez was a featured guest on Southwest Blend
Magazine’s special online ‘Books & Authors Radio Show’ on
Friday, Aug. 15, 2008. To listen to her interview, please
double-click on the play button below.
Last fall, Viking published ‘Once Upon a Quinceañera’ by
bestselling author Julia Alvarez to critical acclaim. Now
Plume has published the trade paperback edition of ‘Once
Upon a Quinceañera: Coming of Age in the USA’, simultaneous
with the first ever Spanish-language edition, HABÍA UNA VEZ
UNA QUINCEAÑERA: De Niña a Mujer en EE..UU., translated by
noted translator Liliana Valenzuela.
Julia Alvarez is the author of five books of
fiction, a book of essays, five collections of
poetry, and five books for children. She and
her husband, Bill Eichner, found Alta Gracia, a
sustainable farm in the Dominican Republic that
produces organic coffee and also serves as a
literacy center. She lives in Vermont, where
she is a writer-in-residence at Middlebury
College.
For more about Julia Alvarez and ‘Once Upon a
Quinceañera’ – visit
www.juliaalvarez.com
Once
Upon a Quinceañera – 
Resource
Guide