Guestbook2016

Guestbook

To leave a message, use the form below.

Friends, please know I am not available to answer queries regarding school projects or papers on deadlines, since I too am on my own writing deadline.

For publishing queries (about my work and its uses in all languages and territories, including translations), interviews, invitations, or to arrange an author appearance, please contact my agent Susan Bergholz at susan@susanbergholz.com

Select Messages

Maritza Anguiano

Chicago, IL

12/20/17

Dear Ms. Cisneros ,
I would like to wish you a happy birthday. My name is Maritza Anguiano. I am a Latina . I'm in sixth grade and my teacher's name is Mrs. Senese. I attend Sawyer School. In my class we are reading House on Mango Street . I really like reading the short vignettes that you wrote. One of my favorite vignettes was" Hairs " i really enjoyed it because of the specific details you wrote about the family members hair for example like "papas hair is like a broom". I would like to read some of more of your books that you wrote . One of the books I really want to read is "Woman Hollering Creek" I think I would really enjoy that book .

Sandra replies:

Dear Maritza,

Yes, please read more books, mine and everyone else’s. That would be the best gift of all you could give me. Thanks.

Alexa Dominguez
Chicago, IL

December 20, 2017

Dear Ms. Cisneros,

I heard it was your birthday. I wish you the best of luck on your birthday.I hope you have the best day ever and keep on making the best books ever!. I am in love with your books they are very detailed.I am also latina like you so we have one thing in common that's pretty awesome. I am from sawyer school my names Alexa Dominguez me and my class are actually reading one of your books.

House on Mango Street. I can relate to some of the chapters like the first chapter I can relate to moving a lot!. I also love that your book has short but detailed. one of my favorite chapters was (hairs) cause I can relate that my hair is not wavy or fluffy its just flat I like that you said that "your hair was lazy" and that your dads hair looks like a "broom". Hope you respond to my message.

Sincerely Alexa Dominguez

Sandra replies:

Thanks, Alexa. I can relate to your relating!

Anthony Juarez
Chicago, IL

December 20, 2017

Dear Ms. Cisneros

I really enjoyed your House On Mango Street Vignettes my favorite vignette is hairs because I also compared my parents,brothers, and sisters hair like you also i live in Chicago just like you, I'm a Latino boy, and I'm 13 years old some questions i would like to tell you is how long did it take you to make The House On Mango Street book? and do you want to make a second book of The House On Mango Street telling more vignettes as you grew older in Mango Street. and I have one more thing to tell you HAPPY BIRTHDAY Ms.Cisneros!!!!!!!!!! I hope you have a Great Birthday and I wish all the wishes you could and take care of your self.
SINCERELY ANTHONY

Sandra replies:

Dear Anthony,

First, thanks for remembering my birthday! You’re doing better than my own family.

And, as for why I wrote the book HOUSE ON MANGO STREET, take a look at my most recent book, A HOUSE OF MY OWN, which has two essays that answer this question.

I am revisting MANGO currently for a project that involves music with composer Derek Bermel. I am supposed to write the libretto, but I have yet to begin. Stay tuned.

You take care too.

Josue Salgado
Chicago, IL

December 20, 2017

Dear Ms. Cisneros,

I wish you Happy birthday. I was born in America, but my parents are from Mexico, so that makes me a Mexican too. I like Mexico. I'm in 6th grade and my teacher name is Ms. Senese.
We are reading The House of Mango Street and i'm enjoying it! My favorite vignette is ''House of Mango Street'' because i had a connection. I myself moved to different houses and it was a struggle and stressful. I was nervous and anxious because people would say stuff about my house, just like Esperanza. Like Esperanza, my pipes broke, could not use the shower because it did not work, so we use the big bucket instead to shower.

Sandra replies:

Oh, Josue! I am happy to hear your story too. If we don’t tell our stories, it’s as if it never happened, and we need, we must tell our stories if we are to be included in American history. I encourage you to tell your story in whatever way you can, aloud, writing, pictures, dance, hip hop. Whatever!

And please know that Mexico is America too. America stretches from Canada to the tip of South America. Mexico, Canada, and the U.S. are ALL North America. But we are all OF THE AMERICAS, especially if we are Mexican since we were here millennia before Columbus bumped into us. The Americas were not empty and barren, but had several indigenous civilizations living here. 90% died when the Europeans arrived with their diseases. For a good book, take a look at AN INDIGENOUS PEOPLE’S HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES by Roxanne Dunbar Ortiz.

It’s essential we know our own history, especially when we are, as a nation, suffering from amnesia when it comes to our story as indigenous people. Thanks for writing me, Josue.

Celia Needum
Dallas,TX

December 20, 2017

Hello Ms. Cisneros!

My students at Dallas Can Academy, Ross Avenue, are reading your short story "Three Wise Guys" today. We realized that today (12/20) is your birthday! They asked me to send you a message saying happy birthday to you, and to tell you how much we are enjoying your story. (You should have seen their faces once they found out what was in "the box.") Happy Birthday!

Ms. Needum

Sandra replies:

Hi, Ms. Needum,

I have not published that story in a book of my own, only in textbooks, so I forget about it. That was written a long, long time ago, and it has one glaring error. There are no chicharras buzzing in December. Did anyone from your class catch that mistake? But I wrote it when I was new to Texas, so I hope they will forgive me.

Thank you and your students for remembering my birthday. I spent it in frigid Chicago performing at the National Museum of Mexican Art.

I’m happy that the story made an impact even after all these years. Tell them it’s based on a true story.

Be well!
S

Gabby S
U.S.A.

December 17, 2017

Señora Cisneros,

I am currently a high school student, but I have been learning Spanish since I was five years old. All through elementary and middle school, my teachers would have my classmates and I read your books and poetry. At a young age, I wasn't aware of the language opportunity that I had, and so I never liked reading books in Spanish, except yours. I found that after every work of yours that I read, I gained new knowledge of culture, and the Spanish language. I am hoping to further my studies in both Spanish and Latino culture and the Spanish language, and I was wondering if you had any suggestions for your or other author's works that I could look at. As person who is hoping to start writing creatively, I would like to ask you a question about your writing. What was your inspiration to start writing, and how do you choose what topics your write about? Gracias por todo su tiempo y ojalá que aunque usted no puede responder, usted puede leer mi mensaje.

Gabby

Sandra replies:

Dear Gabby,

For the answers to your questions I invite you to look at my last book, A HOUSE OF MY OWN, essays about my life and writing. And as for books I love, there are so many, a few mentioned in the aforementioned book. But watch my IG account where I often post books I am enjoying; most recently Margaret Atwood’s THE HANDMAID’S TALE and Tennesee Williams’ HARD CANDY. As for Latino writers, I love Mercè Rodoreda and Elena Poniatowska among many others. I recently finished Joe Jimenez’s novel BLOODLINE, and I adore his poetry too. I love the work of Rigoberto Gonzalez, Joy Harjo, Manuel Muñoz, Helena Viramontes, Cherrie Moraga. Try subscribing to HUIZACHE to find Latino writers. And watch my recommended page on this website. Thanks for asking.

Miyah Safi
Alsip,IL

December 13, 2017

Hello! I am a freshmen in high school and my teacher has us read your book. I would have to re read a whole bunch of chapters just to get the full depth meaning of it. I feel like any good book should always make you go back and re read to understand it more in depth. I have never been good with literary devices reading your book helped me learn more about literary devices. I would have to search through chapters and find any types of figurative language which helped me understand them so much better. Some of the vignettes I would not understand but when we discussed them in class I would understand them and you would always have hidden things in them that I never understood. For example when in the vignette “There Was an Old Woman She Had So Many Children She Didn’t Know a What To Do” I didn’t understand when you were talking about Angel and how she “dropped from the sky like a sugar donut, just falling like a star”. I didn’t understand that she died until my teacher explained it to me. You’re an amazing author and I hope you continue to write more and more books like “The House on Mango Street”.

Best Regards,
Miyah Safi

Sandra replies:

Dear Miyah,

Thank you for taking the time to reread my stories. I wrote them as if they were prose poems, so they require more time reading. I am glad you have revisted the chapters, and I invite you to reread the book every few years. Feliz 2018!

Bella Carreno
Bakersfield, CA

December 13, 2017

Señora Cisneros,

I read your book, The House on Mango Street, almost a year ago, but regardless about how much time passes I cant seem to get my mind off how beautiful it is and how much it has changed me as a person. So, I guess this message is to say thank you. Thank you so much for writing a piece of fiction that has touched so many hearts. Going through high school (which I am currently in) made me realize that there isn't much literature that is rich in culture or something that I can connect with as a person, so when my English teacher recommended the House on Mango Street, I was a bit skeptical. But when I read your book, I became engrossed in a world that not only I could feel, but I could also relate to. So thank you, for introducing me to a story I will hold with me for the rest of my life. Thank you for giving a voice to so many people that don't have one. And thank you for making me realize I have a voice too.

Sincerely,
Isabella Carreno

Sandra replies:

Dear Isabella,

I write in solitude and toss my thoughts into a bottle, which floats across oceans, and finally, if I’m lucky, reaches someone. Someone like you. I bow deeply in gratitude for confirming a book I wrote long ago has resonance even now. You have given me a gift today through your letter.

Marisol Macias
San Antonio, TX

September 7, 2017

Warmest Greetings Señora Cisneros,

When my mother had occasion to pen me a letter she would always open with a prayer of well wishing for my health and happiness. I hope this note finds you well and in peace and in harmony.
I've lived in San Antonio for about ten years now and it has been a torrid affair. I did not like this city, it was hard for me. Slowly the city and I have gotten acquainted and from there an understanding and love and friendship has grown.
Currently I'm a sophomore in the BFA program at the Southwest School of Art. It is a new program, I'm to be part of the third class that graduates, the first class is currently working on their senior projects. It is an interesting and exciting time for us. My concentration is in printmaking, ceramics, and photography. The work I do focuses on dream archetypes, the unconscious and the bridge to the external.
Currently the mythology of my family, particularly the stories passed on by my grandmother have been manifesting throughout all sorts of mediums. Eventhough my focus is on visual art, my first form of expression was writing.
Part of our curriculum at SSA is a class in professionalism, and we have been asked to reach out to an artist we've never spoken to but always wanted to encounter. I've written poetry since I can remember, its always been a release valve. Reading was also an escape I jealously guarded. Books have been devoured. The first book I read which you wrote was Caramelo. That story has stayed with me a long time. Thank you for sharing it. I connect writing with bravery and vulnerability. Caramelo was exactly that for me.
I saw you speak a few years ago at the SB1070 protest, thank you for using your voice in these matters! I draw on that moment from time to time, to remind myself, when I forget I have a voice, and change can be had. When I'm not in the studio or class, I do volunteer work for Voices de La Luna. We have poetry therapy sessions for homeless women going through drug rehab at Haven for Hope. It is small way to help, but it helps, and we are a strengthened by expressing and sharing our stories with one another. It is a magic thing to witness that moment when they realize they have power to change, and they can tap into it.
Thank you for your time and reading this note. Thank you for Caramelo. Thank you for your stories. Thank you for your activism. Thank you for your voice.

Sincerely,
-Sol

Sandra replies:

What a lovely testimony. Thank you, Sol, for the work YOU do.

María Alvarado
Napa, California

August 31, 2017

Hello,
I am currently in my first year of college. I've been spending time in their little multicultural room and have found The House on Mango Street. Thank you for writing this. I have been rereading the introduction because I relate to it so much.
In my English class we are writing a short narrative. I have decided to write it with your style. Can I email you my narrative? And receive feedback?
Thank you,

María

Sandra replies:

Hi, María,
I’m flattered you’re inspired to write in my style. Adelante. You can send me your narrative, but I cannot give feedback, I’m afraid, as I have my own writing that needs my attention.

Thank you.

Edward Vidaurre
McAllen, TX

August 30, 2017

Just read "Only daughter." I pick a moment to read something, think of something, write something to cry with every now and then. Today was the day for tears.
Loved it!
Thank you!

Sandra replies:

Ay, Edward. It’s good to cry, ¿verdad? It makes us more compassionate.

Thanks for writing.

Daisy Piatt
Sacramento, CA

August 21, 2017

Señora Cisneros,

I have read a few of your books (The House on Mango Street and Caramelo, as well as parts of Woman Hollering Creek) and I have loved each one of them. I am a TEACHER of Spanish and Hispanic Culture. We are currently highlighting your book The House on Mango Street. Thank you for your writings. Thank you for sharing so honestly and clearly about your experiences. They provide a great value in our teaching of culture, understanding, and unity. One day I hope to meet you in person. Until then, muchas bendiciones.

Con cariño,

Daisy Piatt

Sandra replies:

Dear Daisy Piatt,

Thank you for high praise and for taking my stories out there to those who need to hear them. I was once a teacher myself, so I am deeply grateful for the work you do. I don’t know when I will be in your area next, but I too hope we may meet in person some day. Watch my calendar. You never know!

abrazos fuertes,
Sandra Cisneros

KRISTAL DINERO
National City, CA

August 14, 2017

You have inspired me to read some of your books i cant wait to read "The House on Mango Street."

Sandra replies:

Thank you, Kristal, for taking the time to say so! Always what a writer wants to hear.

Crystal Riesgo
Tucson, AZ

August 9, 2017

I work with TRiO Student Support Services and have had the pleasure to meet Sandra Cisneros at the University of Arizona in 2013. TRiO-SSS serves 1st generation, low-income, and students with disabilities in successfully completing an associates degree to transfer. This semester we will be focusing on Successful Latina's who represent our student demographic. We would be esteemed and honored to have Sandra Cisneros (La Chingona) to share her passion, love for the cultura, and magic with our students.

Sincerely,

Crystal Riesgo

Sandra replies:

Dear Crystal,

I will be reading in Phoenix early December. Details to be posted on my website soon.

Anyssa Honie
Casa Grande, AZ

August 7, 2017

I really admire your work and it would be a pleasure to see you at my school (cguhsd) i love your life story it has really inspired me and it would be the highlight of the year if i could see you this year i love your work and i look forward to seeing you this year....hopefully.

Sandra replies:

Dear Anyssa,
Watch my upcoming calendar. I will be reading in Phoenix early December.

Mike Anderson
Endicott, WA

August 4, 2017

Hi,

I teach History at Pasco High School, in Pasco, Washington. Over the years, I have been collecting pictures and messages from successful people, which I hang in my classroom. With each picture, I include a short biography. My aim is to give my students (many of whom have few positive role models) examples of successful people.

If it is possible, I would love to add a picture of Sandra Cisneros to our "Wall of Fame". Many of my students are familiar with her work. An autograph would personalize the picture and make it more meaningful for my students. Often, those who have sent me pictures for display have penned a short note about the importance of getting an education. I'm sure Sandra is very busy, but if she could write a sentence or two, it would be greatly appreciated.

On behalf of my wonderful students, thanks for considering this request.

Sincerely,

Mike Anderson

Sandra replies:

Hi, Mike,

Believe it or not, I don’t have a stack of photos to send to fans. And to make matters worse, I live in Mexico. But if you have a picture of me from the internet or wherever, mail it to me in a self-addressed envelope to my agent Susan Bergholz, 17 W 10th Street #5, New York, NY 10011, and I will promise to sign and return it when next I visit the States.

Gracias.

Avery Paine
Atlanta, GA

August 2, 2017

Hi, Ms. Cisneros! I'm a big fan of your novel: The House on Mango Street. I wish to know more! I was wondering if you could answer a few questions from your biggest fan! Thank you!

1. In your novel, the "scenes" in each chapter are pieces of your life and how you became the brilliant lady you are today. If you could only pick three chapters, which ones would you say are the most valuable to you?

2. Sally was an interesting character in the book. What was her personality and motivations like?

3. What message do you hope is portrayed clearly to all your readers when they finish your story?

Once again, thank you!
Sincerely,
Avery Paine

Sandra replies:

Híjole, Avery,

It sounds like you are asking me to do your homework. I think you know the answers better than I do. And it doesn’t matter what I think. I want to hear what you feel you’ve gotten from the book, what message did you take with you?

SC

Kelly Hensley
Phoenix, AZ

July 27, 2017

Thank you for the gift of your words and prose. You are my FIRST ever book on tape back when it was really tape and I have never stopped referring any lover of words and stories and poetry and family and love to that story CARAMELO!

Sandra replies:

Dear Kelly,

Caramelo is my personal favorite. Gracias for the shout out!

Kathy Curatolo
Naples, FL

July 22, 2017

I spent the other day reading your book and joined by daughter and best friend at your lecture in the Hall of Philosophy....but oh my this evenings performances "Mango Suite" brought me to tears! Tears of joy! This is my 49th year in Chautauqua and it shall be one nestled at the center of my memories! Thank you for sharing your work.

Sandra replies:

Hi, Kathy,

Yes, you weren’t the only one with tears. I was pretty soggy-eyed myself. Thank you for sharing your story. Until I read your letter, I thought I was the only one.

abrazos,

Joaquin Huante
Zacapu, Michoacán
México

July 19, 2017

I was born in the U.S. also, but "came back home" to México. Love hearing you talk about Día de Muertos and about our unique (I wanted to write crazy) familiy ways. Thank you y saludos.

Sandra replies:

Dear Joaquin,

Gracias for ánimo. Saludos to you too.

Sandra

Maria Guerrero
Whittier, CA

July 19, 2017

I would like to start by thanking you for giving Chicanas a home in the literary world, but even more so for inspiring young girls all over the globe. I begged my parents to buy me a copy of The House on Mango Street my senior year of high school. Your work has inspired me so much since! I decided to double major in Chicanx Studies and English with an emphasis in ethnic literature. Someday when I'm a High School English teacher, I hope to teach my students with some of your work.

Mucho amor y admiración desde California.

Sandra replies:

Dear Maria,

Let me know when you are that English teacher. You make me proud.

John Gills
Elmhurst, IL

July 12, 2017

I enjoyed A House of My Own very much and was especially taken with your discussions of how different languages have different nuances. I was reminded of a time when I, a teacher, broke down in the office of assistant principal Dave Franzen. His mother was Mexican. His father was Scandanavian. And he comforted me in Spanish.

Sandra replies:

Dear John,

What a beautiful story. Thank you for making my day!

Janet Tamez
Hollywood, FL

July 12, 2017

What advice can you give a young writer working on her first novel?

Sandra replies:

Dear Janet,

Join a writer’s group that is at your level. You write alone, but need help editing. And you’ll need the support of a literary family.

Create a schedule where you can be uninterrupted for a minimum of three hours, preferably six, for writing. Preferably alone.

Don’t talk on the days you write, or if you must, take a nap before writing. Or meditate.

After your manuscript is done, edited by others, and has been given the go-ahead, find an agent.

A novel may take many years. Be prepared for this. Read the lives of other writers. I find biographies of other women writers gives me hope.

Good luck.

Sandra

irene jung
phelan, ca

June 27, 2017

A short message which I hope you will receive: Sandra I have loved your writing for years. I am reading The House on Mango Street for perhaps the fortieth time. You are able to pack so many flowery descriptive images into such short and to-the-point phraseology, I don't know how you do it. Obviously, you were born to write. I believe you and Annie Proulx are the very best authors currently working, and I love re-reading your work. God bless you!

Bunny Jung

Sandra replies:

Hi, Bunny,

It’s called hard work. I was born with a talent, but talent isn’t enough. One has to develop talents and work them over and over before they can have a resonance. Thanks for your support.

Daniel Garcia
San Antonio, TX

June 25, 2017

I have been reading your work for as long as I can remember and as a current undergrad at Abilene Christian University, I am still reading and learning from you. Your work has caused me to think critically of the world around me, reminisce on my personal experiences, and cry oceans and oceans. I couldn't tell you how thankful I am for you and your work. You are changing lives.

The inspiration and knowledge I have gained from your writing and life story has influenced me to dedicate my first summer of research as a McNair Scholar to you and your literary work, primarily The House on Mango Street. I am exploring a few different questions that will not have a definite answer rather, I plan to allow the questions to resonate in the minds of those who refuse to recognize the severity of the questions I am posing. The questions, which are revised quite often, are as follows:

1. Why is the identity of Chicana women, in the work of Sandra Cisneros (you), defined by the forced silenced they endeavor from childhood through adulthood?
2. How do Chicana women perceive themselves socially as well as in the home, in the work of Cisneros (you again)/through personal experience/etc.
3. (Not necessarily a question, but) Focus on the overall suppression of Chicana women through my personal experiences and poetry in addition to some of your written works.

I mentioned that all of this research and writing will solely be going toward my summer of research, but as I continue to research and discuss my topic with my mentor(s), the more and more this seems like a potential topic I would like to pursue for thesis/dissertation work. This excites me, so very much! I mention this because I believe that your writing deserves to be discussed even more than it already is in academia. My voice means nothing in academia, but I want to get the the message I have gained from your writing out to those who haven't even been exposed to any of your writing or fail to see the depth that all of your fans and critics can see, clear as day.

San Antonio is also my home and I am so blessed to have been born and raised in such a beautiful city, rich with culture and love. I want to spread this culture and the love, but also the darker, negative components that deserve to be addressed. I would love to maybe ask you a few questions if you have the chance. I know you are very busy and you probably receive requests like this all the time but, it doesn't hurt to ask, I suppose. Thank you and I really hope to hear back from you. You are the light of the future and I will do my best to illuminate the darkness that is ignorance.

-Daniel Garcia
Abilene Christian University, ’18
High School Teaching English Language Arts

(I am adding this to say that I just saw the disclaimer saying that school projects and things like that aren't answered through your website and that is okay with me. This note can now, solely, show that you have influenced me to research your text and Chicana studies in general, as well as write about my findings. Thank you so much.)

Sandra replies:

Hey, Daniel,

Gracias a ti y a la vida. How wonderful a letter. I’m so lucky to get this.

Lucia Proctor
Silver Spring, MD

June 18, 2017

Any chance you can direct me to an interview or article where Sandra speaks on "Barbie-Q"?

Sandra replies:

Check online. I’m sure I’ve done them before, but cannot recall.

Lucero Miranda Reid
El Paso, TX

June 14, 2017

Your work is a great contribution to our society. I always recommend your books to our students.

Sandra replies:

Lucero, thank YOU for your contribution. Teachers rate high in my opinion, especially now!

Saundra Schmidt
Escondido, CA

June 13, 2017

I found your profile online while searching for information to complete my cultural inclusion training, and I wanted to commend you for your talents and intelligence. Wonderful works!

Sandra replies:

Thank you, Saundra! Always lovely to hear good thoughts.

Bruce Groh
Shirley, NY

June 5, 2017

Hello Sandra:

I read several of your short stories. The story about two girls talking over their toy dolls was fantastic. Your work is in a Literature Book I bought several years ago. I do write myself, and also poetry. I just wanted to say hello and enjoy reading your works.

Bruce

Sandra replies:

Hey, Bruce,

How cool is it to get a letter from a male reader. Thanks for writing and for kind words.

Sandra

Cecy Piemonte
Fayetteville, NC

May 31, 2017

I read one of your short stories for a high school assignment and was thrown off by the use of Spanish in English writing. Raised by a Mexican mother who believes in never mixing the languages, I found myself loving your writing. Taking my English teacher's recommendation, I wrote a report The House on Mango Street for my senior year "thesis" in 2010. Since then, I have not met a single reader to whom I haven't recommended your books. Your writing is true art; true inspiration to me. Currently listening to Caramelo and loving it!! Thank you for sharing your work with the world!!

Sandra replies:

Hey, Cecy,

Thanks. I am especially proud of CARAMELO, my personal favorite. So happy to hear from you.

Fae Ung
Las Vegas, NV

May 30, 2017

I have a question regarding to The House on Mango Street, is it a true story? Or is it just made to look like it.

Sandra replies:

Hi, Fae,

Take a look at the two introductions I wrote for HOUSE in my most recent book A HOUSE OF MY OWN, or in the current edition of the book. It’s all there for you!

Dylan Emerick-Brown
Lake Mary, Florida

May 30, 2017

Dear Ms. Cisneros,

My name is Dylan Emerick-Brown and I teach English at Deltona High School in Deltona, Florida. It has a large Hispanic population and I've taught some of your work, which the students devour. I am also the faculty adviser for the school's student-run literary magazine, Howl (DeltonaHowl.com). I am reaching out to you because it would mean the world to my students if they could send you just a few questions for their literary magazine as a brief interview. Would this be possible? Thank you so much for your time. We greatly appreciate it.

Kindest Regards,
Dylan Emerick-Brown

Sandra replies:

Dear Dylan,

Sure. But only three questions. Write to me care of my agent: susan@susanbergholz.com

Good luck!
S

Carola Bensimon
Managua, Nicaragua

May 29, 2017

Dear Sandra,

My name is Carola Bensimon and I was one of the teachers who attended your talk at Centro Cultural Nicaraguense in Managua, Nicaragua.
After my students listened to you, I assigned them to write an essay about their insights. Many of them are really inspiring. I was wondering if you would like to read them. I don't think I have enough space here. I don't want to invade your privacy asking your email, but if you are interested, maybe I can send a couple of these short essays to you.
One of them wrote that after listening to you, she knows she has a future and would like to fight for it.
We were honored to have met you, and I can assure you that these kids will never forget the experience.
Thank you Sandra!!!

Kind regards,
Carola Bensimon (English Teacher at Lincoln International Academy)

Sandra replies:

Hi, Carola,

I would love to see their essays. Meeting your students was a great highlight of my trip. How respectful and charming they all were. They made me feel like a rock star.

Please send your letter to me care of my agent: Susan Bergholz Literary Services, 17 W. 10th St, NY NY 10011, or you may scan and send to susan@susanbergholz.com Will that work? I think your students are great.

Thank YOU, Carola, and thank your students.

Maricela Anacleto
Riverside CA

May 29, 2017

Hello my name is Maricela and I am currently a Junior in High School and I am doing a Poet Research Paper and I chose to write about you since your work interests me more. I just wanted to do something new and try to contact you and ask you what advice do you have for upcoming poets? And I was also wondering What motivated you to write about your life?

Sandra replies:

Hi, Maricela,

I probably am answering this too late for your project, but I have been on the road. My advice for poets is the same as for any other vocation:

1. Earn your own money. To do this, go to school.

2. Control your fertility so you can realize your dreams. You can have kids later when you finish school; when you are better able to support them.

3. It’s okay to be alone. This is time for you to develop yourself.

As to what motivated to write about my life? I write about my life and the lives of those who impress me in some way, emotionally usually. My subjects pick me.

Deanne Szumowski
Cloquet,MN

May 29, 2017

I have avoided books of short stories, preferring novels, which I thought The House on Mango Street was. When I got it on my Nook, I decided to give it a try. I loved it. Each story made me feel like I was there living with the characters, experiencing their lives. You are a talented writer. Thank you for opening up to me the world of the short story.

Sandra replies:

Dear Deanne,

Glad you changed your mind about short stories. There are so many great short-story writers out there. Thanks for writing.

Lisette Rivas
Glendale, CA

May 25, 2017

So grateful to have found your writings when I was an undergraduate in college. I finally found a voice like my own, in "The House on Mango Street". As time went on, my esoteric interests took a back seat to raise a family and establish a career. Now that my son is older, I found myself going back to my love of reading. I was so happy to see your new book, "A House of My Own." Little did I know that I would again find my voice in your writings, as I grieve the loss of my best friend. By sharing your experiences, your writtings have provided comfort and solace at this difficult time in my life. (No one told me this would happen!) You are a writer for the masses. Thank you for sharing your passions, joy, sorrow, and spirit.

Con mucho cariño,
Lisette

Sandra replies:

Gracias, Lisette, for all your kind words!

Ana Rosales
San Marcos, Carazo
Nicaragua

May 22, 2017

It has been a great honor for me to know a little bit more about you and your books and I want to tell you that i will never forget how amazing you are. You are awesome. Thanks for the book you gave me, i am really grateful and i wish you success in your whole life.
PD: Please excuse my english.

Sandra replies:

Hi, Ana,

You’re welcome. And your English is just fine! Thanks for writing.

Gary Gupton
Leland, NC

May 22, 2017

I ordered "Have you seen Marie" a couple of weeks ago through Amazon hoping to receive and share it with my wife, Kris, and her orphan girlfriends who had lost their mothers. The book arrived at our home in Leland, North Carolina, while we were vacationing in Puerto Rico. The day before we were to return home - a lady named Karen had been house/dog sitting for us - our toy poodle Jack died unexpectedly. Karen tried to save Jack, taking him to the emergency vet clinic, but they could not save him. Your book was in our mailbox upon our return. Thanks for sharing and comforting. Kris' mom passed away in 2008, and she "inherited" Jack. He was a constant reminder and all Kris had left of Joan, her mother. Kris wants to spread the ashes of Jack, her mother Joan, and my dog Spud in the Atlantic ocean off Wrightsville Beach, NC. (Spud died the same year as Kris' mom.). Thank you and God for the fortuitous arrival of "Marie".

Sincerely,
Gary Neil Gupton

Sandra replies:

Dear Gary,

First, I want to say how sorry I am for your losses. I lost my mother in 2007, but always think of her.

And, as an animal lover and dog rescuer, I understand how much you are grieving. I just had to put one of my own dogs down a few weeks ago.

My intention writing the Marie book was to aid others in times of mourning. Thank you for writing and confirming my book is doing its job. You have lifted my heart with your letter.

Bendiciones y luz,
Sandra

P.S. Try writing something for the ceremony at sea. Anything written on behalf of those we love, with love, siempre sale bonito--it always turns out beautiful.

Elle Miza
Los Angeles, CA

May 22, 2017

Dear Sandra,
Thank you for your writing. You were the first author that truly inspired me in my early child development. I didn't have a lot of people who did that. I'm 24 now. Your words have kept me sane. You've probably kept a whole generation sane, really.

Best,
Elle

Sandra replies:

Dear Elle,

Well, I’m sure I would not be sane myself if I hadn’t been a writer. Writing is the best medicine.

Thanks for encouragement!

Ezra Gibson
Anchorage, AK

May 19, 2017

Dear Ms. Cisneros,
I am an 8th grade Language Arts Teacher at Goldenview Middle School in Anchorage, Alaska. My students read your book, The House on Mango Street and were inspired to write their own vignettes. We put them together and published a book of our own. We would be honored if we could send you a copy. I would be happy to ship you one if you would like. You may email me a forwarding address.

Sandra replies:

Hi, Ezra Gibson,

Send your book to me care of my agent, Susan Bergholz Literary Services, 17 W. 10th St. #5, New York, NY 10011. It will reach me. Thanks so much for doing so.

Jordan Bennett
La Feria, TX

May 19, 2017

Hello, I am reading your book The House on Mango Street at my school. I enjoy it so far, but I have a question. In the chapter Born Bad, I feel that it's implied that Aunt Lupe dies the day Esperanza and her friends were making fun of her. That would be why they feel so apalled at their actions and try to repent by praying. Did Aunt Lupe die on this day, or later on?

Sincerely,
Jordan Bennett

Sandra replies:

Hi, Jordan,

You are correct in interpreting the story the way I meant it. It’s why the girls feel so guilty, as if they were responsible for her death. And then they are haunted by bad dreams. Good work!

David Rynerson
Belfast

May 19, 2017

Hi Sandra,

I have such fond memories of your visit to our classrooms at ASIJ in Tokyo. I'm now at Colegio Roosevelt, the American School of Lima, Peru, and I'm excited to be finishing the year with "The House on Mango Street." It is truly one of those books that reveal truths with every revisit and re-read. This unit comes after a poetry unit in which my grade 9 students discovered so much that they had in them. Anyway, I can shed a little light on this unit by telling my students what a nice person you are. I especially remember you giving your earrings to one of my students on your last classroom session.

Gracias!
David Rynerson

Sandra replies:

Hey, David,

How lovely to hear from you. Yes, I did give my earrings away, didn’t I? But that’s very Mexican. We like to give things to others. It’s not just me.

I am so happy to hear you are sharing my stories in Peru now. Felicidades. I’m thrilled to hear my stories are working for you and your students.

All my best to you and your class and to your new adventures in Peru. And thanks for telling your class I am nice. Much appreciated.

abrazos,
SC

Olivia Allen
Green Bay, WI

May 12, 2017

Dear Sandra,

Hi! My name is Olivia and I am a student at a high school in Green Bay, Wisconsin. I just wanted to let you know that your work has inspired us! Our Spanish class is being assigned certain people/places/events involved in Spanish culture to make a presentation on for our final exam, and I was assigned you! I look forward to researching and learning more about your life and work, and was wondering if you could give any advice to students who have an interest in writing or, which aspect of Spanish culture inspires you most?

Thank you and best wishes,
Olivia Allen

Sandra replies:

Hi, Olivia,

This letter may arrive too late for your purposes. Advice for writing: 1. Earn your own money. 2. Control your fertility. 3. Learn to be alone.

As to which aspect of Spanish culture inspires me? I like flamenco music, tapas,, Concha Buika, and Almodovar movies. But you must know, I am not Spanish. I SPEAK Spanish. I am Mexican and from the U.S. (double citizenship), with some DNA from Spain in my lineage. However, I identify as a dual citizen of Mexico and the United States, as well as a citizen of the Americas, north and south.

Thanks.
SC

Telly Pandel
Baltimore, MD

May 12, 2017

My students just finished reading "The First Job," and now they're all asking if you've ever considered a film or television adaptation for The House on Mango Street. While the novel may not have a "front to back" story arc like most films, they suggested they'd be really excited to see it in short clips or a Netflix mini-series or something.

This is my favorite book that I teach all year. Thank you for all that you do.

Sandra replies:

Well, Telly, I am not averse to that idea at all, but the right producer, script, and funds must appear. All in good time, I believe. I have great faith it will come together to my satisfaction in my lifetime.

Thanks,
S

Mary Ellen McClure
Allen, TX

May 10, 2017

Thank you for the interview with Karen Thomas in the Dallas Morning News. I am a senior citizen whom you have truly inspired to start writing again. Was unable to attend your discussion but will purchase your book.

Sandra replies:

Thank you, Mary Ellen McClure. My favorite writers wrote their best work after 50 years of age. Jean Rhyss, Merce Rodoreda, Diana Athill, Harriett Doerr, Elena Poniatowska, to name a few.

Marta Alfaro
McKinney, TX

May 10, 2017

Sandra,

I saw you speak in Dallas this week and was so entertained by the author and the writer! I love how you own your stories as living, breathing stray lambs that need to be gathered. (Of course, from A House of My Own) What is special to me is, you being one of my favorite authors, has a common thread of another of my favorites, Gabriel Garcia Marquez. His book, Strange Pilgrims, born from a lost book of ideas that had "become a question of honor" to reconstruct. I love that!

Thank you for sharing your gifts!!

Sandra replies:

Gracias mil, Marta Alfaro! I am keeping illustrious company with Garcia Márquez!

Francesca Kritikos
Chicago, IL

May 9, 2017

Dear Sandra,

I have memories of reading The House on Mango Street and Woman Hollering Creek when I was around nine years old, and out of all the books I've ever read (which as a literature and creative writing major is a lot), those two have stuck with me the most. Your writing has had such a deep impact on me as a woman, and evokes the same amount of raw emotion in me when I read it today as when I was a kid.

I happened to see Woman Hollering Creek in the library at my university a few months ago and ended up reading it in one sitting. I bought Loose Woman and wrote an essay on "You Bring Out the Mexican in Me," one of the most beautiful poems I've ever read. I'm a poet myself, and I find your writing endlessly inspiring and always fresh.

Thank you so much for your contribution to our earth.

Best wishes,
Francesca

Sandra replies:

Gracias, Francesca. I’m thrilled my writing resonates with you.

Rebeca Illescas
Irving, TX

May 9, 2017

Last night I had the luxury of listening to you at the DMA in Dallas for the second time in my life; the first time was about ten years ago at the Irving, TX theater. I have been in love with "The house on Mango Street" for about twenty years; I taught it to my ESL students in California, I know teach it in my Pre-AP Spanish classes. Three days ago I started reading "A house of my own" and I admire you even more. I am a reader, I read about three to four books a month, mostly historical fiction and novels in English and in Spanish. However, I have never read a book that I can agree and relate to more. I love that your writing reads like a simple conversation with a friend and yet is full of messages, truth, some that hurt but needs to be told but also full of love. I love how you include family in almost all your writings, how you make fun of them and yet we can feel the love. I love when you say that the writings are not about you but they are and yet they are all about me.

Thank you!!!
Rebeca

Sandra replies:

Aww, thanks, Rebeca! Lovely to get this confirmation.

Elida Branham
Plano, TX

May 8, 2017

Sandra, gracias for a wonderful, inspiring, funny and amazing evening. The DMA event was awesome! I am hoping that you are able to publish the new poems you read tonight. I loved both!

Sandra replies:

Thanks, Elida! The two poems I read are “God Breaks the Heart Again and Again Until It Stays Open,” which appeared in a slightly different form in Huizache, a magazine from UT-Victoria. Look it up. The other is new, “El Hombre,” and will appear in the fall issue of Huizache. They will both be reprinted someday in my next volume of poetry.

Thanks for ánimo.
SC

Linda Samaritoni
Avon, Indiana

May 8, 2017

I read with interest your response to the middle school class from Alaska. The semantics in using specific terms for the Latino culture has always confused me, so your answer was helpful.

Fifty years ago, I lived in California for a very short time, and was introduced to the words, "chicano/chicana."

Watching the prejudice acted out in this new school, and coming from a different culture in New York, the terms seemed derogatory to me when used by the white kids. I was afraid to ask any Mexican-American students for clarification, for the groups kept themselves isolated from one another.

I am interested in your opinion as to whether my perceptions were correct or not. I am now sixty-two years old, and I'm still not sure of the answer!

Sandra replies:

Dear Linda,

I am sixty-two also, and like you unsure about more than what I’m sure of. When in doubt, ask. I recommend you ask the Chicano students themselves why they call themselves why they do. When they are that young and haven’t had their history taught to them, they most probably won’t know the history behind that word, but maybe they do. I encourage you to ask with respect and you will learn more than what I at my age can tell you about their generation. Adelante.

Sandra

Matt Arnold
Durham, NC

May 8, 2017

Hi Sandra,

I wrote to you last weekend, and had 2 questions about teaching The House on Mango Street. Tomorrow I'm going to be teaching my "demo lesson" to the students at the school I'd like to teach at - I was wondering if you'd be able to answer them.
(it's a little thing, but I know the students would really be blown away).

I only have 45 minutes with them, and so I'm making a lesson that looks at how you use different writing techniques to capture different moods; HOW the words lend such power to WHAT you say. I always concentrate on bringing out the writer in my kids, and your book is a great way to study that concept.

At any rate, hank you so much for considering!
Matt

Sandra replies:

Hijole, Matt! So sorry I am late answering, but I whirl about like a dandelion seed as the Author. I’ve answered your letter below. Thanks.

Matt Arnold
Durham, NC

April 30, 2017

Hello Ms. Cisneros,

So, I'm a teacher, about to read The House on Mango Street with 9th graders.... I remember loving your book back when I read it in high school in the late 90's, and the fact that I'm teaching it now, after many years have passed, has me wondering:

-Is there a message that you would like students today to get from your book that you perhaps hadn't anticipated when you wrote it?

-What do you hope students will do after they read your book?

I saw how generously you've answered questions on here, especially from teachers, so I figured I would ask!

Thanks always!
Matt

Sandra replies:

Hi, Matt,

Well, if you are a teacher you will completely understand the introduction to the book and why I wrote the book. It’s all there for you, the why and for whom I wrote this and how when I was a teacher.

I'd love for students to go back to the last chapter of The House on Mango Street. And, I hope they will feel more obliged to come back to their communities, their family, their town, and make it a better place to live. Especially now more than ever.

Thanks for writing and for doing the work you do as an educator.

Carolyn García
San Juan, TX

May 5, 2017

Never Marry a Mexican changed my life. It still makes me cry every time I read it. No one captures what it is to love as a morena like Sandra.

Sandra replies:

Gracias, Carolyn!

vivi gonzalez
chicago

may 3, 2017

i really related to house on mango street

Sandra replies:

Hey, thanks, Vivi! Love your name. Even have a character with that name in the novel-in-progress.

Samarra Reilly
Hollywood, FL

May 3, 2017

Hola ms cisneros! Usted es por mucho mi autor favorito de todos los tiempos! Verdaderamente cautivan la esencia de la autodefinición y los problemas que han surgido en este mundo de hoy. Su libro es mi libro favorito y he aprendido mucho sobre él. Tiene tanto que enseñar a los niños de hoy. Todos podemos aprender de usted como autor y como persona. El trabajo voluntario que haces es realmente inspirador y me anima todos los días a salir y ayudar. Tengo una pregunta sin embargo. ¿Por qué la calle se llama mango street? Usted probablemente no recibe esta pregunta mucho, pero me ha desconcertado desde la primera lectura hace tres años. También, la esperanza se refiere a alguien como "tú" sin citas. ¿A quién se dirige?¡Te amamos Sandra !!
Los aficionados de Florida

Sandra replies:

Hola, Samarra,

Esa pregunta siempre me lo preguntan. Vea mi repuesta mas abajo. Gracias por el amor!

Lacey Lewis
Austin, TX

May 3, 2017

Thank you for your visit in San Marcos this past weekend. Thank you for writing. Thank you for signing a copy of Mango for my mom for Mother's Day.

Just thank you.

Lacey

Sandra replies:

You are welcome!

Adam Childers
Ona, WV

May 1, 2017

I'm doing a small project about you in my 10th grade English class
I like your big flowers in the picture on this page.

Sandra replies:

Gracias, Adam!

Betty Lew Bewley
Spicewood, Texas
USA

April 28, 2017

Sandra,

What a beautiful experience to connect with you through your books and web site. I have been reading your story and the stories you tell of others and look forward to hearing more that you have to say.
All the best,
Betty Lew

Sandra replies:

Thanks, Betty Lew. Keep in touch with me via my instagram account too, “Official Sandra Cisneros.” I post almost every day.

Michele Alderson
San Marcos, TX
USA

April 28, 2017

I can't wait to meet you this weekend!!! This was my first time to your website and the opportunity to meet you has led me to discover more of your work! I'm so thankful for this opportunity and your publications.

You are a fierce and fearless woman, thank you for following your passion to give this work light AND for sharing your heart with the world. I find connection and hope, healing and validation, and an overall peace when I read your work.
Thank you, gracias! Te agradezco

- Michele –

Sandra replies:

Hi, Michele,

Thanks for all your kind words. I am sure we met in San Marcos. What an afternoon!

Gerald Kille
Garden City, GA
USA

April 28, 2017

Hi Ms. Cisneros or shall I say the best author of this generation ;) I'm currently reading your book, The House on Mango Street, that was recommended to me by a friend, and I have been forever grateful. Your book has forever changed my perspective on how I treat others because I have now learned that everyone is fighting their own battle. But, why is the street named Mango Street? For a "bad neighborhood" in Chicago, why does it possess such a tropical name? Anyways, enjoy life, you absolutely deserve it. Thank you again for inspiring me to do good!
-x
Friends from Georgia

Sandra replies:

Hey, Friends from Georgia,

See my response below in the letter before yours.

Thanks.

Deanna Fanning
Pooler, GA
USA

April 28, 2017

Hi Ms. Cisneros!!
I'm currently reading and loving your book, The House on Mango Street. I absolutely cannot believe that I didn't find it sooner! I would recommend this book 100 times out of 10. Its that good. Esperanza is totally relateable! I just have one question about it. Why is the street called Mango Street? I have a theory but I need more background history to be able to make this theory come true. Thanks again! Much appreciation to the best author I've come to know!

Sandra replies:

I wanted to summon Mexico and also to come up with a name that sounded like the real street—Campbell, which I could not use because of the soup.

Emilie Matznick
Mount Laurel, NJ
USA

April 28, 2017

Dear Sandra,

My friend and I are sophomores at Lenape High School and we are doing a class project on your book "The House on Mango Street". We have a few questions we would like to ask you. Why did you write this book, what motivated you? Did you have a specific purpose or message that you wanted to deliver to the readers? Did you ever find yourself relating Esperanza's experiences to yours? What are some interesting details about you that readers should know to better understand your writing? Is there any specific reason that you dedicated this book to "las mujeres"?
Thank you!
Emilie Matznick

Sandra replies:

The answers to all these questions are in the twointroductions I wrote and both are reprinted in my last book A HOUSE OF MY OWN. Take a look.

Veronica La Vista
Madison, CT
USA

April 27, 2017

Sandra,

I am thrilled to be teaching your collection of vignettes once again. I so admire the way you weave poetry into your prose and how your word portraits offer a vivid illustration not only of growing up in the Latino culture, but of discovering and nurturing an identity. Many of my non-reading sophomores are enjoying the discussions and connections to contemporary issues for which your vignettes are a catalyst. Thank you!

My students wanted me to ask about Angel Vargas: is his death a suicide or the tragic result of neglect? Was he one of your students? They frequently wonder about whose stories are the genesis for the characters.

Thank you for sharing your gift ~ it is truly a privilege to introduce young people Esperanza.

Sandra replies:

Dear Veronica,

Angel was one of many children who die in homes were there are no adults around to take care of them or an adult over burdened. I would say neglect, wouldn’t you?

Michael Donivan
Lake Point, Utah
USA

April 27, 2017

I heard you for the first time today on the radio in Salt Lake city.
I love your story telling and I will start reading your books.

Mike

Sandra replies:

Hey, Mike, thanks!

Ruben Duarte
Pasadena, CA
USA

April 25, 2017

Do you have any regrets?

Sandra replies:

I wish I had brought my dogs Paloma and Paco to Mexico with me and not given them away. No other regrets. My life mistakes all brought me to who I am now, and I take a deep bow of gratitude for those mistakes that taught me so much.

Thanks for asking.

June Eric-Udorie
London, United Kingdom

April 25, 2017

Hi Sandra,

I hope that you are having an excellent week!
I’m June Eric-Udorie and I’m an 18-year old writer and feminist campaigner based in London, UK. I write primarily on politics, pop culture, race, gender and feminism. I also campaign on girls’ rights and currently work in the editorial department at Penguin Random House Children’s. In December last year the BBC included me on their list of the 100 most inspirational women in the world.

When I was 13 years old, I came across the concept of feminism. Growing up as a young girl, I was expected to conform to traditional norms; growing up as a young Black girl, I was exposed to “respectability politics”. Over and over again, my parents reinforced the view that it was better for me to sit down and shut up than to rock the boat.

At the beginning of my feminist journey, a lot of the views I had were frankly, not intersectional at all. In the last quarter of 2015, I took a step back and actively started listening to women, female-identified and nonbinary people on the margins of the movement. I found a plethora of voices that were saying, writing, and practicing a feminism that was much more interesting, complicated, nuanced and empathetic. On this journey, I came across The House On Mango Street and I was completely blown away. I've gone on to read the rest of your work - I'm a huge huge fan.

The conversations around feminism in the media are still focused on the experiences of white, cis, middle-class, able-bodied straight women. As a young woman who has benefited hugely by listening to women of colour, queer women, trans women and other marginalised groups, I want to do what I can to help facilitate conversations around feminism that are intersectional and give a platform to women and nonbinary people who have been traditionally pushed to the shadows.

As such, I have sold an anthology of essays on intersectional feminism, identity and politics to Virago, an imprint at publisher Hachette in the UK and to Penguin Random House in the US. The working title is WE CAN’T ALL BE FEMINISTS and it is scheduled for publication in Spring 2018.

I am writing to see whether you would consider being a potential contributor the anthology. I know it's unlikely, but I knew I had to try, at least.

Your work brings a fresh perspective and is always so illuminating, and I would be honoured to have your voice included in this project.

If this is something that interests you, please let me know by Monday May 8th 2017.

Essayists will be paid for essays of 3-4,500 words. If you accept to be part of this project, I will then send more information around the anthology, dates, deadlines, payment, rights and contracts. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me either – I’d be glad to have a chat!

In the meantime, thank you for all that do you do everyday to make the world a brighter, more accepting place.

All best wishes,
June Eric-Udorie

Sandra replies:

Hi, June,

I think my agent already wrote you, but wanted you to know how honored I was to be asked, though I am already committed to other projects at the moment. I am thrilled to hear from feminists like you.

Suerte y adelante.

Alfonso Avila
San Luis, Arizona
USA

April 24, 2017

Hi Sandra,

I'm making a presentation on your book "The House on Mango Street" here in Arizona Western College in Yuma, Arizona on April 25, 2017. Our American Literature class ENG-252 really appreciates your book.

Sandra replies:

Gracias, Alfonso. Hope it went well!
SC

Madeleine Gault
Fort Worth, TX
USA

April 24, 2017

Dear Sandra Cisneros,

Hi my name is Madeleine Gault, I have read "The House on Mango Street" twice and I can definitely say it is one of my favorite books. I am a great fan of your work. Although I have a very pressing question, What happened to Ruthie? Edna's Ruthie is one my favorite vignettes because of how much of a mystery Ruthie is. I first read this wonderful masterpiece a little over a year ago and I have been wondering about Ruthie ever since. I love your book so much, thank you for writing such an eye opening novel. I hope you can answer my question.

Sincerely,
Madeleine Gault

Sandra replies:

Hi, Madeleine Gault,

Well, I wanted to write a slender book, not a big fat novel. I did that later with Caramelo. I think you are astute to ask about Ruthie, but you should tell me what happened to her. I think there is enough to prod the imagination.

Thanks for writing.
SC

Robert Kellerman
Maine

April 22, 2017

I just thought that you might like to know that The House on Mango Street was the focus of an annual book reading for high school students on 21 April in Daugavpils, Latvia. This was arranged by the Daugavpils' USA Information Center, part of the American Embassy in Riga, and coordinated by Natalija Osheverova of the Info Center. I am a Fulbright fellow here who helped lead the spirited discussion of Esperanza and her neighborhood. This may be the first time that Sandra Cisneros has been read in Latvia, and we hope that it won't be the last!

Sandra replies:

Dear Robert Kellerman,

Well, what a lovely surprise to know my Esperanza has been visiting Latvia when I have yet to go there. Ask the American Embassy to invite me! I was just invited to Managua thanks the U.S. embassy, and I enjoyed it so much.

Hope to shake your hand in person some day.

Best,
Sandra

Elise Zamora
Richmond, TX
USA

April 21, 2017

Hi Sandra!!

I'm a senior at Lamar Consolidated High School in Rosenberg, Texas. I've been in English AP classes my entire high school life and honestly, it's sucked almost any joy that I found in reading or writing. When I was younger I would go through at least three books every other week. My classes have given me opportunities to read amazing literature, but not enough time to fully appreciate them.
This past summer we were asked to write a paper about an author and I chose you. It's been a breath of fresh air reading your books and poems. As a fellow Chicana, it was awesome reading stories i could actually relate to.

I've struggled this entire school year trying to find the motivation to write and try to do the work. The only three assignments that I've truly cared about are a Jerry Springer inspired sketch about Beowulf and his enemies, a short story I wrote from the mind of Boo Radley from "How To Kill a Mockingbird", and this paper and presentation about you.

Thank you. Thank you for making my last high school year somewhat bearable. And even though I might not even graduate, you have inspired me to want more for myself. I want to try to be myself and still be successful. I want to be able impact people the way you've impacted me. I wish schools would push for more contemporary and modern works like yours, while still being able to include the classics. Maybe then kids would be more inspired to tap into their creativity and to add something to the mindless drawl they make us write day in and day out.

Thank you for letting me into your world,
Elise

Sandra replies:

Gracias, Elise, for writing and kind words.

Berk Berkman
Istanbul, Turkey

April 21, 2017

Hola Sandra,
I am a student from Istanbul, Turkey. I am studying in Üskudar American Academy. It is an American school and right now we are studying your book "The House on Mango Street" in our English class. We haven't finished the book yet but I have a question for you. Even though you said that "She doesn't want to write a book that a reader won't understand and would feel ashamed for not understanding." in the introduction (page xvii), you used lots of literary devices and it makes it harder for the reader to understand the vignettes. Why did you used figurative language if you wanted write a very easy to understand book?
Thank you for your time.

Sandra replies:

Dear Berk Berkman,

I am sorry you find my book difficult. It is read by children in the English-speaking world, even though I did not write it for them. Perhaps the issue isn’t the literary devices, but the language. I did not mean to confound my Turkish readers, and if I did, I wonder where? Do you read poetry, by chance?

Please write back and tell me what specifically you find a problem. Thank you

A deep bow of gratitude for writing.

Sandra

Alejandra Paredes L
Tegucigalpa, Honduras

April 19, 2017

Hello Sandra, My name is Alejandra Paredes, editor and writer (I also participated in Taller de Poesía Alicanto guided by Rolando Kattan in 2015) and participated in a brief translation workshop with Kate Hedeen a month ago in Tegucigalpa.
I would very much love to translate to Spanish a poem you wrote "God Breaks the Heart Again and Again Until It Stays Open" and publish it in my cultural section at Revista CROMOS (Honduras, of which I am editor). Please let me know if you would like to share it with our readers, together wtih a brief bio and picture of yours. Hoping you may read this soon...I remain.

Respectfully yours.
Alejandra Paredes Lardizábal

Sandra replies:

Dear Alejandra,

Not clear if you asking if I’d like to see it, or are you asking for permiso to publish it. If it is a question of publishing, write to my agent susan@susanbergholz.com.

I have already revised that poem a bit, and I hope you have seen the most recent revision which appeared in April on the Random House site. My translator is Liliana Valenzuela and she is at work on a version too, but that doesn’t mean you cannot for your own pleasure.

Gracias.
Sandra

Elaine Morales
Bradley Beach, NJ
USA

April 15, 2017

It wasn't the food that made me sick. I love all of it - enchiladas, sopes, ensalada de nopales - but my tender stomach was craving some familiar vegetarian food, so I strolled down the street from my rented casa and sat alone at a table at Cafe Nectar.

The server brought my food, and then made a second delivery - a notice announcing a book signing with Sandra Cisneros that evening. Que suerte!

Sandra, your reading was beautiful, yes, and I look forward to reading A House of My Own (I bought copies in English and Spanish), but I owe you thanks for the rest of my life.

Before I left for college, the first in my family to do so, my father knelt down by my bed and said to me – “Elaine, you don’t have to go. People like us don’t belong with people like them.” My father was born in Chalchihuites, Mexico and in just 2 generations the family skipped from bracero to admission to the Ivy League! And yet, with the not belonging. It lived inside me, too, but I went anyway.

In 1992, the telephone rang at my parents’ house and I overheard this side of the conversation: - A passport, Pop? Sure, I can help you get a passport – Are you planning a trip, Pop? Where are you going to go? – Rome? Really? The Vatican? – Uh huh. Really, the Pope? - Wait, tell me again the story of your father.

It turns out that my great-grandfather was a martyr of the Cristero Rebellion. Following the beatification that year, Manuel Morales was canonized by Pope John Paul II along with 24 other Mexican martyrs. I was there with my family, my kids, and their teddy bears, direct descendants all of a Catholic Saint.

It took 16 years, but I finally convinced my dad to accompany me back to Chalchihuites. Last year we visited the home of Manuel Morales, the home (and the bedroom) where my father was born. And the site where Manuel, Salvador Lara and David Roldan were executed by federal soldiers on August 15, 1926.

I first visited San Miguel de Allende in 2011 and, like many others, have been returning every year since for longer and longer stretches. My aunt, who is a psychic and healer, tells me that in another life I lived here with my husband and four daughters, and I was very happy. I have no reason not to believe her. It feels like home.

I am happily married and here in San Miguel this year alone. My husband and I sold our suburban house 3 years ago. We are living what my husband calls a Tune in Next Week life.

I am called to write the story of my family, we Saints and Sinners, to seek dual nationality and formally claim my Mexican-ness, and to search for my (literal) home here.

It is scary to follow an un-trodden path. I don’t speak Spanish very well. I am not a published writer. My kids are 20 and 21 and not fully launched. I am not ready to retire.

Sandra, you are one of my angels. A voice tonight that said to me – keep going. Write your story, become Mexican, keep helping those first generation kids get to college, and in the name of all you know to be holy, stop pretending you’re not guided by the ancestors, the spirits and Universal Love.

Thank you with all my heart, and I hope we meet again.

Besos,
Elaine

Sandra replies:

Dear Elaine,

Write your story. Write it without worrying whether it will get published on not. In fact, assume it will not, so that you won’t get blocked. Write for those you love. Younever know where it will take you, but it will take you somewhere better than where your personal ego will guess. Adelante.

Sandra

Constance Matthiessen
San Francisco, CA
USA

April 14,, 2017

Hi Ms. Cisneros,

I am writing an article for the education website, GreatSchools.org, about well known people who are first in their family to go to college. My research indicates that your parents didn't graduate from college, but I wanted to double-check with you. I'd appreciate your response ASAP as my deadline looms. Thanks so much!

PS I love your work!

Sandra replies:

Dear Constance Matthiessen,

My parents regretted they didn’t go beyond one semester of college on my father’s side, and one semester of high school on my mom’s. See my essay “An Ofrenda for My Mother” in my last book A House of My Own for my detail. Thanks for asking. I hope I haven’t answered too late to reach your deadline.

Sandra

Layla Ayon
El Centro, CA
USA

April 12, 2017

Dear Sandra Cisneros,

I really like your book House on Mango Street I am currently attending Sunburst Youth Challenge Academy in Los Alamitos in California and in my English class we have been reading the vignettes in the book and have some questions. In the vignette Red Clowns what made you write this vignette it seems like Esperanza was raped was this an occurrence that happened to you, do these vignettes relate to your childhood?

Thank you
Sincerely,
Cadet Ayon

Sandra replies:

Dear Cadet Ayon,

Take a look at my first essay in my last book, A House of My Own, which should answer your questions. Good luck!

Sandra

Isam Laroui
Rabat/Morocco or Paris/France or New York/USA

April 12, 2017

I read your short story Never Marry a Mexican in the Scribner anthology yesterday and I wanted to tell you how much I loved it. Very powerful stuff. It had quite the impact on me. I thought it was a masterpiece of story telling. It started innocuously enough, but then morphed into a shocking, crazy, hateful yet loving, hard-hitting, obsessed piece. I'm trying to embark, belatedly, on a creative writing life and you've become an instant inspiration for me. I'm also from a multi-cultural background: U.S./Moroccan/French and your work resonates with me in that regard among many other things. I will read all your previous and future work. Thank you.

Sandra replies:

Dear Isam,

What incredibly rich stories you must have coming from so many cultures. I encourage you to write them and assist the world in bridge-building in these times of walls. You are an amphibian. Help plant seeds of understanding. Adelante, I say. Forward! Mil gracias for kind words too.

Sandra

Vanessa Wilson
San Antonio, TX
USA

April 10, 2017

Sandra,

It's as if the stars aligned for your work to come into my path.

I am going through
need I say -
a divorce;
domestic violent marriage,
a divide.

Through the up's and
down's,
your words "WIFE
makes me
wince."
Has given me hope and I keep
going
only to feel sad again.

But,
I go to class and read your
words,
your resistance to
become
a domestic wife who does
not talk.

Who is not educated
or a
working mother.

To do so is taboo,
to do so is 'do you not care about seeing your
children's
firsts?'

I want to thank
you.
Thank
you.
Sandra.

Sandra replies:

Dear Vanessa,

This time shall pass. The only sure thing we know about the universe is that change is constant. Fortify yourself with art, books, and with talking to a professional person about your story. Until you can speak your story without crying, your story has a choke-hold on you. Release it on paper, with paint, with dance, with whatever will help you move forward. If you don’t transform your demons, they will transform you. We cannot always do it by ourselves. Seek a professional listener—in other words, a counselor/therapist. Good luck.

SC

Dairany Blanco-Flores
Tempe, AZ
USA

April 7, 2017

Hola, Sandra!

Mi nombre es Dairany. I just want to take the time to thank you for your beautiful works of art! Your writings and books are uplifting and a reminder of passion and identity.
I am a teacher's aide for a 5th grade class at a public school. My students did a unit on "identity" and I picked your book to explain to the importance behind "Self identity".
THANK YOU for your literature. You have helped me understand much about my heritage and those I love and care for.

Sandra replies:

¡Gracias mil, Dairany!

Kayla S
April 7, 2017

Dear Sandra Cisneros,

I am a 9th grade student and I just read your book for my English class and found it very interesting how there are so many hidden meanings behind each chapter that aren't said but implied. It makes wonder why you wrote this book because after reading it I thought it might be to show all the trapped women how to escape from the men in their lives but I have done a little more research and now I am unsure. It would be awesome if you could explain to me why you wrote this book and what motivated you to do so.

Sincerely,
Kayla

Sandra replies:

Dear Kayla,

I already wrote the book. Now it’s up to you to glean what the stories mean for YOU. So take your time. Each chapter is like a poem, and there are no wrong answers. Read it every other year as you grow older. The research you are looking for is found in living your life. Enjoy.

abrazos,
Sandra

Armando Cardoza
Cicero, IL

April 4, 2017

Hola, he escuchado de tu primer novela... hace tiempo... pero la vida me distrajo para leer como lo hacia... ahora lo hare... estoy intrigado... por que estas en la pared de mi escuela... y por culpa "de la buena culpa" , es de mi maestra (se "oye" raro a mi edad jeje), quien fuera tu alumna. Margie Perez.

Sandra replies:

Hola, Armando Cardoza,

Que lindo saber que mi alumna Margie Perez es tu maestra. Es como si fueras mi nieto. Ahora me toca a mi reir. Bueno, gracias por escribirme, y que sepas que todos somos estudiantes de la vida, y no le hace que edad somos, verdad? Asi que te felicito que sigues estudiando y mejorandote. Adelante.

Sandra

Cindy Vitek

Melrose Park, IL
USA
April 4, 2017

Hello Ms. Cisneros,

Our 6th graders are currently studying poetry and we loved your poem, "Abuelito Who". We all shared fond recollections of our own grandparents. We did, however, have a question. We are confused by the line, ..."doorknob tied to a sour stick". We were hoping you might give us some insight as to the meaning.

Thanks so much for your beautiful poem and my students and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,

Cindy Vitek
6th grade Reading teacher
Stevenson Middle

Sandra replies:

Dear Cindy,

Now you are asking me to do YOUR homework. Poems are made for you to THINK. There is no wrong answer!

Jakub Ustupski

Hinsdale, IL
USA
April 4, 2017

Dear Ms. Cisneros,
My name is Jakub Ustupski, I am a high school student attending Hinsdale Central. In my English class, the class is reading a book you wrote called "The House on Mango Street" and many of us are wondering why you wrote this book. We have many theories using evidence from the book and multiple videos you have made on this topic but I hope you can write a response back to me answering why you wrote this book in a more straightforward way. I'd be very glad if you can respond back to my message and hope you would have the time to answer my question.

Thanks!!!

Sandra replies:

Dear Jakub,

See my answer below.

Fareed Khan

Clarendon Hills, IL
USA
April 4, 2017

Why did you write The House on Mango Street? Is there one specific reason or are there multiple factors?

Sandra replies:

See my last book A HOUSE OF MY OWN and read the two chapters on HMS and you will have more than all the answers.

Thanks for writing.

Kevin Do

Boston, MA
USA
April 4, 2017

Dear Ms. Ciscneros,
My name is Hamil James, and I am a student at Charlestown High. I am currently looking at your work. One that has caught my eye in particular is "Black Lace Bra Kind of Woman."
I really enjoy the figurative language, especially in the line "the kind who serves up suicide with every kamikaze." I find the double entendre on the word kamikaze very intriguing-- a kamikaze being a suicide attack and a drink.
My name is Kevin Do, and I am senior at Charlestown High. Your poetry is really powerful, especially in terms of presenting a woman’s perspective. I really like your work and appreciate your point of view. Your poems are beautiful and the attention you pay to each sentence is amazing. I want to ask you, what have you experienced in your life to make you come up with all these poems?
We have a few other questions:
What is the secret to your writing technique? And, how often do you use it?
What is the first book that made you cry?
I noticed your common use of the word “kamikaze” in your work. Why?

Sincerely,
Hamil and Kevin

Sandra replies:

Dear Hamil and Kevin,

1. Solitude and sorrow are good seeds for sitting down and being alone and writing.

2 No secret to writing. Sit down and do it for 6 hours or more and after 40 years you get better.

3. Cannot remember, probably Hans Christian Andersen.

4. Kamikaze. No idea, but no doubt the sound and my reckless life at the time elicited its use.

Thanks for praise!

Vanessa Wilson

San Antonio, TX
USA
April 4, 2017

Hello Sandra,

I've found comfort in your work through a chaotic time in my life. I can't help but think I am a version of yourself - the cigars, the drinks, the wincing of "wife," and the humor.

As a writer, I find myself kind of flailing around in school and in life, but the blinking space to type is always consistent.

As far as executing an idea, what would you recommend and how do you know it's what you plan to do when you first start writing?

That question is silly. Never mind.

I look forward to seeing you at the Texas State University symposium. I am currently enrolled in prof Gano's course.

It's amazing to read and to know the writer is still on this earth and reachable in some sense.

Thanks for bringing fire into my writing,

Best,
Vanessa Wilson

Sandra replies:

See you in San Marcos, Vanessa!

No question is too silly; and try writing by trying. It’s only paper and ink, not gold paint and pearls.

Dionel Then

Bronx, New York
USA
April 2, 2017

Dear Sandra,

I would like to thank you for your literature and body of work! Throughout my childhood I have often felt alienated and caught between two cultures. Your work, The House on Mango Street in particular, helped me so much. I hope you're well! I wish you

All the best,

Dionel

Sandra replies:

Dionel, thanks for kind words today!

Dr. Linda Sonna

April 2, 2017

I also live in San Miguel. I am writing to see if Sandra would consider reviewing my latest book, Tortillas & Peanut Butter: True Confessions of an American Mom Turned Mexican Smuggler. It's an Amazon top-10 bestseller in biography/memoir & humor.

I tucked cultural tidbits between the chuckles to help combat the "build that wall/oust those immigrants mentality. I structured the story so that as the zany protagonist (my contraband mom) comes to love & appreciate Mexico & Latino culture, readers do the same. 20% of the profits go to the ACLU.

I served as professor of multicultural counseling for 11 years. Though the book is a light, funny read, it covers all the major topics in diversity & multicultural studies courses.

Thanks for your help -

Dr. Linda Sonna

Sandra replies:

Dear Linda Sonna,

I’m sorry but I am in sanctuary and am focusing on my own work. IF you need feedback, I suggest you apply to Macondo to improve your writing, network, and become a more powerful performer. I have faith that by coalitions we can become stronger at what we do, but allow me my time now after doing this work for decades.

Good luck.

Dorian Pacheco

Portland, OR
USA
March 30, 2017

Hola Sandra,

My name is Dorian Pacheco and I'm writing Portland, OR. I wanted to drop a note to thank you for doing what you do. Since I've moved to this city from East Los Angeles in order to attend a university here, I've experienced a kind of isolation I had never really known, being apart from mi familia, mi cultura, or even what I might venture to call mi gente. Your books have made me feel less alone, less foreign, in a city with so many places and spaces dominated by white, middle class, estadounidenses (particularly this college campus).

In my final semester (I'm an English and Social Work double major), I have decided to write my senior thesis on Caramelo. I am writing about the politics of textiles, and how the rebozo functions as a form of storytelling. I have so many questions to ask like -- what do you think of the rebozo and how it tells stories? What is your creative writing process? And: do you have any advice for young college graduates? -- the list goes on. Anyway, espero que tengas un buen dia and I hope you are enjoying the beginnings of spring (the cherry blossoms are blooming here and after months of gray and rain, it sometimes seems like I am looking at everything for the first time again).

Sinceramente,

Dorian.

Sandra replies:

Dear Dorian,

I too experienced the same isolation while I was in grad school. Use this time to create and to reflect and discover who you really are. I cannot answer your questions regarding CARAMELO except to say that it was the most difficult book I have written. See my last book A HOUSE OF MY OWN for more on textiles in the chapter titled “Huipiles.” And I’ve done lots of interviews regarding Caramelo, out there in the cyber-sphere.

My advice is to discover your points of difference when you are in grad school, and create from this point of otherness in your thesis. It will be your gift to the universe called university. See the chapters on HOUSE in my last book and how this low point in my life helped me discover my voice.

Good luck. You are on your path.

Allison Garcia

Harrisonburg
March 29, 2017

Dear Ms. Cisneros,

Your book, The House on Mango Street, was the first book I ever read in Spanish. It took me the entire summer between my sophomore and junior year of college, and I loved every grueling minute of it. It was one of my first forays into Latino culture and by the next summer I was casi bilingual, and only a couple years later I met my husband, Julio, who is Mexican and helped me grow my heart for the culture and move me closer to my path of a writer of Latino fiction. Thank you for getting me started on that journey. You are a true inspiration.

Four years ago, I wrote a book called Vivir el Dream about an undocumented college student trying to make her way in the world. I was inspired by my undocumented friends, family, church family, community members, and clients in my counseling practice, by the strength and faith it takes to stand up and move forward, especially during the current negative climate towards immigrants. In particular I was impacted by The Dream Act, attending several rallies in Harrisonburg, Virginia, where I reside with my husband and 2-year-old son, and by the deportation of three members of my church family.

Since then I have been editing, querying and showing my book to agents and publishers, but, despite the fact that Vivir el Dream was runner-up in the 2016 ACFW Genesis Contest, I have come across challenges because it is Latino Christian fiction and falls between genres. Sadly, diverse fiction is not appreciated in the Christian market and, as you imagine by the current political situation, having an undocumented main character is too controversial for most. On the secular side, bringing up faith and God is often taboo.

In the end, I have decided to go the route of indie publishing, because some stories are meant to be told and now is a time in history when standing up for immigrant rights is most important. I want my son, Miguel, to grow up in a world where there are books that represent him and his family.

My book is in the final line edit with my editor, and I hope to release it in May. It would be a true honor to have you read Vivir el Dream and give your honest opinion. I know that you must be very busy and will understand if you are unable to do so. If you are able, I can send you the beta reader copy in April.

Please continue the important work you are doing. I am especially excited about the Macondistas and will apply in Fall 2017. Thank you for taking the time to read my letter, and I hope to hear from you in the near future.

Sincerely,

Allison K. Garcia

Sandra replies:

Dear Allison,

I encourage you to apply to Macondo.

I cannot look at your book now as I am writing, but send it to me when done c/o my agent Susan Bergholz, 17 W. 10th St # 5, New York, NY 10011.

Gracias.

Jaquelin Llanos

Fredericksburg, VA
USA

March 26, 2017

Dear Sandra,

First of all, I would like to thank you for the amazing gift that is The House on Mango Street. I read the book this year in my 10 grade English class, and I have never related more to a story than I did to yours. As the only Latina in my class, I had a deeper appreciation for your book since it was the first book about a Latina girl I had read in my life, and it was even more special because Esperanza is very much like me. Thank you for teaching me that I shouldn't be ashamed of my roots and that bestselling stories can be about people like us. One day I hope I can tell my story, so I can come back to my own Mango Street to help the ones who can't out.

Best wishes,

Jaquelin Llanos

Sandra replies:

Dear Jaquelin,

Take a look at my last book A HOUSE OF MY OWN so you can see it was a long hard route. But anything we believe in deserves our time. Good luck.

Elisa Estrella

Baltimore, MD
USA
March 24, 2017

Dear Ms. Cisneros,

You probably receive a lot of fan mail from young, aspiring authors all the time, asking you to review their work.

I am in mid-50's and approaching the end of my MFA in Creative Writing & Publishing at the University of Baltimore. Your book, House on Mango Street, inspired me to write my essay collection, luz, which covers growing up in Brooklyn, New York during 1965-1978. While later than most writers, I am proud that I never let go of my desire to write a book.

The collection is self-published, and I am in the middle of designing the book and getting it ready for the printer. I would love to add a blurb from you to the back cover.

The manuscript is 61 pages long from cover to about the author. Here is an excerpt which was a semi-finalist in the 2016 Nonfiction Contest sponsored by the Brooklyn Film and Arts. I know you must be extremely busy, and I will understand if you don't have time. But even if you review this one essay, which was inspired by your book, I'd appreciate it!

Sincerely,

Elisa Estrella

Sandra Replies:

Dear Elisa,

I am in sanctuary working on my own work at this time in my life. I am no longer available to write blurbs unless I already am familiar with the writer’s work. I wish you luck.

Sandra replies:

Dear Grace Looney,

I always have advice for young writers.

1. Earn your own money. Make sure you study hard now so that you can do this some day. If you have to ask someone else for money, you will have to follow their will, not yours.

2. Control your fertility. Do not allow your fertility to control you. In other words, know that as a woman you will be responsible for taking care of a child ultimately if you become a mom before you’re ready. Get information on your body and make sure you decide when and how and IF you want to become a mom. There is no such thing as an “accident.” This is the new millennium. Get with the program. You control your body, not anyone else!

3. Learn how to be alone. Use this time to read other writers, read, read, read. Alone time is how you will learn to take care of YOU.

Good luck.

Sandra Cisneros

Grace Looney

Ceres, CA,
USA
March 24, 2017

Hi Sandra! My name is Grace Looney and I am 12 years old. I'm researching you for a school project. I think it is super cool that you grew up becoming a famous author. I want to be just like you when I grow up even though I'm not Latina. Do you have any writing tips for young authors like myself?

Sincerely,
Your Biggest Fan!

Susan McNeilly

Chevak, AK
USA
March 13, 2017

Hi Sandra,

A class of middle school students are asking if Esperanza is Latino and also Mexican? We are in the middle of reading The House on Mango Street and a group of students came up with this question: Is Esperanza Mexican?"

I am a teacher's aide, and researched a little bit about Hispanics, Latinos and the students came up with "Mexican." Can you clarify? Our school is composed of Cupik Eskimos in Chevak, Alaska. Since the book cover said "Latino" some thought she was not Mexican.

Thank you.

7th & 8th grade students from Chevak School in Chevak, AlaskaPhoto courtesy of Susan McNeilly — 7th & 8th grade students from Chevak School in Chevak, Alaska
Photo courtesy of Susan McNeilly

Sandra replies:

Dear Ms. Susan McNeilly,

I believe this is the first letter I’ve gotten from a group of students in Alaska, and I can understand their confusion. Let me explain the terms for you and your class. When I was a child living in Chicago, we called ourselves “Mexican” when people asked what we were. We said it in English, not Spanish, which would have been “mexicano” in Spanish. So we assumed folks knew we were Mexicans born in the United States.

When I wanted to speak about myself and include my friends from Panama, Guatemala, Argentina, Puerto Rico, and other Latin American countries, we identified ourselves as “Latinos.” This was the name we gave ourselves, a term FROM our community.

However, once President Nixon was in office, the census forms from D.C. started to name us “Hispanics.” This didn’t go over so well with most of us, since we already had a name we called ourselves, and we felt disrespected. Also, Nixon and subsequently Reagan, were not popular presidents with the Latino community, so we naturally dismissed the name “Hispanics,” which was akin to a slave name for us. (Younger generations now do not know their history, so they claim the term “Hispanic” without knowing why or how it came about.)

Finally, when I was an adult and moved to South Texas, when asked to identify myself, I found myself in a problematic situation. If I said “Mexican,” folks asked what part of Mexico I was from, as if I’d been born there. And when I said “Latina,” they thought that odd too because the Southwest is predominantly Mexican-American. Because of the civil rights movement, the activist Mexican-Americans gave themselves a new name—Chicanos, but you had to pick this name up as an arm the same way women had to pick up the name “feminist.” It meant you knew the history of your people’s oppression, and you chose to resist. So “Chicano” was a political term, just as “feminist” is a political term.

Now at 62 years of age if you ask me what I am, I say “mexicana con raices estadounidenses” (Mexican with U.S. roots) or I say “Mexican-American,” or “Latina,” or “Chicana,” or “U.S. with Mexican roots.” I have dual citizenship with both Mexico and the U.S., by the way.

Most recently, I say I am from the Americas, North and South, because my ancestry is indigenous on my mother’s side, with a mix of DNA from tribes across Mexico and beyond; and southern European, North African, Sephardic, on my father’s side. I am a bridge between communities afraid of one another. I am here to serve as a unifier, a peacemaker, a road to the future. And that is how I see myself. Thank you for asking.

So in answer to your question about Esperanza. She is Mexican, Mexican-American, a U.S. citizen, Latina, and possibly when she grew up she would claim to be a Chicana and a feminist. It’s important we name ourselves and not have others name us. We need to know our own stories and not have others tell them for us.

I send you all a big hug from San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, to Chevak, Alaska. We are all one cloth.

abrazos,
Sandra Cisneros

Natalia Loera

Murfreesboro, TN
USA
April 29, 2016

Hola mi nombre es Natalia Loera me gustaria preguntarte Que harias de tu vida si no fueras autora? por cierto me gusto mucho tu libro The House of Mango Street.Gracias que tengas un buen dia ( tengo 13)

Sandra replies:

Hola, Natalia Loera,

Hay muchas cosas que me encantaria ser si no hubiera logrado ser escritora, pero seguro seria algo que ver con el arte — danzante, cantante, artista, música, algo por allí.

Gracias por preguntar.

Jessica Cooley

Whitehouse, OH
USA
March 1, 2016

I was reading your book, The House On Mango Street, in school, and it was very interesting, however; I have a few questions. Why would you think to write a book like The House On Mango Street? Is this book based on someone you know?

Sandra replies:

Dear Jessica,

The House On Mango Street is indeed based on people I knew. See the introduction essay in the more recent editions. Or look at my most recent book, A House of My Own, for the same essay. Thank you for writing!

Sandra

Leave a message

Sandra Cisneros

Guestbook2016

Guestbook

To leave a message, use the form below.

Friends, please know I am not available to answer queries regarding school projects or papers on deadlines, since I too am on my own writing deadline.

For publishing queries (about my work and its uses in all languages and territories, including translations), interviews, invitations, or to arrange an author appearance, please contact my agent Susan Bergholz at susan@susanbergholz.com

Select Messages