Locas

by Yxta Maya Murray

Book Overview

A rhythmic, terrifying raw plunge into East L.A. gang life, Locas is the story of two teenage girls, Lucia and Cecilia-the girlfriend and sister of a rising young gangster whose gun trade is about to explode into the big business of drugs. When their world starts to split apart under the vicious pressure of gang warfare, Lucia seizes power, rising to become a jefe in her own right, while Cecilia restlessly seeks meaning first in motherhood, then...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0802135641
• ISBN13: 9780802135643
• Release Date: April 1998
• Publisher: Grove Press
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.5" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

REALISTIC!!!!!!!!!!!!

this book IS realistic no matter what other people r saying, it is one of the best books I have ever read. It is rare that you get the viewpoint of a girl in the gang life but this book was hecka good at describing everyday life in the barrio. I wouldn't say it is realistic, more like if this ever happened, this is how it would happen in real life! If that makes sense. You have to read this book. It is amazing. xxx

Realistic portrayal of life in a barrio.

This book told a wonderful story of what it's really like for girls who live in the barrio and how they face problems. It realistically shows what two different girls choose to do and where they end up. This book gives you a palette of emotions changing throughout the story. It also gives you a lot to think about at the end. "Locas" changed my life by giving me a rude awakening of where I might end up if I continued with my gang activity.

Provocative up front look at gangs a la loca

Locas is at once a strong voice that shows us what life is all about when you live loca or a life on the take. It is tough, yet energetic enough to keep you interested and it is hard not to hear the clash of culture's undercurrents. Very good book, very lively.

Authentic, and raw, made me feel like I was back in LA.

I REALLY LIKE THIS BOOK. I AM FROM LOS ANGELES AND HAVE VISITED "ECHO PARQUE". I FELT THE REPRESENTATION WAS AUTHENTIC. I RELATED THE CHARACTERS TO MY OWN FRIENDS, WHO ARE NOTORIOUS FOR THEIR OWN "CLIKA". I LOOK FORWARD TO HER YXTA'S UPCOMING NOVEL, AND WOULD LOVE TO KNOW WHERE SHE GOT HER INSPIRATION.

The best I have read on the life of gang girls!

As a former Southern California high school teacher, I had the opportunity to know many gang girls. I visited their barrios, homes and families. Ms. Murray has truly captured not only the life of these girls but their outlook on life and way of thinking. It is another world