An "absurdly entertaining first novel" (Los Angeles Times) about mamacitas and mariachis, fiestas and tupperware parties, rodeos and Miss Magma beauty contests.
"Endlessly inventive . . . very funny. Martinez's deadpan perspective on faith, romance and the uneasy bonds of family is truly wonderful." -The Washington Post Book World
Natalie and Consuelo are like-minded individuals who live in Lava Landing, California. When they aren't working at The Big Cheese Plant, they get all dolled up for the racetrack, or go for at a tequila float at The Big Five Four. They urgently need to get Consuelo's father out of Purgatory: he won't stop turning up in women's dreams until they do. But that means a trip to Mexico, and Consuelo still hasn't gotten over her fear of long car rides… .
In this touching and dazzling fresh novel, inspired by La Loter'a, a Mexican game of chance not unlike bingo, the American experience emerges in a brilliant new language and landscape.
