Most readers and critics view Mexican American writing as a subset of American literatureÑor at best as a stream running parallel to the main literary current. JosŽ Aranda now reexamines American literary history from the perspective of Chicano/a studies to show that Mexican Americans have had a key role in the literary output of the United States for one hundred fifty years. In this bold new look at the American canon, Aranda weaves the threads of Mexican American literature into the broader tapestry of Anglo American writing, especially its Puritan origins, by pointing out common ties that bind the two traditions: narratives of persecution, of immigration, and of communal crises, alongside chronicles of the promise of America. Examining texts ranging from Mar’a Amparo Ruiz de Burton's 1872 critique of the Civil War, Who Would Have Thought It?, through the contemporary autobiographies of Richard Rodriguez and Cherr’e Moraga, he surveys Mexican American history, politics, and literature, locating his analyses within the context of Chicano/a cultural criticism of the last four decades. When We Arrive integrates Early American Studies and Chicano/a Studies into a comparative cultural framework by using the Puritan connection to shed new light on dominant images of Chicano/a narrative, such as Aztl‡n and the borderlands. Aranda explores the influence of a nationalized Puritan ethos on nineteenth- and twentieth-century writers of Mexican descent, particularly upon constructions of ethnic identity and aesthetic values. He then frames the rise of contemporary Chicano/a literature within a critical body of work produced from the 1930s through the 1950s, one that combines a Puritan myth of origins with a literary history in which American literature is heralded as the product and producer of social and political dissent. Aranda's work is a virtual sourcebook of historical figures, texts, and ideas that revitalizes both Chicano/a studies and American literary history. By showing how a comparative study of two genres can produce a more integrated literary history for the United States, When We Arrive enables critics and readers alike to see Mexican American literature as part of a broader tradition and establishes for its writers a more deserving place in the American literary imagination.

‘Make Success Arrive Fast’ teaches the methods of attaining what you want fast, be it material or spiritual. In Section 1 are set out methods with which to ATTAIN WHATEVER YOUR ASPIRATIONS ARE. Section 2 narrates to you how the methods in Section 1 have helped the Author, Alexander, in attaining what were his aspirations. Section 3 reminds you that you are not alone in this matter of attaining your goals; that God is interested, and even the Angels are nearby to assist. Appendix 1 discusses the sort of character that receives assistance quickly. This character-building section also helps you try to develop such character to assist you retain the benefits of your successes, and enjoy them with peace of mind. Appendix 2 discusses essential body nutrients for good health. And, Appendix 3 is a short account of past 72 years of Alexander the author; and his wish that you attain your goals. These ‘EVER SUCCESSFUL’ Methods in this Book plant ‘Belief’ inside readers. Practicing the Methods makes Belief grow. The more it grows, the more we obtain what we want.

Life changes, it’s unfair, bad things and tragedies happen. Yet, when things go wrong, good can occur and we are changed by it. Dan Irving’s challenging quest discards the excess baggage and renews the spirit of a higher calling. This true, heartwarming memoir is about people following their passions. It is a story of humanity often overlooked in today’s fast paced, material world. It is a journey with lots of bumps, potholes, and detours where faith is found through serving others.

Depraetere and Langford, with 40 years of teaching experience between them, present a grammar pitched precisely at advanced learners of English who need to understand how the English language really works without getting lost in the specifics. Most linguistically-oriented grammars of English can be intimidating and complex. On the other hand, the more basic practical grammars also available are often not advanced enough. This book pulls from linguistic theory all the relevant notions that will enable the language student to fully grasp English grammar. After introducing form and function, the authors cover verbs, nouns, aspect and tense, modality and discourse. Readers are led through the underlying principles of language use, with the book presupposing only a basic grasp of linguistic terminology. It does not get bogged down in huge amounts of detail and focuses on the crucial issues. Full of exercises and with attention paid to moving the reader through their course, this is the desk reference grammar of choice for both native and non-native English speakers.

An examination of why artists make art in the first place, and why we all feel the need for it.