Latina Writing Comunidad

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You know that conspiracy meme where Charlie from Always Sunny is strung out, trying to explain something? Yeah. This entire episode is Marbz and me going back and forth talking about Violet, Xanden, Dragons, and Dain for the entire hour. Enjoy!

P.S. - Stay tuned for a bonus episode where Marbz and I dive into our friendship; how we met, what connects us, and what the last 8ish years have been like being bff.

Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng • At the end of the book the author leaves us, the readers, a letter and I think it captures the essence of the book well so instead of writing my own review, I’ll just paste some of the letter:

Things We Never Got Over by Lucy Score • Knox, a tattooed, gruff, bearded barber enjoys his life solo – think dog best friend, several businesses, and zero time for bullsh!t. Then comes Naomi barreling into town- a runaway bride on a rescue mission for her wild-child twin. Sparks fly like rogue hairs despite Knox and Naomi’s attempts at a cool facade. Buckle up, because their path to healing is anything but ordinary, even by the standards of cheesy romance novels.

https://xtown.la/2021/11/15/domestic-violence-restraining-order/

The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides • This novel delves into the world of Theo, a psychotherapist with a complex past. Raised by a physically abusive father, Theo grappled with his childhood trauma his whole life.

Through therapy, Theo learned the value of self-worth, respect, and healthy relationships, concepts vastly different from the violence he endured as a child. This experience shapes Theo's approach when he takes on a new role at a secure mental health facility. He finds himself drawn to a patient named Alicia, an enigmatic artist who has remained silent since brutally murdering her husband, Gabriel. No one has been able to unlock the truth behind her crime.

Theo embarks on a journey to understand Alicia's silence, unraveling the motivation for her horrific act. The story explores the complexities of the human psyche.

The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett by Annie Lyons • We don't talk enough about how growing up during & post WWII impacts our society today. The book explores complex questions surrounding death and dying in old age. It raises a thought-provoking scenario: a woman who, at 85, contemplates assisted dying despite finally finding love and support.

Just like birth doulas are compassionate professionals who support pregnant people, death doulas support terminally ill patients in their final days. Their role emphasizes the value of open communication about death, reminding us that while death is inevitable, it can be faced with comfort and peace.

This book explores the grief of a younger sister, Julie, coming to terms with the sudden loss of her seemingly perfect older sister, Olga. While Olga embodied tradition, attending church and prioritizing family, Julie harbors dreams pursuing a more modern path. Torn between resentment for a sister she never fully understood, Julie embarks on a quest to uncover her sister’s suspected secrets. This journey not only sheds light on her sister's true self but also fosters healing within the fractured family, particularly between a grieving Julie and her mother.

Mentioned in the episode:

The author’s article, How Libraries Discriminate Against Undocumented Children, 2017 https://time.com/4982107/libraries-discriminate-undocumented-children/

Jedfoundation.org

The Life is Precious program from the nonprofit that is a culturally and linguistically appropriate support for Latina teens - comunilife.org/​life-is-precious

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - text “START” to 741-741 or call 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb • Lori pulls back the curtain on therapy in a unique way. We see her not only as a therapist guiding her clients, but also as a client herself, seeking guidance through a tough breakup that uncovers deeper issues. Through her personal and professional experiences, Gottlieb paints a compelling picture of therapy's power. It's not just for those in crisis, but a valuable tool for anyone navigating life's challenges.

Mentioned in episode:

psychologytoday.com

https://shanesafir.com/2020/12/before-maslows-hierarchy-the-whitewashing-of-indigenous-knowledge/

This episode is unscripted and unfiltered, a chance to connect on a real level and get to know me. I'm peeling back the layers and revealing more about my life behind the mic.

Curious about how this podcast comes to life? I'm spilling the beans! From the spark of inspiration to the nitty-gritty production details.

I'll also be sharing my perspective of being first-gen / bicultural, as usual. We'll delve into the joys and challenges of navigating cultural identities, finding my place in the world, and the richness it brings to everything I do.

Feel free to ask questions, share thoughts, and join the conversation!

The Midnight Library by Matt Haig • This book explores the multiverse theory, proposing an infinite number of parallel lives unfolding simultaneously. We meet Nora, a character brimming with regrets. As she explores the multiverse, we, the readers, learn valuable lessons alongside her. It's a healing journey that reminds us that we have the power to be anything! After all, in some reality, we already are.

The book doesn't shy away from the harsh truths. It acknowledges that comparing ourselves to others, even our past or imagined selves, can fuel dissatisfaction.

This thought-provoking read will stay with you long after you turn the last page. It's a reminder to embrace the complexities of life, both beautiful and ugly, and celebrate the unique journey that is yours alone.

Join Vanessa and her second-ever guest, Violetta, of @Latinx_Estrangement! Violetta is a Spanglish speaking, Mexican-American licensed therapist who works with clients in California and Texas. She supports folks who don't feel safe and supported by their families.

Follow her on socials and sign up for her monthly newsletter here: https://tr.ee/aznxVa8zIJ