The Tortilla Curtain

Title The Tortilla Curtain Author T. Coraghessan Boyle Call Number PS3552.O932 T67 1996 Location 2nd Floor Humanities Rating Recommended Book Review This book follows two couples living in the Topanga Canyon area near Malibu. One set are illegal immigrants from Mexico who are homeless and camping in the canyon, struggling to survive; the other couple are upper-middle-class Anglos living in a nearby gated community. As their paths crisscross over the course of several months, the sharp contrasts between their situations is often cringe-worthy. The events and circumstances are timely and all-too familiar for those of us living in Southern California---immigration, xenophobia, poverty, natural disasters, white flight, etc. The story is engaging and believable. Submitted By Cheryl Baltes Department or Major Attallah College Status Staff Chapman Email cbaltes@chapman.edu