A Must Read Memoir by a Chicana Author

Debut author Yasmin Ramirez is an Assistant Professor of English, Creative Writing, and Chicanx Literature at El Paso Community College and the recipient of numerous awards for her academic work. Her new memoir Andale Prieta is described as “a promising debut, gripping in its honesty” by Kirkus Review. 

Yasmin’s unique experience of growing up on the border of Mexico and the U.S. is one that isn’t often represented. She remains conscious of this as she tells a story about grief, the impact of loss, family bonds and personal development. 

The Latinx Collective caught up with Yasmín to talk about her new book Andale Prieta, (published by Lee & Low, one of the only minority owned book publishers in the U.S) a story that transcends time as it takes you back to each moment Yasmín reminisced on using songs, imagery and an impressive amount of details.  

You’re 4th generation - how do you keep tradition alive in your family?

The fact that my family has stayed in the El Paso/Juárez Borderplex has made this a bit easier. The blending of cultures is thoroughly intermeshed here. Almost everyone has been touched by Mexican culture. Long-standing traditions such as tamales for Christmas, menudo for New Year’s (pa’ la cruda!), and a mixture of Spanglish is always heard during family gatherings. I don’t think this would be the same if we’d left the area.

What do you think was the biggest challenge about writing such a personal book?

The biggest challenge was reliving the early mourning of my grandma, Ita. The scene where we see her for the last time was tough. Writing about myself was also a bit of a hurdle because it takes a lot of self-reflection. Looking at myself and examining the character flaws was a bit like picking at a scab over and over. It helped me find some peace I didn’t know I needed in the long run.

What’s the inspiration behind the unique title of your book?

My Ita! While I struggled with a title, the phrase ¡Ándale, Prieta! appears a few times in different contexts in the book. It seemed a natural fit to have something my Ita would say to me and my nickname on the cover.

When did you know you wanted to be a writer?

I think somewhere in my DNA, I would end up here. I’ve always written, but I’d always thought about it as a hobby. Recently, I was looking for photos of me from high school, and I found a school newspaper where I was asked what I wanted to do after graduation. My response was something along the lines of “Yasmín wants to be a writer and poet.” I don’t remember saying this, but I must have. I’m not a poet, but I am a writer. I thought it was so amazing younger me knew before older me did. (I hope that makes sense!)

Who are some Latina writers that you feel have paved the way for you today?

There are so many amazing Latina writers! I know I’m going to forget some. Still, the women who immediately come to mind are Denise Chávez, Ana Castillo, Sandra Cisneros, Gloria Anzaldúa, and Pat Mora are/were all chingonas. I’ve had the honor of meeting and reading with Denise Chávez. Wow! I was her opening act. I felt like I was opening up for The Stones or something. My mind was blown. She’s so enigmatic y poderosa! I want to be like her when I grow up.

What advice do you have for a Latina that wants to write her first book?

Don’t undervalue your story. So many times, we all get a dose of self-doubt. It gets bigger and bigger because we continue to feed it. Stop feeding your critical voice. Our stories are just as important, I would argue more, than ones currently sitting on shelves because Latina stories are underrepresented. There is a future reader out there that feels just like you, and they need your voice. They need the connection.

Authored by Yhanna Basora.