The Girls in My Town: Essays (River Teeth Literary Nonfiction Prize)

These interconnected essays by Angela Morales about growing up in California in the seventies have taken up permanent residence in my mind. Her voice is strong and she tells her experiences with a particularity that makes them immediately recognizable. Each story made me want to call her up and tell her about the girls in my east coast town a decade earlier. If you love Jo Ann Beard's "The Boys of My Youth," make room on your shelf for "The Girls in My Town."

I had the pleasure of meeting Angela at a summer workshop. Not only is she a fantastic teacher but she has a beautiful way of telling her story to make it relatable to everyone. The essays in her book invoke memories of my own childhood. Her essay on the burrito reads like a love letter to her Mexican heritage. No matter your background you will find you have something in common with Angela.

Morales writes from the heart. I truly felt as though I were there with her, feeling her emotions. She writes about different times in her life and development, and brings one back to childhood with such ease ,you are experiencing life as a twelve year old again.

This book is stellar. Angela Morales pulls off that skill in which the writing seems so effortless and easy, but on closer inspection is the product of a master of her craft. I read this book slowly to devour her writing and because I wanted the experience to last as long as possible. I want everyone I know to read this book.

Angela Morales is such a gifted writer; Her stories are honest, funny and so easily accessible. I found myself thinking, time and again, of such similar circumstances and events in my own life. I cannot wait for another collection of wonderful stories.

Best collection of essays I've read in a really long time! The Nine Days of Ruth is my favorite! I can see and feel every detail like I was right there! Can't wait to see what's next from Angela Morales!!

beautifully written chapters which weave together to a whole

If you live in Los Angeles and have not read this book, you do not belong in Los Angeles. Brilliant writing and a gift to give anyone who claims they are from LA