Querencia: Reflections on the New Mexico Homeland

Querencias Series

by Vanessa Fonseca-Chávez (Editor), Levi Romero (Editor), Spencer R. Herrera (Editor)

New Mexico cultural envoy Juan Estevan Arellano, to whom this work is dedicated, writes that querencia "is that which gives us a sense of place, that which anchors us to the land, that which makes us a unique people, for it implies a deeply rooted knowledge of place, and for that reason we respect it as our home."

This sentiment is echoed in the foreword by Rudolfo Anaya, in which he writes that "querencia is love of home, love of place." This collection of both deeply personal reflections and carefully researched studies explores the New Mexico homeland through the experiences and perspectives of Chicanx and indigenous/Genízaro writers and scholars from across the state. The importance of querencia for each contributor is apparent in their work and their ongoing studies, which have roots in the culture, history, literature, and popular media of New Mexico. Be inspired and enlightened by these essays and discover the history and belonging that is querencia.

Genres: Nonfiction

368 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2020

Reviews

[Jonah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Dr. Vanessa Fonseca-Chávez, Associate Professor of English and Associate Dean of Inclusion and Student Success in the College of Integrative Sciences and Arts at Arizona State University, for sharing this AMAZING libro with me.

I am a Chicano who grew up in the Nuevomexicano diaspora. After reading this important piece of literature, I feel at peace knowing other “Manitos” share in my lived experiences.

This book is an essential achievement in documenting Nuevomexicano querencia. I will FOREVER cherish it! This is a must-read for folks seeking to learn more about Nuevomexicano culture, the Manito/a diaspora, and that sense of belonging that comes con being un Chicano de Nuevo México.

[Terese Bridges · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a nice mix of technical academic writing, along with some really reflective, almost journalesque moments. It's a good idea to browse through it, and sink in on some articles. I really liked the one about debt peonage, but it was more technical than most. Geeked out on the history of New Mexico!

[Mary Louise Sanchez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Various authors have written their well researched essay reflections on what querencia means to them as it applies to their experiences in and with New Mexico. These reflections deal with community, movies, storytelling, culture, and more and draw the reader into a longing for New Mexico.