The Latinx Files

"There is power in being an alien (from the Latin alienus, meaning stranger): you're always in transit, arriving from somewhere else. Although we Latinos are frequently portrayed as a menace, giving the Anglos the goosebumps, the tides are changing now. In spite of all the anger, it is clear that our planet is a happier, less obfuscating place than the one made by the shrieking Anglos. Jump into this space shuttle made by Commander Matthew Goodwin and explore the universe of chupacabras and other charming monsters. You will discover not only that there is indeed intelligent life in outer space but that it is far more diverse than you ever imagined."  -- Ilan Stavans * general editor of The Norton Anthology of Latino Literature *

“Goodwin has written a much needed, sophisticated, and serious analysis of Latinx people and culture in science fiction. Through his sweeping analysis of contemporary Latinx science fiction he demonstrates that Latinx science fiction writers have often used the space invader to represent race and migration.”

-- John Bratzel * author of The Shadow War: German Espionage and United States Counterespionage in Latin America *
"This is a long overdue work in the fields of Latinx cultural studies and science fiction studies, bringing both together in a fascinating, in-depth study of the iconic figure of the space alien. Without separating Latinx science fiction into a marginalized enclave, Goodwin's work shows how Latinx writers and artists have long been shaping and responding to science fiction and how science fiction has long been a significant source of inspiration in the Latinx cultural imaginary. This book is sure to be discussed for years to come."
  -- Lysa M. Rivera * associate professor of English at Western Washington University *
"There is power in being an alien (from the Latin alienus, meaning stranger): you're always in transit, arriving from somewhere else. Although we Latinos are frequently portrayed as a menace, giving the Anglos the goosebumps, the tides are changing now. In spite of all the anger, it is clear that our planet is a happier, less obfuscating place than the one made by the shrieking Anglos. Jump into this space shuttle made by Commander Matthew Goodwin and explore the universe of chupacabras and other charming monsters. You will discover not only that there is indeed intelligent life in outer space but that it is far more diverse than you ever imagined."  -- Ilan Stavans * general editor of The Norton Anthology of Latino Literature *

“Goodwin has written a much needed, sophisticated, and serious analysis of Latinx people and culture in science fiction. Through his sweeping analysis of contemporary Latinx science fiction he demonstrates that Latinx science fiction writers have often used the space invader to represent race and migration.”

-- John Bratzel * author of The Shadow War: German Espionage and United States Counterespionage in Latin America *
"This is a long overdue work in the fields of Latinx cultural studies and science fiction studies, bringing both together in a fascinating, in-depth study of the iconic figure of the space alien. Without separating Latinx science fiction into a marginalized enclave, Goodwin's work shows how Latinx writers and artists have long been shaping and responding to science fiction and how science fiction has long been a significant source of inspiration in the Latinx cultural imaginary. This book is sure to be discussed for years to come."
  -- Lysa M. Rivera * associate professor of English at Western Washington University *