The filmmaker's search for El Gato, the witty attorney who is helping him buy land, gave me a really good look into the world of Tecate. It was especially interesting when Tecate is viewed though the eyes of the filmmaker who is baffled when the locals won't lead him to El Gato. Reveles: That's an interesting take, on the work. I have to say that you seem to understand a good deal of what I was trying to get across. After all, it is the juxtaposition of American ideals, values, and beliefs that is the subtext for so many of the stories. I do warn the readers that Mexico is a land where water seems to move uphill, and where the inhabitants defy the laws of physics. What were some of your other thoughts?

Writer: I love how you begin the novel with the metaphor of the story as food. Where you tell the reader you are bringing a plate full of chismes, or tales as they are known in America. I also really enjoyed "The Miracle." It had a bit of the element of a mystery in the story, with farmers wondering why workers kept appearing in brand new clothes, and he appearance of a bottomless source of food and clothing. The story also gave me a nice view into daily life in a California border town. So many of the other stories were interesting as well.

The Man in White," for example, was a good read, especially in how Fernandez' word could not be taken back, and the resulting consequences.

Reveles: Wow, I can tell you really absorbed a lot of the book.

Writer: I really enjoyed it, I have to say. Probably my favorite part would be the introduction. I had to laugh when one of the characters in the border town used the border fence as a clothesline and had to retrieve her underwear that had entered the United States illegally....

The characters were amazing. A firewalker and the man who would eat caterpillars in a jar and told fortunes with the aid of the bird. Really vivid and interesting.
Reveles: What did you think of the American couple who walked into the restaurant El Taco Contento?

Writer: Typical ugly Americans, I suppose. And the contrast between their pallid, disgruntled selves and the server was really revealing. He was all smiles and liveliness, and really gave them what for. I can about imagine that really happening somewhere, and their shock and surprise when he offered to give the couple scalp, cheek or tongue as filling for the tacos that they had ordered.

There is a moment of silence as the conversation dies off.

Reveles: Where are you headed?

Reveles: I'm off to New Mexico to do some research for my next novel. At least that's what I tell the IRS (smiling). I'm actually planning to visit some old friends, and just relax for a while.

Reveles: I am, actually.

Overhead announcement: Flight 271 for Houston now boarding.

Writer: Oh, that's my flight. It's been so nice talking to you. Thanks so much for taking the time to chat.

Reveles: It's been my pleasure, actually. I really appreciate your interest in the book, and your kind words. Have a wonderful flight.

Writer (standing): I will. Thanks again. I hope you enjoy your trip to New Mexico, and I look forward to your next book.

Works Cited

Little, Karen Blessing. Daddy-O-Dan: An Early Los Angeles Radio Personality.

02 November 2004. http://unihi61.com/daddyo.htm

Reveles, Daniel. Enchiladas, Rice, and Beans (One World). Ballantine Books, 1994.