Author Prisca Dorcas Mojica Rodríguez decided to showcase the strong and fearless women who shaped her world in her upcoming book, “Tías and Primas: On Knowing and Loving the Women Who Raise Us.” The book explores the archetypes that exist in Latino families and aims to peel back the layers behind how female relatives are categorized. Mojica Rodríguez grew up surrounded by tías, primas and other relatives and wanted to pay tribute to these women who are the pillars of their families and communities.
The book, set to be released on September 10, delves into the different roles that Latina women play within their families, from the “perfect” prima to the Tía Loca. Mojica Rodríguez aims to bring humanity and nuance to these labels, emphasizing the importance of seeing one’s own people with care and gentleness.
Latino families, like Mojica Rodríguez’ own, often have large household sizes and live in multigenerational households, which creates strong bonds between relatives. Women like la tía play a crucial role in providing support, guidance, and love within extended families. Furthermore, Latina families often include non-blood relatives who are cherished as much as biological family members, creating a sense of community and belonging that goes beyond blood ties.
Mojica Rodríguez hopes that her book will spark conversations about what it means to be Latina and help heal the traumas caused by sexism, racism, homophobia, and colorism. She encourages young writers to keep writing and to center stories that celebrate the intricacies, nuances, and quirks of Latino families.
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