Anywhere But L.A.

Anywhere But L.A., Daniel A. Olivas's latest collection of short stories, ranges from contemporary narratives to more traditional cuentos de fantasma, giving us a vivid and honest portrait of modern Latinos in search of their place in the world.

Funny yet poignant, Olivas's characters frequently amuse, sometimes disturb, and often remind us of our own vulnerability. People who on the surface appear to be ordinary and uncomplicated reveal their deepest secrets and anxieties related to a variety of issues, such as race, gender, sexual orientation, and the human condition in general. We are given a glimpse into the complex emotions and attitudes of characters who are trying to cope with the mysteries of life.

These stories ring with humor, insight, and power, and, like the city they describe, they shift and slide and refuse to be pinned down as they drive the reader to the very core of human existence through the colorful mural of a thriving Latino community.

"Anywhere But L.A." is a good collection of stories that deserves to be read. Olivas is a writer who will take risks and surprise you. His stories delve into the topical themes of Latino and Chicano literature and beyond. El Paso Times

Daniel A. Olivas is the editor of LATINOS IN LOTUSLAND: An Anthology of Contemporary Southern California Literature (Bilingual Press, 2008) and the author of ANYWHERE BUT L.A. (Bilingual Press, 2009), Devil Talk: Stories (Bilingual Press, 2004), ASSUMPTION AND OTHER STORIES (Bilingual Press, 2003), The Courtship of Maria Rivera Pena (Silver Lake Publishing, 2000), and a children's book, Benjamin and the Word (Arte Publico Press, 2005). He has written for numerous publications, including the Los Angeles Times, MacGuffin, Thema, Exquisite Corpse, La Bloga, the El Paso Times, and the Jewish Journal. Since 1990 he has practiced law with the California Department of Justice. Olivas makes his home in the San Fernando Valley with his wife and son.