Caramba!, (Paperback)

An "absurdly entertaining first novel" (Los Angeles Times) about mamacitas and mariachis, fiestas and tupperware parties, rodeos and Miss Magma beauty contests.

"Endlessly inventive ... very funny. Martinez's deadpan perspective on faith, romance and the uneasy bonds of family is truly wonderful." --The Washington Post Book World

Natalie and Consuelo are like-minded individuals who live in Lava Landing, California. When they aren't working at The Big Cheese Plant, they get all dolled up for the racetrack, or go for at a tequila float at The Big Five Four. They urgently need to get Consuelo's father out of Purgatory: he won't stop turning up in women's dreams until they do. But that means a trip to Mexico, and Consuelo still hasn't gotten over her fear of long car rides....

In this touching and dazzling fresh novel, inspired by La Loter'a, a Mexican game of chance not unlike bingo, the American experience emerges in a brilliant new language and landscape.