Real Women Have Curves [Paperback]

Josefina Lopez (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 1, 1996 | ISBN-10: 0871297256 | ISBN-13: 978-0871297259 | Edition: BRAND NEW!!!

Cast 5w. Set in a tiny sewing factory in East L.A., this is the outrageously funny story of five full-figured Mexican-American women who are racing to meet nearly impossible production deadlines in order to keep their tiny factory from going under. And while they work, hiding from the INS (Immigration and Naturalization Service), they talk... about their husbands and lovers, their children and their dreams for the future. The story is told from the point of view of Ana, the youngest among them. Just graduated from high school, Ana dreams of getting out of the barrio and going off to college and becoming a famous writer. Although she needs money, Ana doesn't like working at the factory, and has little respect for the co-workers, who make fun of her ambitions and what they consider her idealistic feminist philosophies. However, Ana keeps coming to her job and chronicling here experiences in a journal. As the summer unfolds, she slowly gains an understanding and appreciation of the work and the women, eventually writing an essay that wins her a journalism fellowship which will take her to New York City. This play, a microcosm of the Latina immigrant experience, celebrates real women's bodies, the power of women, and the incredible bond that happens when women work together. --- from book's back cover

Product Details

• Paperback: 80 pages
• Publisher: Dramatic Pub Co; BRAND NEW!!! edition (December 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0871297256
• ISBN-13: 978-0871297259
• Product Dimensions: 7.1 x 4.8 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #492,285 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars La Super Chingona!, July 23, 2001

By 

"mudpie1598" (North Hollywood, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Real Women Have Curves (Paperback)

I was able to have Josefina Lopez as a Proffesor for one of my Chicano Studies classes. She was vibrant full of energy and most importantly full of Chicana pride.

She is literally a story of triumph. A Latina who grew up in a confusing and ever changing environment. She broke out of the mold that her traditional family set on her and has written many plays and has even acquired her masters from UCLA. She began writing plays when she was about 16 or 18 I believe. When we began to read her book entitled "Real Women Have Curves" we imagined ourselves being persecuted by immigration and we placed ourselves in the shoes of the characters. This is a story that is loosely based on her. It is a story that is directed more to the Latino/a population. It's a book in which many situations are found to be hilarious only because they are easy to relate with and so profoundly "REAL." Perhaps, this is why some people find her book to be a "drag" and it's because you must be able to relate and associate yourself with the situations.

It is a book that touches upon diseases such as Anorexia and Bulimia. These are destructive diseases which affect the majority of the youth. The book sends out the clear universal message that "REAL Women Have Curves" and that we are all strong women that come in different shapes and sizes. We must empower ourselves with knowledge and love. We must not hate our bodies or try to hide it. We should not conform to what society and the media says we should look like. All women do not fit into a size "4 or 6." Her messages are quite clear and can easily enpower the latino/a youth.

This is an excellent book that should be read out loud and acted out with friends. Her plays are even hilarious! Please look for them and make it a point to attend. As for her new movie I haven't seen it, but I recommend the play it is live action and it is incredible.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Different, but good, July 8, 2011

By 

JK... "hahaha ;) JK..." - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Real Women Have Curves (Paperback)

This play is good, but I was put off by all of the Spanish that the characters speak. I do not speak Spanish so it was really hard to keep turning to the back and trying to look up what was being said. Eventually I just gave up and just had to deal with not really understanding some parts. I get that the Spanish speaking made it feel more authentic, but unfortunately it made me feel lost and disconnect from the play.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Feminist but Funny, September 20, 2005

By 

Nora Triepke "princess_of_violin" (Texas, United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Real Women Have Curves (Paperback)

With more humor and meaning than the movie this quick read will leave you with a new perspective and an extra laugh line or two. The comedy, though wry and cynical at times, is easily for women to identify with but might be a bit much for men.

If you're a fan of the movie you really ought to read the play that inspired it. The play has the depth, plot, and well-rounded character developement that the movie seems to lack.