Tías and Primas

On Knowing and Loving the Women Who Raise Us

By: Prisca Dorcas Mojica Rodríguez, Josie Del Castillo

Narrated by: Prisca Dorcas Mojica Rodríguez

From the author of For Brown Girls with Sharp Edges and Tender Hearts, a celebration of the women at the heart of Latine families.

“This love letter to intergenerational relationships opens every window and door to one’s heart... A healing work of art.” —Yesika Salgado, author of Corazón

Born into a large, close-knit family in Nicaragua, Prisca Dorcas Mojica Rodríguez grew up surrounded by strong, kind, funny, sensitive, resilient, judgmental, messy, beautiful women. Whether blood relatives or chosen family, these tías and primas fundamentally shaped her view of the world—and so did the labels that were used to talk about them. The tía loca who is shunned for defying gender roles. The pretty prima put on a pedestal for her European features. The matriarch who is the core of her community but hides all her pain.

In Tías and Primas, Mojica Rodríguez explores these archetypes. Fearlessly grappling with the effects of intergenerational trauma, centuries of colonization and sexism, she attempts to heal the pain that is so often embodied in female family lines.

Powerful and transcending

Enjoyed every second of this book. Moving, insightful, and reflected on how I’ve been most chapters/version of these tias/primas in my lifetime. I really enjoyed your wishes for the tia/prima in each chapter and encouraged how families should reframe their ways of thinking about each tia/prima. On to the authors next book….

So necesario! Must Read!

This book was so good! Everyone has at least one of these tias or primas. Brought back so many memories of my own tias and thinking “I know exactly which of my Tias she is describing” lol.

Thoughtful and Loving

The book describes archetypes of women in Latine households. But this isn’t limited to just Latine communities- it can also be applied to cultures dominated by patriarchal power. Although that is a limited structure for women and girls, Prisca describes the archetypes with love and compassion.

Therapy in a book!

I loved this book as a Millennial first-gen Latina. This was the book that I was not aware that I needed to read every chapter you can relate with the characters and even get a glance at your own family.

A must 📚 read and continue to share with others to enjoy.

Awareness and Understanding 🙏

Prisca,
Gracias, for writing this book! It’s helped me better understand the beautiful family dynamics within our families. I now see even more clearly how each incredible person, each Tía and prima (and abuela), has played a special part in shaping who I am.
I feel truly seen and grateful for that.

Liliana Baylon