There Is a Rio Grande in Heaven: Stories Authored By Ruben Reyes Jr.

There Is a Rio Grande in Heaven by Ruben Reyes Jr. is an electrifying debut story collection that delves into Central American identity through a series of imaginative and dreamlike narratives. The collection spans past, present, and future worlds, offering a profound exploration of what happens when one’s life becomes unrecognizable.

In this captivating book, an ordinary man wakes up to find himself a famous reggaetn star, an aging abuela transforms into a marionette puppet, and a struggling academic grapples with the terrifying cost of becoming a Self-Made Man. Reyes conjures bizarre and unsettling worlds where boundaries between time and reality blur, menacing technology and bureaucracy impose dread, and characters—from mango farmers to popstars to ex-guerrilla fighters—are faced with harrowing choices that reflect the larger struggles of Central Americans.

With its striking heart, humor, and unique style, There Is a Rio Grande in Heaven challenges and subverts conventional notions of migration and its impacts. The stories illuminate the pain and resilience involved in taking up a new life, whether by choice or necessity, with brilliant and piercing clarity. Reyes not only transports readers to extraordinary realms but also highlights the heartache and injustice present in our own world. This collection is a testament to Reyes’ gift as a storyteller and his ability to address pressing social issues with innovative storytelling. 📚❤️