Weaving Dreams in Oaxaca - Paperback

by Karen Samuelson (Author)

Weaving Dreams in Oaxaca takes you on a journey with three characters whose lives are riddled with secrets and dilemmas. Frankie, a New York City professional dancer needs space from her past and strong-willed mother to grapple with the decision of having a family or continuing in the spotlight. A personal revelation throws Professor Mac into an identity crisis and sends him to Mexico for answers. Enrique, a mechanic and DJ from Santa Ana struggles with the challenge of coming out as a gay man to a hostile father. This trio crosses paths in the cobblestone streets of Oaxaca where they weave complex friendships in a colorful tapestry of adventure, deceit, discovery, love and pain.

Frankie, hoping time spent with children will bring clarity, volunteers at a children's center and orphanage run by Enrique's uncle. As a feisty little girl tugs at her heartstrings, Frankie is forced to reconcile the personal and professional. Frankie also helps Mac by acting as his interpreter as he discovers a deep connection to a healer, a curandera, and her family. This sets him off on a quest to Mexico City. As he explores more deeply, Mac begins to understand the spiritual and mysterious experiences he's been having. Meanwhile, his wife, a scientist, misses him and struggles with his newly developing identity and relationships. Fleeing family drama after his dad throws him out of the house, Enrique makes a trip to Juchitán where he finds friendship and a unique cultural group, the muxes. They open up his world in wonderful ways.

By the time they need to head back to the United States, Mac and Frankie, like Enrique, have changed in fundamental and surprising ways. And, back in the States, their Oaxacan odyssey continues to reverberate and change the course of their lives.