People can say what they want, but historically, feminism in the Dominican Republic has been extremely strong.

The Prisoner's Wife echoes Edwidge Danticat's Farming of the Bones in the urgency in which it reminds us of the possibility of love even amidst the ruins. This is a terrifying, heart-breaking and, ultimately, important book.

You ask everybody you know: How long does it usually take to get over it? There are many formulas. One year for every year you dated. Two years for every year you dated. It's just a matter of will power: The day you decide it's over, it's over. You never get over it.

If we do not begin to practice the muscles of having a possessive investment in each other's oppressions, then we are in some serious trouble.

I am a chatty person, but colossally discreet.

I guess it's true what they say: if you wait long enough everything changes.

You were at the age where you could fall in love with a girl over an expression, over a gesture. That's what happened with your girlfriend, Paloma- she stooped to pick up her purse and your heart flew out of you.