Marisela Norte is known for the sharp literary acumen demonstrated in her cinematic depiction of Los Angeles cityscapes. Though Norte constructs sweeping takes of Los Angeles public spaces, her forte lies in her ability to focus her audience's attention on images that less-keen observers usually overlook. Her writing tends to circulate more often in spoken-word form--compact discs, cassettes, and live performances--than as written text; Cynthia Rose describes Norte's performances as "something to behold, her low, sweet voice shifting from English to a passionate, rhythmic español, her words capturing contemporary moments as brilliantly as Kodachrome snapshots." Norte's gift of humor and a biting sense of irony combine to capture her audience. She is part of a group of artists who have produced what George Lipsitz calls some "of the most dynamic and innovative forms of youth culture in the postindustrial era." Her prose narratives and plays have...