Desert Blood: The Juárez Murders

Explore the dichotomy of El Paso and Los Angeles. What does each city represent to Ivon? How is her life different in each city? Why does she decide to stay in El Paso, and how have her experiences helped her begin coming to terms with her hometown by the end of the novel?

Discuss the concept of human flaws in Desert Blood. What are Ivon’s flaws, and how does she overcome them? Consider also Raquel, Lydia, Ximena, Father Francis, and Pete McCuts.

Why are young women who work in factories specifically targeted in the murders? What is the connection between NAFTA and traditional gender roles?

What does Desert Blood suggest about the relationship between Mexico and America, especially at the border? How does J.W.’s role in the murders help illustrate this relationship?

Discuss the theme of protecting youth as presented in Desert Blood. Consider Irene, Jorgito, and Mireya. From what do young people need protecting, and is the protection even possible?

Explore the relationship between Ivon and her mother Lydia. What does Lydia represent to Ivon, and how does the nature of their confrontations relate to Ivon’s interest in the Juárez murders?

Discuss the concept of feminism as presented in Desert Blood. Who is called a feminist, and what does this label mean to different people?

Discuss the various ways characters in Desert Blood fight for justice. What is their approach to the law, traditional social standards, and the dangers they face as they do their work? How do these approaches clash at times? Consider Ivon, Father Francis, Ximena, and Pete McCuts.