Ander and Santi Were Here: A Novel

Ander Lopez is on a gap year before leaving for art school in Chicago. He works at his family's taqueria in the Santos Vista neighborhood of San Antonio, TX. His family worries that he will become complacent, so they "fire" him. Ander then meets Santiago Garcia, a hot new waiter who helps him realize his potential as an artist. However, they soon face challenges when Santiago is targeted by ICE agents, and Ander and his family begin to feel like they are being persecuted.

Format: Hardback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 17 July 2023
Publisher: Wednesday Books

The Santos Vista neighborhood of San Antonio, Texas, has been the only home Ander Lopez has ever known. The scent of freshly baked pan dulce, the joyful laughter of children hitting a piñata at the park, and the fusion of Spanish and English languages filling the streets are all familiar to him. Moreover, his job at the family's taqueria has been a significant part of his life. As the days tick down towards their gap year before they depart for art school in Chicago, Ander's mind is consumed by a persistent question: am I truly ready to leave everything behind?

On the other hand, Ander's family is concerned about preventing complacency and ensuring their focus on their murals and college preparation. To achieve this, they decide to "fire" Ander, believing that it will motivate him to pursue his artistic dreams. However, their plans take an unexpected turn when they meet Santiago Garcia, a charismatic and attractive new waiter who captures Ander's heart. Ander finds himself falling head over heels for Santiago, spending countless hours with him, whether it's closing down the restaurant together, taking late-night drives to drop Santiago off after work, or simply falling in love with each other. Through Santiago's eyes, Ander gains a deeper understanding of his identity as an artist and his aspirations for the future. Ander becomes Santiago's first step towards making Santos Vista and the United States feel like home.

However, as time passes, Ander and Santiago begin to realize the fragility of their sense of belonging. Vans start following Santiago on his walks to work, and ICE agents are waiting for them at Ander's house. The entire world seems to be against them, and they start to feel like outsiders in their own country. The tensions escalate, and Ander and Santiago find themselves caught in the crosshairs of a system that seeks to deport them.

In the face of adversity, Ander and Santiago refuse to give up. They rally together with their community, seeking support and advocating for their rights. They organize protests, raise awareness, and reach out to local politicians and organizations to seek help. Their determination and resilience inspire others, and their story becomes a beacon of hope for those who face similar challenges.

Despite the obstacles they face, Ander and Santiago remain steadfast in their love for each other. They continue to create art, expressing their emotions and experiences through their work. Their love becomes a source of strength and inspiration for them, helping them to persevere through the toughest times.

In the end, Ander and Santiago's story serves as a testament to the power of love, resilience, and community. They prove that even in the face of adversity, it is possible to find a sense of home and belonging. Their journey reminds us that we should never give up on our dreams and that we have the power to make a positive impact on the world around us.

Weight: 430g
Dimension: 147 x 218 x 38 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781250843999