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State Out of the Union
Arizona and the Final Showdown Over the American Dream
Description
State Out of the Union is award-winning journalist and historian Jeff Biggers’ riveting account of Arizona, the famed frontier state whose conflict over immigration and state’s rights has become a national bellwether. Biggers shows how Arizona’s long history of labor and civil rights battles, its contentious entry into the union, as well as cyclical upheavals over immigration rights, place the state front and center in a greater American story playing out across the United States. From President Eisenhower’s Operation Wetback to the legacy of Arizona native son Cér Cház to the powerful influence of the state’s politicians, like Sen. Barry Goldwater and Tea Party President Russell Pearce, Biggers reveals how Arizona has played a pivotal role in determining the nation’s conservative and liberal agendas.
Today, more than 25 state legislatures have introduced anti-immigration bills that are virtual copies of Arizona’s controversial SB 1070 “papers please” law. The state is ground zero in the clash over a historic demographic shift taking place across the country with the rise of a newly empowered Latino electorate. But Arizona is not only home to some of the most virulent anti-immigration legislation in the country — it is also the birthplace of a new movement of young Latino activists and allies who have not only challenged the self-proclaimed architect of SB 1070 in a historic recall election, but are also mobilizing to defend the state’s education system from censorship.
A lasting and important work of cultural history, State Out of the Union vividly unveils the showdown over the American Dream in Arizona — and its impact on the future of the nation.
Today, more than 25 state legislatures have introduced anti-immigration bills that are virtual copies of Arizona’s controversial SB 1070 “papers please” law. The state is ground zero in the clash over a historic demographic shift taking place across the country with the rise of a newly empowered Latino electorate. But Arizona is not only home to some of the most virulent anti-immigration legislation in the country — it is also the birthplace of a new movement of young Latino activists and allies who have not only challenged the self-proclaimed architect of SB 1070 in a historic recall election, but are also mobilizing to defend the state’s education system from censorship.
A lasting and important work of cultural history, State Out of the Union vividly unveils the showdown over the American Dream in Arizona — and its impact on the future of the nation.
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Praise
The Hummingbird's Daughter“Jeff Biggers has the unblinking gaze of the honed journalist, a novelist's sense of image and story, and a prophet's cache of outrage. He stands in my very short list of American literary heroes. With his new book, Biggers shows us he can write anything—and do it well. His aim is true.”
Shelf Awareness“[A]s a matter of cultural and historical record, State Out of the Union leaves readers with much to consider.”
Iowa City Press-Citizen“A scathing critique of [Arizona's] current politics and history….Biggers' investigative research and boots-on-the ground journalism — not to mention his thorough knowledge of Arizona's tri-cultural heritage of American Indian, Hispanic American and European American history — provide readers with an in-depth understanding of the state's controversial past and present….His historical and political conclusions are the most damning ever published about Arizona's short history as a state.” Shelf Awareness“[A]s a matter of cultural and historical record, State Out of the Union leaves readers with much to consider.”
Library Journal
Shelf Awareness“[A]s a matter of cultural and historical record, State Out of the Union leaves readers with much to consider.”
Iowa City Press-Citizen“A scathing critique of [Arizona's] current politics and history….Biggers' investigative research and boots-on-the ground journalism — not to mention his thorough knowledge of Arizona's tri-cultural heritage of American Indian, Hispanic American and European American history — provide readers with an in-depth understanding of the state's controversial past and present….His historical and political conclusions are the most damning ever published about Arizona's short history as a state.” Shelf Awareness“[A]s a matter of cultural and historical record, State Out of the Union leaves readers with much to consider.”
Library Journal
Reason“State Out of the Union is a genuinely interesting investigation into the stark…nativism that has driven Arizona politics recently…. Biggers capably documents the extent to which nativism permeates Arizona politics and molds its political leaders.” Three Sonorans“State Out of the Union…is the must-read book of the 2012 election to understand not just where we are today, but where we are headed in the near future using our history as a guide.” Publishers Weekly“[F]eisty….Biggers unearths some interesting Arizona history and builds a sharp…case against contradictions in the anti-immigrant position.” Kirkus Reviews“[Biggers'] extensive evidence gives the book authenticity….A timely book, especially with immigration policy playing a major role in the upcoming presidential campaign.” Publishers Weekly“Perhaps no issue captures better what it means to be American than the contentious legislative debate around who can become American. Certainly, that question will be a major part of the November election, and into the fray comes an examination of the controversial policies and practices in Arizona: State Out of the Union.” Luis Urrea, author of The Devil's Highway and