Super Short Summary

In her semi-autobiographical collection of inter-related stories, The Last of the Menu Girls (1986), Chicana author Denise Chavez explores her own adolescent and young adult years in New Mexico through the story of the fictional protagonist, Rocio Esquibel. The term "menu girl" refers to a worker at a hospital who takes patients' food orders. The book is a poignant reflection on Rocio's childhood, family dynamics, cultural identity, and personal growth as she navigates life in a close-knit New Mexican community. Sensitive topics include the death of a parent and descriptions of illness and dementia.