Recently in literature Category

We've had such a jam-packed semester reading and discussing plays, attending plays, reading/discussing memoirs, novels, watching films, having a myriad of guests, laughing and learning together.  

This is English 212--Lesbian and Gay Literature and the students in this class are strong and powerful individuals who are unafraid to read a wide variety of amazing literature. My thoughts keep going to one of our early readings this semester:  Tony Kushner's play, Angels in America.  In an interview, Kushner discussed his play saying, "The question I am trying to ask is how broad is a community's embrace?  How wide does it reach?" Kushner is speaking of personal as well as political bonds.  In Angels in America, it is only after these personal and political bonds are tested, deconstructed, destroyed, that then community is regenerated/recreated to include connections never before imagined.  I think of our group knitted together within the fabric of literary analysis.  And yet, within that fabric, our analytical discussions unravel our own preconceived notions or break open toward other avenues of inquiry.  The authors we read have created works that problematize what it means to be human or what it means to be an individual within a constructed normative society.  

The audience!

After our panel, I also met many young Chicanas y Chicanos who are also dedicated to the "word" and I am posting their pictures here and will explain their projects (below). These young students, especially, were such a pleasure to meet because I see in them passion and commitment to the "word."  They see that in the reading and writing of literature, they are participating in deepening their understanding of their humanity, of our culture. By writing, they are creating art and contributing to the transformation of their world.  YOU are the future! 

Authors/students Rae Obnimaga, Edward Solis, Ana Bertha Hernandez, and Edward's twin are showing us their anthology, _Behind Every Beautiful Eye:  A Bilingual Anthology of Poetry and Prose_.  To get your copy, just click on the title here and it will take you to the website.  

Who are these vibrant, young writers pictured above?  In their book _Behind Every Beautiful Eye_, the section entitled "About the Authors," reads: "We wrote this book when we were freshman at the Los Angeles School of Global Studies (LASGS).  We are a diverse group of students coming from the United States, Mexico, the Philippines, El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Jamaica.  We all have one thing in common--we know what it's like to grow up as teenagers in the neighborhoods of downtown Los Angeles" (357).  This is a project that can happen in any city because Latinas y Latinos are in every state of the U.S.  

And joining the Global Studies students are these vibrant young writers who call themselves,

"Barrio Writers." They are the first "Barrio Writers" chapter in Santa Ana, Califas--a non-profit reading and writing program that aims to empower teens through creative writing, higher education and cultural arts.  This winter, their first anthology publication (entitled _Barrio Writers_) will be out. Order a copy now at Barrio Writers BLOG!!  I send a special gracias to Claudia Breña (standing next to me in the picture) who took time to talk to me about being a "Barrio Writer."  Much success to Claudia and all the Barrio Writers!

A special shout out to Chicana Detective novelist, Lucha Corpi!  She read from her story, "Hollow Point at the Synapses" just recently published in the anthology, Hit List:  The Best of Latino Mystery (edited by Sarah Cortez and Liz Martínez).  Lucha also discussed the importance of writing the mystery and detective novel. Gracias Lucha!

Felicidades to René Colato Lainez (above) fellow Macondista and children's author at the Latino Book Festival author booth today.  He has two new books coming out:  René Has Two Last Names (out October 31!) and The Tooth Fairy Meets El Ratón Pérez.  I have seen René read from the El Ratón story--priceless!  Bilingual books ROCK.  Gracias René!

And finally--a big GRACIAS to mi carnala, Pat Alderete, Chicana author, who joined us for the day, took pictures, engaged me (as she always does) in important discussions about literature, writing, Chicanisma, barrio life, and the art scene in Chicana Los Angeles!  Orale Pata.  Gracias por tu presencia en mi vida!  Abrazos!