Boricuas: Influential Puerto Rican Writings--An Anthology

by Esmeralda Santiago, Aurora Levins Morales, Roberto Santiago

Book Overview

MANY CULTURES * ONE WORLD "Boricua is what Puerto Ricans call one another as a term of endearment, respect, and cultural affirmation; it is a timeless declaration that transcends gender and color. Boricua is a powerful word that tells the origin and history of the Puerto Rican people." --From the Introduction From the sun-drenched beaches of a beautiful, flamboyan-covered island to the cool, hard pavement of the fierce South Bronx, the remarkable...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0345395026
• ISBN13: 9780345395023
• Release Date: September 1995
• Publisher: Random House Publishing Group
• Length: 400 Pages
• Weight: 0.87 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 5.4" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

The Best Collection from the Best of los Boricuas

Art, Poetry, Short Stories, Drawings. Stories of Religion, from Catholic, to Santeria. From growing up in hungry in the streets of Spanish Harlem, to growing up in the rural areas of La Isla. From being a street hood, to being a Chico and The Man Tv Star. Boricuas, is destined to be a classic. In this collection you get only the best, from the best Puerto Rican writers and poets. Piri Thomas, Esmeralda Santiago, Judith Cofer, Nicholasa Mohr, just to name a few of these talented writters. What I love the most about this book is that it will introduce many Puerto Ricans as well as the rest of the world to the many talented Boricua authors there are. This book will fill you with pride and joy, if you are ever thinking of that perfect gift for that young adult Boricua in your life, this is it.

wow

This book has enlightened me. I know I am not alone in my thoughts. All the feelings I have towards the Puerto Rican struggle for recognition and respect have been expressed and shared throughout this book. Every word brought about different ideas and views on what has been taken away from Puerto Rico. Every Puerto rican should read this and learn about our past and opinions of fellow latinos. This book has opened up and filled a void at once.TO Piri Thomas, Edwin Torres, Pedro Albizu Campos, Esmeralda Santiago and Even Freddie Prinze, I thank you. I feel as if I have discovered I do have a past and yet there is so much more I need to learn. Thank you.This book should be used in school. Latinos have be deprived of our hertiage along with every other minority. Give it to your children, as a matter of fact READ IT WITH YOUR KIDS.

An Important historical compilation

This book should serve as the basis of self discovery for all persons of Puerto Rican descent. I was moved to tears by themes from my own life reverberating out of words written by authors that I had heard of, but never read. Santiago has almost every possible perspective in this book, from the plight of women to the confusion of black-skinned Puerto Ricans. The organization of the book is exemplary and helps in organizing the powerful emotions I encountered when reading works by Jose De Diego, Pedro Albizu Campos, Judith Ortiz Cofer, Esmeralda Santiago, Piri Thomas, Martin Espada, etc.

Great Stories

Being of Puerto Rican descent, I found it difficult to relate to my heritage. I was born and raised in the United States, but both of my parents were born and raised in Puerto Rico. My knowledge was only based upon what they knew. Growing up America was the only history I was taught and I thought it was the only history I needed to know. After Reading Roberto's anthology, I was able to connect to my heritage and it has since opened so many doors for me. Now I can't get enough of these authors who have been around for ages but are new to me. I am now glad to talk about my Puerto Rican heritage because now I understand it so much more. I have always been proud to be Puerto Rican because that is what my parents had instilled in me but now I'm more proud because I understand what we have gone through and the struggle that continues today. This is a great book and I'd recommend it to anyone, but most especially anyone who is confused or not sure of their heritage this book is a must read.

GREAT READ!! I COULDN'T PUT IT DOWN!!

I know pretty much about my own culture, Puerto Rico. But, this book was a page turner and I learned even more than what I already know. I learned the history of many of my favorite celebraties and Puerto Rican "freedom fighters." I admire many Puerto Rican actors--like Freddie Prinze, our very own "Looking Good!" character from Chico and the Man. Geraldo Rivera's courageous journey to uncover the disatrous truth of Willowbrook's mental health home for retarded children located in Staten Island. There are so many different stories, plays, speeches from Pedro Albizu Campos, Roberto Santiago, Jose De Diego, Piri Thomas, etc. I can go on and on. You have to get this book for yourself and for your children. Our offsprings are the only people who will carry our culture forward to many generations ahead. This book must be a part of their lives growing up so that they know what our forefathers and mothers have been through and what is happening in today's society in Puerto Rican's lives. This book should be a part of every Puerto Rican's library and other Hispanics alike. The beauty about this book is that it makes us realize that there are more authors and writers to read about and their books that have gone undiscovered. This weekend I will run to the library and start looking for books written by Puerto Rican and Hispanic authors. It is a refreshing feeling. I rate this book a 10 without reservations. My very best to Roberto Santiago. May God bless you