Customer Reviews

Boricuas: Influential Puerto Rican Writings - An Anthology

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"Boricuas" is a tremendous gift both to the Puerto Rican community and to those who want to learn more about Puerto Rican culture. Editor Roberto Santiago has assembled a collection of writings which illuminate the joys, sorrows, and complexities of the Puerto Rican experience.

This anthology has many strengths. It contains a full range of genres--poetry, speeches, short fiction, essays, drama, and more. There is even a transcription of one of Freddie Prinze's classic comedy routines. There is also a good mix of male and female authors: Julia de Burgos, Piri Thomas, Aurora Levins Morales, Jesus Colon, and many, many more.

The book does have some flaws. The author biographies at the end of the book are far too short and insubstantial--many of them are only 2 or 3 lines long. More bibliographic data on each author would have made the book a more powerful resource for teachers and students. And the book could have used a firmer editorial hand in parts. The excerpt from Miguel Pinero's play "Short Eyes," for example, contains no editorial indication that this is in fact an excerpt; readers might be misled to believe that this is a short one-act play in its entirety.

Another drawback to the anthology is the relative lack of writers from the 19th century and earlier. With the exception of Jose de Diego, these pioneers of Puerto Rican literature are entirely absent. If you want to read the important poetry and prose of Manuel A. Alonso, Jose Gautier Benitez, Pachin Marin, and others, you will have to look elsewhere.

These criticisms aside, "Boricuas" is an excellent collection. The stories, poems, and other selections are full of all the richness of the Puerto Rican experience. Some of the best selections include Migene Gonzalez-Wippler's autobiographical piece about her experience of the Santeria religion, Abraham Rodriguez' multilayered short story "The Boy Without a Flag," and editor Santiago's excellent introductory essay.

This wonderful book makes an excellent class text for high school or college courses; in fact, I used it when I taught the "Literature of the Americas" course offered by the University of Pittsburgh. But this is also a book for outside the classroom; it is a collection to be read, enjoyed, and shared with loved ones. "Boricuas" is a triumph for both Roberto Santiago and for the many authors whose voices are celebrated between the book's covers.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

A beautiful anthology that gives voice to our hearts and conscience. It traces our stories through the writings of everyone from Don Pedro Albizu Campos to modern legends such as Willie Perdomo. It is essential to the true overall understanding of who we are. Roberto Santiago, thank you.You must buy this book!!

BORICUAS is an eye-opener for both Puerto Ricans and non-Puerto Ricans. I never knew there were so many Hispanic, especially Puerto Rican, high profile names out there. For instance, did you know that Reggie Jackson and Sammy Davis, Jr. have at least one parent who was Puerto Rican? I didn't.

This book serves as a reference book, a novel, a selection of poetry, among other things. I recommend this book for everyone who is into multicultural thinking and studying, and even to those who are not open-minded.

Also for the young Puerto Ricans in the world who have assimiliated into the melting pot of society: read this book and learn about your ancestry.

This is a "can't put it down" book. The variety of authors, subject matters and tone of the individual pieces makes this book a masterpiece on Puerto Rican authors. I purchased it out of curiosity and now have reccomended it to many of my friends as it is fabulous. After reading it, I now continue to use it as a reference tool to lead me to more writings from the authors included in this book. Buy it, read it, love it!

Boricuas Influential Puerto Rican Writings is a perfect book to use to introduce people to Puerto Rican history and culture. My son who I always thought hated to read loves this book and carries it around like it was his bible. The book fills you with Puerto Rican pride. When I first heard about Boricuas I was afraid that it would be one of those snobby literature books written by college professors. You know the boring ones that you are supposed to read to get smarter but never do. When I saw the friendly cover I knew the book was for me and my son. Boricuas is not a book for the intellectual elite but for everyday people. I hope all my latin sisters and brothers will check this book out