A Voice of My Own: Essays and Stories
Rolando Hinojosa. Arte Publico Press. 2011. 140pp. $19.95. ISBN: 978-1-55885-712-4
Thursday, March 8, 2012
by: Reviewed by Milagros Laboy Lazu

Section: Adult Book Reviews




Reviewed by Milagros Laboy Lazu, MILS, University of Puerto Rico, Humacao

In the essays and stories contained in this book, author Rolando Hinojosa makes effective use of his experience as a professor and his life experience as a Texas-Mexican.  As in his novels, he eloquently portrays that community here.  Texas-Mexicans have successfully maintained their cultural identity throughout history and assimilation thanks to their lively literary expressions. Hinojosa identifies the historical processes that severely affected the Mejicano-tejano people, the racial discrimination they suffered and how they emerged with a literary voice that identifies them as a nation within a nation.
 
Hinojosa’s language is simple, engaging and easy to read. His style is straightforward with some easy to follow digressions. The personal experience of the author as a member of the Chicano community and his knowledge of both cultures gives his writing a high degree of credibility.
 
This book is suitable for general audiences, especially those interested in studying and understanding the processes of assimilation that U.S-Mexican border residents have experienced.

Recommended for academic and public libraries

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