W.U.I.: Written Under the Influence of Trinidad Sánchez

In this book, Juan Manuel Pérez celebrates his Mexican-American heritage with humor and pathos, while paying tribute to his mentor, the late Chicano activist and poet, Trinidad Sánchez, Jr. Pérez writes with courage, compassion, and clarity about the strengths and weaknesses of his people, and he brings to his poetry the same fire and passion that characterized his mentor's poems. Pérez' anger at prejudice and the injustices encountered in society is not bitter; it is a gentle anger, tempered with humor. And although he often refers to himself as a warrior, his humility is evident in poems like "Am I Too Macho to Wash the Clothes?" and "Onion by Onion." His deep love for his family is felt in his poem "Lessons of My Father" as he thanks his dad for teaching him how to work hard, love well, and live in peace with kindness and respect for his fellowman. Pérez, whose physical attributes are reminiscent of a handsome Aztec warrior, urges his brown brothers and sisters to embrace their Aztec, Mayan, and toltec roots and to take pride in their heritage. Valerie Martin Bailey, Editor $15.00