The Iceworker Sings and Other Poems

by Andres Montoya

Poetry. Latino/Latina Studies. The late AndrA[a�As Montoya's THE ICEWORKER SINGS AND OTHER POEMS evokes a world of machines and violence as it confronts a culture that has abandoned hope. His poems are stories, prayers, and letters that foster a spiritual resolve in the midst of a chaotic and concrete reality that denies the holy. Primarily urban and intensely personal, his poetry is nonetheless universal in dealing with issues of the day: race, faith, urban decay, poverty, police brutality, and the individual search for hope in the midst of despair. Winner of the 1997 Chicano/Latino Literary Prize.

Genres: Poetry

79 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[Blas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Andres and I were both students in Peter Everwine's introductory poetry workshop, back in 1990, and I had the privilege of reading some of his earliest poems. I still remember the title of one of them, "A Crack in the Ceiling." It was clear even then, even to the poetry rookie that I was, that Andres was going to be a great poet.

So it's extremely difficult to have to deal with the fact that he only ever got to complete one book before he passed away.

It's clear, then, that it's impossible for me to be objective about this book, but I love the hell out of it.

[Maria Ibarra · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s just a different kind of magic to poetry set in places that you know well. Andres Montoya created that magic for me in between these pages, especially the second time around.

[Lisha Adela · Rating 3 out of 5]

The late Andrés Montoya captured back street, forgotten street and often violent barrio life in these haunting poems. The influence of Phillip Levine, his mentor and writing teacher, is very prevalent in his work. This book is the Latino/Chicano American Book Award winner and deserves much praise. The abandoned culture of not being quite Mexicano or fitting in the prevalent Anglo culture is so haunting. Mixed identity combined with the haunting pain of his world, a macho world of screams, makes this book an uneasy read. Yet, this is reality for many. I especially liked his poem letters, and the very short poems that introduced his chapters. "for you/ here i am/i have rocks/tattooed/on my smile/this is all/i can give you/ take them." There are several poems about an ice worker that lend the title as well as give a common thread throughout the book. This would be a great read for college students.

[Oscar · Rating 5 out of 5]

On a first read: A great examination of the speaker trapped in both geographic & cultural place. Even better when the speaker realizes that (s)he is complicit in that forced identity. Definitely deserves another read.

[Sasha Lopez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not one for reading poems yet this book i must say i enjoyed. It was openly expressed, not trying hard to shock or make statements, it was words expressed by his personal experience. Great book, almost done.