Latino Poetry: The Library of America Anthology

Library of America #382

by Rigoberto González (Editor)

Genres: Poetry, History, Nonfiction, Anthologies, United States

696 pages, Hardcover

Published September 3, 2024

Reviews

[Christopher · Rating 4 out of 5]

An amazing collection of poetry stretching across five centuries and multiple borders. The first poems and corredos are a bit hard to enjoy since they have to be translated from Spanish to English, but as the collection approaches the modern era it becomes easier and more enjoyable. Overall, a lovely collection worthy of any poetry fan’s collection.

[Anisa]

DNF (26%) Just not in the mood to finish this one.

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a massive book that expresses the concept of Latino poetry, ordered chronologically. I moved forward easily until I hit about 1960s poetry and then the strands of poets and themes multiplied and grew far more difficult to absorb, to crack open the poem. And yet what an amazing collection, what a diversity of voices, a wealth of tones and topics. I caught a glimpse, I wandered here; mentally, I barely scratched the surface, but closed the tome knowing flashes of the shades of blue in sunshine, the bones piling up underneath the Rio Grande, and the quest for identity through one's ancestors. I will be back.

[Janina Schoumacher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this book up from the library. I was enthralled by the introduction and first few poems. The first half of the book is a dual reader. I quickly read back and forth to practice my Spanish. I spend a lot of time practicing music and I don't have a lot of time to read. I returned it to the library but I ordered my own copy so I can finish it at my own pace.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

My keys to houses and rooms.
Read poem by poem, over months, candle by candle.

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I adore bilingual books. A 3.5 for me.

[HV_bookwyrm · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some of my favorite pieces:

“La Borinqueña” by Lola Rodríguez de Tío
“Luna Galante” by José Juan Tablada
“En Mi Viejo San Juan” by Noel Estrada
“Mexico lindo y querido” by Chucho Monge
“De amor oscuro” by Francisco X. Alarcón
“Ode to the Diasporican (pa’ mi gente)” by Mariposa