Stories from El Barrio

by Piri Thomas

In this collection of short stories, Piri Thomas (author of the bestselling autobiography, Down These Mean Streets) gives readers of all ages a vivid slice of the life in El Barrio--a place where people face their problems with energy, ingenuity and love. He draws vivid stories from his past experiences and makes us feel what it means to be poor and proud and generous; to be streetwise and full of bravado but frightened, too; to struggle to go straight; to be ashamed of being ashamed; to dream. Speaking in the voice of the streets and from his heart, Piri captures the spirit, the laughter and the hope of his people. " Stories From El Barrio is a crystal clear reflection of the general facet of Piri Thomas's literary power. It is tender, powerfully compassionate, humanely provocative."
Claude Brown, author of Manchild in the Promised Land "Piri has kept the secret of our survival close to his heart all these years, and now he gives it back...Poor we were, but deprived? -you've got to be kidding. Ask Piri."
Ossie Davis, playwright, actor, activist "Piri has written a book we can all share. The power, tenderness, toughness and the caring are all there..."
Nikki Giovanni, author of Racism 101.

136 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1978

About the author

Piri Thomas (born Juan Pedro Tomas September 10, 1928 in Spanish Harlem in New York City) was a Puerto Rican-Cuban who was influential in the Nuyorican Movement as a writer and poet.

Reviews

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Piri Thomas’s Down These Mean Streets was the first book that I read that allowed me to see my community and myself in literature. Now so many years later I have grown to be a various reader and add this book to my lists of favorite readings.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic