Review by Choice Review
As this collection of essays by leading Chicano studies scholars and cultural workers shows, the term "Aztlan" is much more complex than right-wing critics care to acknowledge, ranging from an expression of Chicano Zionism to a personal identification with the history of US Mexicans. The autobiographical pieces are written by Chicano/a cultural contributors inside and outside academe. Essays from three noted Chicano literary and artistic figures begin the volume. Harry Gamboa, a founder of ASCO, an avant-garde arts group with roots in the 1960s, is one of the premier observers of Los Angeles history. Collection editor Noriega, a UCLA professor and movie critic, writes about his father and how he conveyed a sense of his identity through his Mexican music albums. Vincent Perez's essay "Heroes and Orphans of the Hacienda: Narratives of a Mexican American Family" delves into his family's past and how he uncovers a family secret that requires him to reconstruct his idyllic impressions of the past. Alma Lopez's article and response to criticism of her painting of the Virgin of Guadalupe shows the price one pays when messing with popular icons. All of the pieces are quick--often too quick--leaving readers wanting more. ^BSumming Up: Highly recommended. All levels/libraries. R. Acu^D na California State University, Northridge
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
