Elements by Stephen D. Gutierrez
Elements: Short Stories by Stephen D. Gutierrez
Paperback: 197 pages; FC2; (April 1997)
ISBN: 1573660256
All the Elements of a Great Book
Stephen Gutierrez’s “Elements: Short Stories” is a hybrid consisting of short fiction and personal essays where he traverses the intricate and never satisfied road to being both a Chicano and a writer in this great, imperfect country of ours. In his essays, Gutierrez offers an unflinching and always engrossing view into the mind of a struggling artist who is constantly battling his own self-doubt and left-handed compliments from peers while clinging to those all-important words of encouragement from his mentors and family members. His short fiction gives us unvarnished glimpses into the lives of Chicanos who suffer from the same type of struggles except this time in their day-to-day attempts – often futile – to draw some meaning from life or even death. This is an essential book for Latinos who have taken that crazy, unreasonable step to become writers. In sharp, honest and evocative language, this book will demonstrate to you that you are not alone.
By Daniel Olivas
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