Peoples & Cultures - American Anthologies, Ethnic & Minority Studies - United States, American Literature Anthologies
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Overview
Contemporary commentators have observed that postmodern America is less a melting pot than a buffet table. In American Identities people of diverse ethnic, religious, social, gender, and sexual backgrounds "refuse to merge but insist on a multiplicity of well-maintained identities," editors Robert Pack and Jay Parini explain. This sixth volume in the popular Bread Loaf Anthology series gathers more than three dozen voices who testify that there is no single American Experience, but instead a multiplicity of experiences. These poems, stories, and essays describe in occasionally stark, sometimes humorous, and often moving terms what it means to be black and American, or gay and American, or Latino and American, or Jewish and American within this society.Editorials
Library Journal
Although its subtitle places this new anthology among the vast array of similar recent literary collections, this book intends specifically to bring its readers beyond the limiting aspect of multiculturalism. Its loosely connective theme is the construction of self, and the literal writing down of identity-from experience touched by cultural heritage but also community, events, responses, and chance. Through poetry and personal essays and stories, 40 writers look at and beyond their own histories to themselves. Louise Erdrich relates an unexpected trauma for the Homecoming Queen. Gary Soto recalls a youth spent laboring in grape and cotton fields. These earnest voices will speak to thoughtful readers; recommended for general collections.-Janet Ingraham, Worthington P.L., OhioBook Details
Published
March 31, 1996
Publisher
Hanover, NH : Middlebury College Press/University Press of New England, c1994.
Pages
389
Format
Paperback
ISBN
9780874517590