Rant.Chant.Chisme

"Rant. Chant. Chisme. is the debut collection of poetry by south Texas native Amalia Ortiz, featuring writing from the first decade of her career. This is Tex-Mex life on the border from the perspective of a young Chicana struggling to write herself into existence. These poems introduce a unique transcultural feminist viewpoint. The award-winning performance poet known for her dynamic delivery style relinquishes control of her writing to the reader, but not without first imparting the theatrical stage directions stated in the book's title--Rant. Chant. Chisme.--which commands readers to recite these poems aloud in a spoken word celebration exploring culture, music, and place while encouraging the reader to embrace diversity and find their own storytelling voice. This work is a powerful call to social and political change along the borderlands"--Publisher's website.