Jose Angel Figueroa

A Mirror in My Own Backstage Jose Angel Figueroa

Known for writings about the Latino experience in the United States, José Angel Figueroa has been a major contributor to the Puerto Rican and Latino literary movement. In this collection of poetry and prose, he explores themes of migration and immigration, justice and injustice, as well as philosophical-existential reflections about love and the human experience.

"José Angel brings a unique music and imagery to the definition of what American poetry is." Amiri Baraka, Newark Poet Laureate

"Figueroa writes like he is holding a watercolor brush, capturing the images of elusive ghosts that pass him in the mirror." Magadalena Gomez, Performance artist and poet

"José Angel Figueroa's writing reflects a chronicler of the new." Tato Laviera, Poet and Playwright

The cover and interior artwork were created by Juan Sanchez, well-known for his work combining painting and photography with media clippings and found objects to expose America's policies and practices in Puerto Rico, and obstacles facing Puerto Ricans in the U. S. "This collection gives testament to Figueroa?s poetic evolution; it includes some of his most classic poems along with a new crop of innovative work by this accomplished and gifted artist who masters his craft," writes distinguished scholar Edna Acosta Belen. He "brings a unique music and imagery to the definition of what American poetry is," remarks Newark Poet Laureate Amiri Baraka. "Figueroa writes like he is holding a watercolor brush, capturing the images of elusive ghosts that pass him in the mirror. He creates a synesthetic landscape where we can taste music while reading words," adds Magdalena Gomez, acclaimed Performance Poet and Theater Director. "Enjoy the creation of a prophetic song filled with the pearls of Puerto Rican migration, new feminine humanity and revelry.... His bloodless coup of consciousness requires immersion," proclaims Tato Laviera, well-known poet and playwright.