Richard Blanco Livres

A gender-inclusive anthology of poetry and prose that addresses the physical and psychological act of being “grabbed,” or in any way assaulted.The #MeToo movement, the infamous Access Hollywood tape, and the depraved and hypocritical actions of celebrities, politicians, CEOs, and other powerful people have caused people all over the nation to speak out in outrage, to express allegiance for the victims of these assaults, and to raise their voices against a culture that has allowed this behavior to continue for too long.The editors asked writers and poets to add to the conversation about what being “grabbed” means to them in their own experience or in whatever way the word “grabbed” inspired them. What they received are often searing, heart-rending works, ranging in topic from sexual misconduct to racial injustice, from an unwanted caress to rape, expressed in powerful, beautifully crafted prose and poetry.The writers represented here, some very well known, such as Rita Dove, Jericho Brown, Eileen Miles, Ana Menendez and Sapphire, as well as some newer voices not yet fully discovered, have mined their collective experiences to reveal their most vulnerable moments, and in some cases, to narrate moments that they have had previously been unwilling or unable to speak of. What results is a collection of emotional, hard-hitting pieces that speak to the aftermath of violation—whether mental, emotional, or physical.

The narrative intertwines Richard Blanco's personal journey as a Latino immigrant and openly gay man with his experiences as the inaugural poet in 2013. It captures the exhilaration of receiving the call from the White House and the emotional process of creating his inaugural poem, "One Today," along with two other commissioned works, all presented with Spanish translations. Blanco reflects on his role as a public voice and the transformative power of poetry, emphasizing themes of hope and unity in the evolving American identity.

The exploration of home serves as a central theme in this poetry collection, where the author reflects on the longing for belonging through vivid narratives and lyrical expressions. Journeying through various countries, including Cuba, Spain, and Brazil, the poems delve into cultural connections, family ties, and personal memories, particularly emphasizing the author's Cuban heritage and experiences of exile. Juxtaposing different identities and languages, Blanco captures the essence of being caught between worlds, while seeking solace in the concept of home and the fleeting moments of creativity.

Growing up in a Cuban exile family in Miami during the 1970s and '80s, Richard Blanco explores his complex journey of self-discovery in this memoir. He reflects on his cultural, artistic, and sexual identities, navigating the challenges of being the first Latino and openly gay inaugural poet of the United States. The narrative is both prismatic and lyrical, offering a rich and personal account of his experiences and the influences that shaped his understanding of his place in America.

A timely and moving collection from the renowned inaugural poet on issues facing our country and people—immigration, gun violence, racism, LGBTQ issues, and more. Through an oracular yet intimate and accessible voice, Richard Blanco addresses the complexities and contradictions of our nationhood and the unresolved sociopolitical matters that affect us all. Blanco digs deep into the very marrow of our nation through poems that interrogate our past and present, grieve our injustices, and note our flaws, but also remember to celebrate our ideals and cling to our hopes. Charged with the utopian idea that no single narrative is more important than another, this book asserts that America could and ought someday to be a country where all narratives converge into one, a country we can all be proud to love and where we can all truly thrive. The poems form a mosaic of seemingly varied topics: the Pulse nightclub massacre; an unexpected encounter on a visit to Cuba; the forced exile of 8,500 Navajos in 1868; a lynching in Alabama; the arrival of a young Chinese woman at Angel Island in 1938; the incarceration of a gifted writer; and the poet’s abiding love for his partner, who he is finally allowed to wed as a gay man. But despite each poem’s unique concern or occasion, all are fundamentally struggling with the overwhelming question of how to love this country.

Carlos Betancourt's work is a vibrant celebration of Caribbean and American culture, characterized by a rich palette and eclectic style. He delves into themes of memory, beauty, identity, and communication, showcasing a diverse cultural tapestry. His innovative approach blurs the boundaries between various art forms, including photography, collage, painting, and installations, reflecting the multi-racial and multi-lingual influences of his environment. As a key figure in the 1980s Miami art scene, Betancourt's creations are a testament to his artistic vision and cultural exploration.

A journey in through the cultural coming of age experiences of the hyphenated Cuban-American. It exposes and brings into question the cultural contradictions and yearnings of childhood and adolescent experiences through poetic narratives.

The collection features a blend of new poems and selections from Richard Blanco's previous works, showcasing his unique ability to weave together cultures and languages. As a Cuban American poet and engineer, Blanco's writing reflects the vibrant and evolving nature of American identity. His intimate and accomplished verses capture the complexities of the past, present, and future, resonating with the hectic and colorful essence of contemporary life. President Joe Biden recognized Blanco's significant contributions to literature with the National Humanities Medal in 2023.

Richard Blanco's celebrated Inaugural Poem for Barack Obama, One Today, is immortalized in this stunning picture book by beloved, best-selling artist Dav Pilkey.