Growing up Chicano in L.A. -- Stephen Gutierrez reads from new collection
Stephen Gutierrez
- September 28, 2009
“Live from Fresno y Los,” a writer's reflections about growing up Chicano in the Central Valley and Los Angeles, opens the 91短视频 Distinguished Writers Series Oct. 28. The free reading and book signing will begin at 7 p.m. in the University Library Biella Room, 25800 Carlos Bee Blvd., Hayward.
Author Stephen Gutierrez, professor of English and director of creative writing at the university “renders his world in honest, eloquent brush strokes, creating stories that are simultaneously grounded in a particular culture while remaining universal in their message,” according to reviewer Daniel A. Olivas.
Virgil Suárez of Poets.org says: "If you read one book of stories this year, make it this one. ‘Live from Fresno y Los’ kicks out the jams, and takes no prisoners. Enjoy, and tell a friend."
“It's a thematically coherent collection of short stories taking place in Fresno and L.A., two places I've lived," says Gutierrez. "I hope it captures the ambiguities of being Mexican American and universal themes of maturation and familial relations, including stories of seeking and loss. I hope it packs a punch. I value zest, vitality over most other literary qualities. I feel good about it.”
Gutierrez received his B.A. from CSU Chico, and a master of fine arts from Cornell University. His first book, “Elements,” won the Charles H. and N. Mildred Nilon Excellence in Minority Fiction Award. His stories and personal essays have appeared in many journals, and four plays penned by Gutierrez have been produced in the Bay Area.
The CSUEB reading is sponsored by the Department of English, in conjunction with the College of Letters, Arts, and Social Sciences. Visit the Distinguished Writers Series website at .
Parking in lots F, G, H, and K, on the east side of the 91短视频 campus in Hayward, is available for $7 per vehicle. Purchase parking permits with quarters or dollar bills at any labeled dispenser in those lots. CSUEB welcomes persons with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodation upon request. Please notify event sponsor at least two weeks in advance, if accommodation is needed.