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Anyone who’s ever felt like he was on the fringes of society knows what it’s like to be marginalized and shunned for not fitting in. Richard Blanco experienced that feeling while growing up, and although his popularity as a poet and storyteller allowed him to finally realize his dreams, the road to acceptance was anything but easy.
Born in Spain to Cuban parents, he immigrated to the United States as child, facing not only the challenge of adapting to a new country and culture but also the conflict of grappling with his sexual identity at a time when gays were considered well outside the American mainstream.
Blanco’s new memoir, The Prince of los Cocuyos: A Miami Childhood, describes in bittersweet detail the anguish, ironies, and hardships this openly gay Latino writer was forced to face. His book is warm, compelling, and laced with humor as he details his determination to find his voice, both as an artist and an individual. This Saturday at 8 p.m., Books & Books, in partnership with FIU’s Creative Writing Department, will sponsor an evening with the author at Coral Gables Congregational Church (3010 De Soto Blvd., Coral Gables). The event is free, but it’s suggested you RSVP at eventbrite.com.
Sat., Nov. 1, 8 p.m., 2014
