California Brown: Illuminations Hollers [Paperback]

Juan Felipe Herrera's kaleidoscopic poetry collection takes the reader into unexpected territories, from the stark brutality to the delicate duality of life's beauty

Juan Felipe Herrera's kaleidoscopic poetry collection takes the reader into unexpected territories, from the stark brutality of massacres and wars to the delicate duality of life's beauty, where borders of nations and eras blur as Herrera guides us through the historical and geographical journey of humanity. Crossing into Poland from Ukraine becomes a metaphor for traversing the boundaries of culture, heritage, and shared history. Even William Shatner's visionary experiences in the cosmos find a place within Herrera's poetic narrative, connecting the boundless human spirit with the enigma of the cosmos.

At its core, this collection vibrates a deep care, calling together cultural histories and ecological meditations while demanding remembrance for those lost to acts of violence committed directly and indirectly by the state. CALIFORNIA BROWN combines brilliance and compassion to forge a new future ahead, a gift from one of the most innovative poets of our time. - Mai Der Vang, author ofYellow Rain

CALIFORNIA BROWN is painted with fervent brushstrokes and the unceasing ache to meet the sunrise with joy, reflection, and a dexterity for what is still to arrive. Herrera snaps the line, drips the ink, scratches the syllable allowing us an opportunity to lean in close until carving a clarity around the stars and back until we must join in, do you know how awake you are. --Anthony Cody, author ofBorderland Apocrypha

Juan Felipe Herrera's kaleidoscopic poetry collection takes the reader into unexpected territories, from the stark brutality to the delicate duality of life's beauty