SCREW THE WALL! AND OTHER BROWN PEOPLE POEMS (2020)
“’Screw the Wall’ is a must read!- it is a cultural reawakening for society! Topics that add perspective such as children who were part of migrant working families, politicians & Hollywood’s influence on the treatment of Mexican-Americans in the U.S., as well as pursuing a change in lifestyle for the future of one’s family. Perez also provides references to relevant information such as the Wall (obviously), excerpts of historical documents, ELL struggles and conquest in education, and the infamous Chupacabra! Great addition for cultural awareness and poetry collections!” --Marah Perez, Science Teacher and Cosplayer
“Free verse addressing multiple barriers, not just THE Wall. I imagine that, even now (August 2020), the title of this poetry volume may make some folks flinch. Yet the verses speak of a variety of barriers, not just THE Wall. By the way, one epigraph – taken from the current President himself -- ended up a highly ironic quote about our choices when we find a wall in our path! All the poems are in English -- except one, a ballad in Spanish, on what is endearingly (and provocatively) translated as "book trafficking." The poem "Mexicans Appear Violent" dealt with perceptions of brown skin; "When Mexicans Attack!" spoke of Hollywood's decades-old sway in this issue. I appreciated the poignant verses on past-generation migrant field workers; yet those who labor for the produce set on our tables in the present day were acknowledged here, too. "Mexi-Scam" was an indictment of how Mexican-Americans have had their identity and worth impaired -- not just via external forces, but internal ones.” --Raul Martinez, Jr., avid book reviewer
“The book title sums it up well enough.... Screw the wall! “Screw the Wall” is a must read!- it is a cultural reawakening for society! Topics that add perspective such as children who were part of migrant working families, politicians & Hollywood’s influence on the treatment of Mexican-Americans in the U.S., as well as pursuing a change in lifestyle for the future of one’s family. Perez also provides references to relevant information such as the Wall (obviously), excerpts of historical documents, ELL struggles and conquest in education, and the infamous Chupacabra! Great addition for cultural awareness and poetry collections!” --Book Reviewer on Amazon
"Juan M Pérez presents and bestows an impressive benefaction to Chicano poetry literature. The Poet Laureate provides a rich textuality of subject matter creating social, familial, and political relationships that define the thematic elements of his narrative poetry. El campo de cebollas es la patria de Juan, spiritually and physically. It is a place of ancestral memories, of youthful experiences, y refugio, where economically disenfranchised native people live and work on their stolen land; a life shaped by sweat labor and a father’s love, a father who saw the repressive reality of America but nevertheless tells his son to “push forward.” And the son does. The motif of poems and stories in Screw the Wall es el viaje de Juan por la carretera que refleja las palabras de su Papa. The Bard of the Onion Field, like Alice in 1871, decides to climb through the looking glass into the world he can see beyond. Along the way he meets Mexicans who are moving to Mars; the Cat, the cool Cat from the other side, you know, of town; and he marches with Cesar and Dolores and Sweet Baby Jesus and Latter Day (saints) Mexican-Americans. Pérez invites us into his soul where he sees brown people in salads and gives us a civic lesson on the Declaration of Independence---the ESL version. He predicts the fall of Humpity Trumpity from his wall and then he screws whitey. Screw the Wall and other brown people stories is Juan’s way of returning to the onion field; but this time with the benefit of a critical social perspective of the repressive reality of America. “Push farther,” his father said; “climb with me through the looking glass,” urged Alice. And the troubadour pushed and climbed, planted and sowed, shared and planted again. As he returns leading us back to the onion field, through the mesquite, prickly pear cactus, catclaw, guajillo, cenizo, y huisache, we hear a voice, a voice echoing from a young Taino asking, “as the pillage and plunder continues, who will be left to tell of what happened to us Grandfather?” An elder replies, “among us who survive there will be poets to recount that which happened to us.” (raúlrsalinas) I Am Juan of the Onion Field. Snip. Snip. Snip. P.S. Juan’s narrative poetry is meant for oral recitation." --Alicia Gallegos, Radio Personality and Activist
“Perez reminds his readers that the struggle for equality for Mexicans is not over. The poems pull the struggles of the Mexican long thought dormant into the 21st century. Each poem brings back to the light the work of Chavez, Huerta and many others who fought hard to make this side of the Rio respect the Mexicans. In The Onion Pickers Dream, Perez awakes memories from my childhood buried deep in my memory vault. I could see it, I could smell the onions, I remember my Tia and Ama grande working the onions with the scissors, I can still hear the sound of them cutting through the greens and laying on them to cool off in the summer heat. Perez's book is a must read for anyone who believes the dream has been achieved, ask yourself, "What has brown done for you lately?" or have we been blinded, living here in the U.S. of Lies? Great Read!!” --Book Reviewer on Amazon
“Check Your Privilege at the Wall! Juan does not hold back any punches. From the beginning when he dreams of a free America, you know he isn't living free in this America. He calls out the racism he learned to deal with as a young child, but refuses to be a part of. In "Push Farther My Father Said" you see the beginnings of his own revolution, wielding his words to create a path out of the onion fields. Don't be mistaken, he doesn't disparage his upbringing. Juan knows where he has been, what has been sacrificed. What continues to be sacrificed. In "I See Brown People" he sees the work being put in my brown people everywhere, except "In history books?/In schools?/In the world?" By the time you get to "Screw the Wall!" and it's rallying cry, Juan has dismantled the institution and the government, so you think you're ready. But you're not. If this poem doesn't make you uncomfortable, you need to go back and read this book again. Juan has laid it all bare in this collection. He is dropping history and reminding us that equality has yet to be achieved.” --Karen Tardiff, Editor at Gnashing Teeth Press
“What Can Juan Manuel Pérez' poetry do for you? A poignant poetry collection by Corpus Christi's Poet Laureate. Timely in an untimely era. A book written for brown people but meant for all. What Can Juan Manuel Pérez' poetry do for you? It will leave you laughing, grinding your teeth, and inspired as you lay on a hyphen.” --Edward Vidaurre, author of Pandemia & Other Poems, 2018-2019 McAllen Poet Laureate
“I was excited to get the new book by my friend and shipmate Juan Manuel Perez !! Juan and I served in the US NAVY as Hospital Corpsman. Once I got it and sat down for a good read. Sat there until I finished sometime later. It's as if he has opened a window to his soul and aloud me to peek in. We do not agree on all political matters and with obvious different approaches to life we do find quiet a bit in common. For example Hispanic mothers uses chanclas the same way a Hillbilly mother uses a flip-flops. Those children who knows, have a long term hate/love relationship with them. Most becoming users of such children taming devices. I must say the title of the book is deceiving as inside it dances around the "wall" as a Pow-Wow dancer does at a gathering. You find direct mention of the wall and find metaphors that talk of walls that we all seem to have. When I have my teeth in, I may do a reading from one of the poems that caught my heart right off. Only because it was in Spanish and when I realized what I was reading I cried. So if you would like a copy contact Juan or myself, we will make sure you can get one, you also can go to Amazon to find a copy. It doesn't matter if you are Conservative or Liberal, brown, black or blanco. Read this with a want for learning and walk away with a new understanding. Has it change me politically, no. I still think the wall is a bad idea. Juan is a full blooded American with family ties to Mexico and the Native Peoples of the region where he grew up. Juan great job, loved it!!” --Chuck Pearson, Artist and Navy Veteran
“In Screw the Wall, Juan Manuel Pérez answers the question: what can brown poetry do for you? He does so as he digs in and swings for and at the fences. This book of impactful poetry deals mainly with barriers—barriers erected by poverty, prejudice, culture, and language; barriers imagined and real; barriers conquered, and barriers left to be scaled. These poems range from the humorous, to the satiric, to the poignant, to the nostalgic. A few of these worthwhile works might strike a nerve or two with their readers, but as Pérez reminds us about the border wall in his poem A Promising Letter to a Worrisome Trump, “No need to worry; We’ll get over it!” Likewise, In Screw the Wall Juan Manuel Pérez has hit a home run deep over the wall.” --Alan Berecka, author of The Hamlet of Stittville, 2017-2018 Corpus Christi Poet Laureate
“If you have never heard the poetry of Juan Manuel Pérez then you are in for a treat. You must hear his words, as reading them is not enough. He writes the poems that many are afraid to discuss. He writes the poems many will hide from. He writes the poems that all need to hear. His words are diverse and full of compassion, but he speaks the hard truths our Nation struggles with daily. These truths have divided families, increased the struggles for minorities (which are becoming the majority), and left those affected silent and waiting for a chance. Pérez offers words full of insight and empathy and his influences are strong.” --Malia A. Pérez, Ed.D., author of Everything Depends Upon The Little Things, 2009-2015 World Book Night Ambassador and Three-Time Teacher Of The Year
“In his most recent poetry collection, Screw The Wall! And Other Brown People Poems, Juan Manuel Pérez invites us into his soul, beckoning: “I invite you into my soul / Somewhere between Texas and Mexico.” And it is in this “somewhere” where his poetry happens: poetry of lived experience, poetry of place, poetry where “America is the land of the lost” and the only thing that will shine a light in its dark path is love. This collection is full of “strong, bronze Chicano poems,” and I am reading.” --Octavio Quintanilla, author of Wasted Time, 2018-2020 San Antonio Poet Laureate
“SCREW THE WALL! AND OTHER BROWN PEOPLE POEMS is a point-driving, brotherly-love, poetic view into the human issues that affect Brown People in relation to co-existing with other people in the Americas, especially those recently arrived within the last 500 years. From pre-Hispanics/pre-Columbian/indigenous descendants, to mid-last century Chicanos and Civil Rights leaders, to whatever current choice of definition they select to call themselves today, THEY are all Brown People! This book is for them and about them, as well as it is for you and about you. Especially YOU, on the cusp of trying to understand what it is to be a hyphenated American. It is also for YOU, always ranting about a “birthright” that actually belongs to ALL humans and not just your kind or your skin color. Let all the words in this book make you laugh, happy, sad, nostalgic, or make you question, angry, and even hate… the ideas you had before about people of other cultures, especially those constantly at the forefront of making sure they are the solid-working foundation of great civilizations. Screw your walls, your borders, your angry, hateful speech, your racists views, and learn to really screw, or rather love, in peace, existence, and understanding of all the cultures that surround you, especially those who were here on this side of the world long before. No doubt, this modern indigenous poet’s words will set your heart on fire one way or another. Get this book and find out how.” --FlowerSong Press
SPACE IN PIECES (2020)
Modern Sonnets And Space: Fans of outer space and poetry can rejoice that Juan Perez has united the two. This collection of modern sonnets harken back to early Star Trek, when space was the new frontier. The disembodied astronaut communicating with the automatonic engineers on Earth made me think of David Bowie's "Major Tom." Each one tells a story which is linked within each set of poems. If you're looking for something fresh and out of this world (pun intended) grab this. And grab a copy for your friend. --Karen Tardiff, Editor at Gnashing Teeth Press
SEX, LIES, AND CHUPACABRAS (2015)
“(Juan Perez is) a sorcerer that binds readers with the casting of words. Splendid.” --Adrian Ordaz, Artist and Teacher, Maverick County, Texas
“Buena cosa… que sigas bailando.” --AJ Johnson, Poet And Writer (formerly of) Bexar County, Texas
“Juan is as passionate about his poetry as he is about his heritage and family.” --Britt Davis, Writer, Zavala County, Texas
“I like him-and so does the staff at Hooter’ --Don Mathis, Poet and Writer, Bexar County, Texas
“(Juan’s) stage presence is a great part of his commanding spoken word.” --Alfredo Santos, Journalist, Travis County, Texas
LIVE! FROM LA PRYOR: THE POETRY OF JUAN MANUEL PEREZ, A ZAVALA COUNTY NATIVE SON, VOLUME 1 (2014)
“Life Without Poetry. Big Disclaimer: I don't read poetry, nor do I often enjoy it. But I read LIVE FROM LA PRYOR, The Poetry of Juan Manuel Perez, cover to cover. It helps that the poetry is short. It really helps that the poetry's really short. He uses small words, he writes about everyday experiences (and not in a flowery way). This is almost a book of poems for people who don't like poetry. Don't mistake me, though. Some of his writing is quite angry. Combative. A lot of it is funny. It's all offbeat. I am a Facebook friend of Juan Perez, though I don't know him. This is volume I. I'm wondering if any of his Hooter's poetry is in volume II.” --Gretchen Rix, author of Arroyo: A Paranormal Mystery
“..witty and wise, humble and irreverent, a force of nature and powerful as a rogue thunderstorm..” --Peter Holland, Author of A Year In South Texas
“(Juan) writes with courage, compassion, and clarity about the strengths and weaknesses of his people…” --Valerie Martin Bailey, Poet/Editor, www.worddesignstudio.com
“…Amazing Talent!” --Rene Castillo, Poetry Fan
UNLEASH YOUR INNER CHUPACABRA: A POETRY ANTHOLOGY BY THE MEMBERS OF THE SAN ANGELO WRITER’S CLUB (2012)
“Members of the San Angelo Writers Club deftly explore and celebrate the legend of the chupacabra with haiku, quatrains, limericks, sonnets, and more. With touches of both humor and darkness, Unleash Your Inner Chupacabra is a delightfully entertaining read.” --Bruce Boston, SFPA Grandmaster Poet, author of Dark Matters
“The book release party for Unleash Your Inner Chupacabra was a great event! The energy was exciting, the costumes a visual feast, and the readings a showcase for the vast talent of the SAWC. I applaud Juan Perez for embracing the legend of the Chupacabra. His enthusiasm for exposing the truth as well as expanding the legend's stories are the makings of a new cultural groundswell. Bravo!” --Kip Piper, Web Designer
"Juan Perez has been intuitively brilliant in recognizing the significance of the flourishing Chupacabra myth. He continues to explore its profound psychological and sociological implications through his witty poetry and his editing of the recently published chapbook Unleash Your Inner Chupacabra" --Marta Knobloch
“Unleash Your Inner Chupacabra is a “poetry anthology” by the members of the San Angelo Writers’ Club and was edited by award winning poet Juan Manuel Perez and photographer/ writer, Dr. Malia Perez. According to the anthology, when describing the Chupacabra, it states “the mythological description has it bearing vampire teeth, long spikes or horns from the top of its head down its spine, with either green or gray, scaly skin with glowing, red eyes.” The rest of the anthology goes on to describe it with more or less different details. That should not be surprising because according to Carol Smith, writer and poet, “He can be what we make him. No two encyclopedias will be in complete agreement.” True, but as it has been said, “the devil is in the details.” Some of the details I enjoyed very much, including this nice piece by Tom Brady: La Chupacabra/Lusted for the farmer’s soul/It was delicious. Most of the poems in this book remind me of Wallace Stevens’ 13 Ways of looking at a Blackbird. They have the same, Zen-like quality. Some of the poems have an almost haiku-like effect, such as “Who Will Be Next,” by Judie Oberheuser: Chupacabra screech/Strikes terror in all who hear/Another life gone. Others have an almost whimsical tone such as this one by Juan Perez that compares the obsessions of H.P. Lovecraft with his own: Lovecraft has Cthulhu/Stoker, his Dracula/Shelley has her Frankenstein/Perez, his Chupacabra. Some of the poems strive for outright horror like this one by Judie Oberheuser which I thought sounded and smelled quite horrific: Reptilian creature/Eyes aglow unusual red/Three to four feet high/Sharp spines running down his back/Hiss and screech sulfuric stench. As Juan Manuel Perez mentioned, “El chupacabra is whatever you want to believe it is. El chupacabra has become the epitome of the Latino bestiary as much as Bigfoot or the Jersey Devil is to Americana.” I agree. And then there are references to eyes, showing character and insight such as these last two lines from “I, Chupacabra” by Juan Perez: I, Chupacabra/Staring back with vengeance. Kip Piper also focuses on eyes in this one: From the closet dark/Two, white, burning orbs appear./Chupacabra eyes. It’s the eyes that leave you as you finish this book about the Bigfoot of Latin America, this stranger at the end of the horizon, just beyond the streetlight…watching. It’s enough to make you want to read this poetry anthology from cover to cover.” --Jean Jones
“Goats of the World Beware! Juan and Malia Perez and the members of the San Angelo Writer's Club have collaborated on what is in effect a Primer for Chupacalogy and our friend the Chupacabra. Of all the Cucuys which haunt our South Texas nights, the Chupacabra is the most enigmatic. Is he myth or mammal? This anthology taps the live wire of the enigma. Juan Perez begins with history and definition giving the reader a firm foundation to launch the explosion of poetry which is the remainder of the work. Juan's work is clear and concise making easy transition to the poetry to follow. What can I say about it but...Wow! Like the small spectacular beginnings of a fireworks display, this anthology begins with the little gems of Chupaku (a Chupacabra based haiku). What follows are an ever larger homage to a goat’s worst nightmare. "Unleash Your Inner Chupacabra" is a wonderful read showing the authors' great love for their subject. He, or it, has many enthusiastic and talented fans. I hope this is but the first of many such anthologies. I even have found Chupy lurking around my poetry too. I think we need to forget the zombie apocalypse and set our sights on a Chupy apocalypse. Well done everyone.” --Peter Holland, author of
“Chupacology - the study, in any form or science, of the legend, myth and lore of the legendary chupacabra.” Juan Manuel Perez - Chupacabraista / Cryptozoologist. Mr. Perez is co-editor of the chapbook that places us in middle of a strange landscape where the only way out is through El Chupacabra. Our chupa’s influence on nine poets is the trajectory of the publication. Each poet expresses the mystery, the fear, the gonzo, the terrifying, the dread and the weirdness that is the story of the chupa. While the camaraderie of the entries is undertaken with a hint of “better you than me,” one is assured that these are only words on paper. If the real Chupacabra were to visit the participants, I am certain that different versions of these poems would have to be dealt with. What the real chupa gives all of us is the loathing that comes with the unknown in terms of horror. A deep psychological claw digs into the soul when the chupa becomes part of one’s reoccurring nightmare. The sensation of a face-to-face encounter with this creature in its own element is enough to cure anyone of all objections that come with the doubting of evident aftermaths. The creature’s seemingly shape-shifting abilities have resulted in its capacity to escape detection. It is the messy attacks of this creature that have placed the fear of the unexplained on the actions of investigators and civilians. This great “chupacabrista” anthology must be read with a tall shot of “chuquila” on the side. The “chupanitions” herein are a powerful message to all readers that dare consume its tidbits. Like El Chupacabra, the human element is ripe with mysterious underpinnings. So venture out and take a risk, enjoy this phenomenon while you wait your turn to be surprised, one day or night when you least expect it, by the likes of a true monster. Thanks to Dr. Malia Ann Perez, co-editor, and Juan Manuel Perez, the curator of all things chupacabra.” --David A. Elizondo
“I recently had a lot of fun reading the book Unleash Your Inner Chupacabra, a little anthology by the members of the San Angelo Writers’ Club. It is a delightful, whimsical, collection of poems about the elusive Chupacabra, the Latino rancheros’ and grangeros’ version of Big Foot or The Jersey Devil. The anthology is a publication inspired by award winning poet and self-proclaimed Chupacabrista/Cryptozoologist Juan Manuel Perez and is edited by Dr. Malia Ann Perez. It can easily be read in one sitting. The book playfully includes a few pages of “Chupanitions” (as in definitions) for people who feel a need to learn the vocabulary necessary to become aficionado Chupacabristas. The book does not contain a test. Although, with this remark (my apologies to everyone) I might be giving Juan Perez an idea, if he hasn’t yet considered it. Also included is a Chupacabra Oath in which you can swear to fight and defend the legend of the Chupacabra against all naysayers.The anthology contains numerous poems in different categories: Chupaku, Chupalimericks, Chuponnets, etc., by various poets and authors, some of them very accomplished. I recommend this lighthearted read honoring a very popular folklore: The legend of the Chupacabra. This rural legend will never die, not if Juan M. Perez can help it. Be sure to attend “The Ultimate Texas Chupacabra Arts Festival” October 11-12, 2013 in Uvalde, Texas. In addition, Juan is calling for submissions for a 100 poem anthology about The Chupacabra for the fall of 2014.By the way, October is Chupacabra Awareness Month, in case you were wondering. Happy reading.” --Irene Gonzalez Rosales, www.duallanguagereading.com
“Volume 1 is a very exciting book. The structure is well laid out and easy to follow. A Brief Commentary on El Chupacabra helps to put everything into perspective. Chupanitions is when the laughter really begins! The Chupanitions are excellent and help to show the thought and work that took place to create this gem. With the explanations of the Chupanitions, the poetry becomes fun to read! The Poet Biographies gives respect to the poets. After reading the book, the Chupacabra membership card brings this reading adventure to a close on a humorous note immediately forcing you to consider signing the card!” --Lea S. Lopez Fagin