Poetry. In Tato Laviera's third collection, poems build on themes of ethnic exchange and the place of the borinqueno in that greater scheme. "This performance poet's voice resonates loud and clear through forceful rhythmic variations and a complete command of both Spanish and English"--Hispania. "AMERICAN is branching out, the striking of sympathetic chords with other cultural groups on the basis of expansive Puerto Rican sounds and rhythms...He seeks to stake a claim for Puerto Rican recognition before the whole US society"--Journal of Ethnic Studies.