Author and doctoral student, Jesse De La Cruz, will read from his memoir, Detoured: My Journey from Darkness to Light, which chronicles his life of poverty, his “detour” into crime, and effort to transform his life through education and service. De La Cruz will speak on Wednesday, February 28, 2013 from 5:00 to 7:00 at the Fathers & Families of San Joaquin offices located at 338 E Market St., Stockton, Ca 95202. No tickets are required, and admission is free.
Published in August of this year, De La Cruz’s memoir has been praised by a number of important writers. Jimmy Santiago Baca, winner of the Pushcart Prize and the American Book Award, has called Detoured: …a story told by a mature storyteller, and the reason the story is so important is that it’s a template for understanding so many of the ills plaguing society today. He gives us a lens to look through, that is, his lived experience is laden with recipes and solutions to our societal Dilemma. His memoir addresses Chicano/Mexican culture, the disastrous prison mess we find ourselves in, racism, crime, family, and education.
De La Cruz’s memoir is not a story of unrelieved darkness. Luis I. Rodriguez has called Detoured one of those “compelling stories” ,the kind that redeem, bring us home, and teach us that all people have transformative qualities if given half a chance.
The book is available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. De La Cruz, currently a doctoral student at California State University, Stanislaus, has been speaking at a number of California campuses over the last several weeks. The general public is cordially invited to attend Mr. De La Cruz’s lecture and reading.
Fathers & Families of San Joaquin is a progressive, solutions orientated organization that focuses on youth empowerment, family strengthening, and healthy communities. We look forward to bringing the community together February 28th for a positive social activity. If you have any questions about the event or want additional information, please call Renee Garcia at (209)941-0701 (
[email protected]).
Event:
Literacy Circle with Host Jesse De La Cruz
Date:
Thursday, February 28, 2013 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Where:
Fathers & Families of San Joaquin Youth and Family Empowerment Center
338 E. Market St. Downtown Stockton