With his latest collection of poems entitled "American Jesus," poet Richard Vargas continues to explore the same themes and concerns from his first book, "McLife"the spectrum of three high and low points in a Chicano man s existence. The poems are candid and, at times, brutally honest. Relationships, sex, politics, religion, and the mundane reality of work are presented in the belief that poetry and art in general can establish a common ground between us while maintaining our individual identity and personal validity.
"American Jesus" veers into a more prevalent political awareness only...

"Richard Vargas is one of the best Chicano poets writing today, a voice for all as he explores the predicaments of the modern world with tenderness and fury. His is a voice we can rely on as we make our way forward to that place of mystery where, despite everything, survival seems possible as we join in the poet's song." - Demetria Martinez, author of Breathing Between The Lines, The Devil's Workshop, and 2013 American Book Award winner The Block Captain's Daughter