Woman in Front of the Sun: On Becoming a Writer
This collection of essays and poetry tells of Cofer's love of language and how she became a writer. Born in Puerto Rico, she came to the mainland as a child. Since then, she has struggled with being torn between two cultures and, more recently, with finding time for writing while balancing her family and teaching career. Cofer (English and creative writing, Univ. of Georgia; Silent Dancing: A Partial Remembrance of a Puerto Rican Childhood) uses cuentos, or stories, that have served her as inspiration, and she points out how they speak to everyone. Especially noteworthy is "The Woman Who Slept with One Eye Open." Here Cofer shows metaphorically how the artist must use ingenious means to avoid or outsmart anything or anyone who keeps her from realizing her creative power. Cofer writes with conviction and power, encouraging all whom aspire to writing or creative endeavor to pursue their dream with energy and dedication. This book will be useful in creative writing classes and for those who would like to write but cannot find the time and energy. Recommended for public and academic libraries. [The story cited here also inspired the title for an anthology Cofer coedited, Sleeping with One Eye Open: Women Writers and the Art of Survival, LJ 11/15/99.DEd.]DNancy R. Ives, SUNY at Genese.-DNancy R. Ives, SUNY at GeneseoCopyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.