When i opened up the book I had zero expectations because i had never heard of this author. As I started reading I found myself laughing out loud. I nervously looked around to check if anyone was around. Its that kind of book. As a mexican I found I had alot of things in common with many parts of this book. I feel very strongly that all latinos will be able to relate with some or most of this book's content. I really recommend this book to everyone. If you are not a latino or chicano you will be able to enjoy a slice of my culture as well as the culture of chicanos. I would frequently show tidbits of the book to my friends. This book has the right mixture of humor, inside jokes, facts, and deals with some serious issues. A book to be read more than once.

Drink Cultura is a collection of mini-autobiographical essays (26 total) about life as a Chicano in El Paso, Texas. The author tells us about his personal life, and about his personal observations concerning Chicano culture. In "Pinatas" he writes a brief history about the Pinata, and how it has evolved since then. In "The Motherland" he writes about the term Chicano, and how the connotation attached has changed over time. "The Joy of Jalapenos" was a hysterical piece about the jalapeno, and the author's 'addiction' to the spicy chiles. He's poignant, insightful, and witty. The book is so funny I found myself laughing out loud on more than one occassion. Regardless of your own race, this book really hits your funny bone. If you're not Chicano/a, this is a good start towards learning about Chicano/a life, and if you are, you'll be able to relate to a lot of the stories. I highly recommend this book. c/s

Burciaga's very well written book brought many dormant memories to my husband and me. We, in many ways, lived the incidences he described in the book. It is an excellent book for many of us who also grew up during those times in "el chuko," and it is even a better history lesson to our children who never experienced the early chicano life. The vivid language and visions invoked in us the memory of the smells and the sights of that era which we will never see again.

Chock full of tidbits from everyday Chicano life. A very cool book full of cool info. A must for every Chicano or those who are interested in the Chicano life.