These twelve essays by scholars, writers and artists considers the self in Chicano and Latino cultures, and how their perceptions of self and its role affects their work. They approach the subjects of exile and going home, home and work, family, and testifying by sharing memories of first learning English and white culture, what they thought of their parents' role in culture in the past and how they perceive it now, how family secrets that transcend culture still become involved in it, how life as a Chicano/Latino is confined or liberated by conflicts in culture, how machismo is machismo, sometimes, how finding a kindred spirit in print can save a life, and how professions can be created or broken on perceptions of others. Field reports from the classroom and the US Hispanic market are included, along with a bibliography of autobiography and personal essays in Spanish and English. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)