*Burro Genius: A Memoir* by Victor Villaseor is a powerful and deeply moving autobiography about overcoming adversity. More than just a memoir, its a searing indictment of a flawed educational system and a celebration of Chicano culture. Villaseor, a now-celebrated author, recounts his harrowing childhood experiences battling undiagnosed dyslexia in a 1940s American school system that punished him for not speaking English and failing to understand concepts others grasped easily. Often beaten and labeled “dumb,” young Victor struggled to maintain his sense of self-worth. This isn’t a tale of woe, but of fierce determination. *Burro Genius* showcases Villaseor’s relentless pursuit of his dream to become a writer, fueled by the rich storytelling tradition and unwavering love of his Mexican-American family. He vividly portrays the sights, sounds, and struggles of his community, offering a rare glimpse into a specific time and place in American history. Later diagnosed with severe dyslexia at 44, he found validation and understanding. This touching and ultimately triumphant story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and a must-read for anyone interested in memoirs, education, Chicano/Latino studies, and overcoming learning differences. This impactful paperback edition published by Rayo contains 352 pages that invites readers to reflect on cultural identity, educational reform, and the power of perseverance.
Burro Genius: A Memoir
22,87 $
In stock
Standing at the podium, Victor Villaseor looked at the group of educators amassed before him, and his mind flooded with childhood memories of humiliation and abuse at the hands of his teachers. He became enraged. With a pounding heart, he began to speak of these incidents. When he was through, to his great disbelief he received a standing ovation. Many in the audience could not contain their own tears.
So begins the passionate, touching memoir of Victor Villaseor. Highly gifted and imaginative as a child, Villaseor coped with an untreated learning disability (he was finally diagnosed, at the age of forty-four, with extreme dyslexia) and the frustration of growing up Latino in an English-only American school in the 1940s. Despite teachers who beat him because he could not speak English, Villaseor clung to his dream of one day becoming a writer. He is now considered one of the premier writers of our time.
