From the Borderlands to the Bookshelves: Why Border Citizen Is the Story We All Need Right Now

Border Citizen by Ralph Inzunza is a groundbreaking young adult fiction novel and the debut publication of Xopan Books, a new imprint of SDSU Press. Set against the backdrop of the 1980s civil rights movement, the story follows Carlos Reyes, a determined teen growing up in Santa Ysabel, a small town in the United States-Mexico borderlands. Carlos comes from a family deeply involved in Chicanos en la Frontera, witnessing firsthand the discrimination and challenges faced by his community.

When a close family friend, Jesus “Chucho” Davila—his best friend’s older cousin—is unjustly murdered by local police, Carlos realizes that traditional methods of picketing and protesting aren’t enough. Fueled by anger and a desire for justice, he takes bold action. His determination inspires his father to run for City Council, and despite the challenges of high school life, Carlos throws himself into the campaign. Balancing local politics, personal struggles, and his fight for justice, Carlos embarks on a journey of resilience and hope.

Author Ralph Inzunza brings authenticity and passion to Border Citizen, drawing from his own life experiences. Born and raised along the United States-Mexico border, Inzunza grew up in a politically active family and was deeply influenced by the Chicano Movement. While pursuing his undergraduate degree in Political Science at San Diego State University, he became a prominent member of MEChA, a student organization dedicated to cultural awareness and political activism. Later, he earned a Master’s degree in Latin American Studies and served as a City Council member in 2001, representing a district with a significant Latino population.

After leaving his political career, Inzunza discovered a love for writing. His deep commitment to justice and advocacy for underserved Latino communities continues to inspire his work. With Border Citizen, he delivers a powerful and poignant story that resonates with readers of all ages.

Buy direct from Xopan Books!

or Buy via Amazon

Published December 2023

San Diego State University Press

Paperback: 200 pages

ISBN-10 : 1938537629

ISBN-13 ‏: ‎ 978-1938537622

The Art and Science of Humor: What Sickness, Suffering, and Death Walk into a Bar Teaches Us

 

“Laughter is powerless over death, that much is true, but maybe it has some power over life.”

     — Ricardo Araújo Pereira

In Sickness, Suffering, and Death Walk into a Bar, Ricardo Araújo Pereira explores the essence of humor—what makes it work, why it matters, and how it transcends boundaries. Drawing from sources like the Bible, political science, rhetoric, and the history and philosophy of humor, Pereira dissects comedic strategies with brilliance and wit. He connects figures such as Charlie Chaplin and Jacques Tati, Machado de Assis and Franz Kafka, Fernando Pessoa and Mark Twain, and even the Bible and Greek mythology, demonstrating that humor is a universal art form understood across linguistic, regional, and political divides.

Taking a humanistic approach, Pereira showcases his vast knowledge of humor through deep analysis and insightful theories. While Sickness, Suffering, and Death Walk into a Bar won’t teach you to write Pereira-level jokes, it offers a fascinating look at comedy's anatomy, leaving readers with a profound appreciation for its power and complexity.

Since the early 2000s, Pereira has been a beloved humorist in Portugal, amassing a loyal fanbase. His career evolved from communication and media to journalism and scriptwriting for renowned comedians. He became a household name with Gato Fedorento (Smelly Cat), a comedy show that gained a cult following and solidified Pereira as its standout star.

After Gato Fedorento ended its five-year run, Pereira continued to expand his comedic influence. He wrote humorous columns for Brazilian and Portuguese newspapers, created social media content, and participated in political debates—all while maintaining his absurdist, satirical, and playful style of humor. His dedication to finding outlets for his creativity has made him one of the most versatile voices in comedy today.

"This is my hypothesis: humor, or a sense of humor, is, in truth, a special way of looking at things and thinking about them. It’s rare, not because it is the gift offered only to a chosen few, but because this way of seeing and reasoning is quite different from what is conventional—sometimes it's just the opposite. Most people are not interested in relating to the world that way, or they can’t afford that luxury. We are trained to know what things are, not to waste time investigating what they seem to be, or what they could be."

— Ricardo Araújo Pereira 

Buy from Amazon

Published August 8, 2024

San Diego State University Press

Paperback: 102 pages

ISBN-10 : 1938537696

ISBN-13 : 978-1938537691