When My Brother Was an Aztec

Haunting Poetry about Mojave Family Life

The cover of this book of poetry says it al: otherworldly, remote, both modern and ancient, a juxtaposition of religions and culture, with family and Christianity hanging in the background. Diaz writes of the trauma to her family due to her brother's meth addiction, compounded by the resident ache from the historic mistreatment of Native peoples... Dark themes of dismemberment and cages appear, from her diabetic grandmother's amputated legs to how her brother's addiction continues to rip her family apart. Heartbreakingly honest and authentic,