MEMOIR

No Country for Eight-Spot Butterflies: A Lyric Essay

by Julian Aguon
Astra House. Sept. 2022. 128p. ISBN 9781662601637. $23. MEMOIR
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Aguon’s (The Properties of Perpetual Light) engaging book is a moving and impassioned read for anyone interested in world politics and environmental issues. This collection of essays, personal stories, speeches, and prose shines a light on the struggles of Guam, nuclear warfare, and global warming. In the title essay, Aguon, an Indigenous lawyer and activist from Guam, discusses the United States’ militarization and colonization of his home country. He also discusses the history of Guam’s struggles and provides an overview of current events in “Birthday Cake Means Birthdays,” “The Gift Anne Gave Me,” and “Reflections While Driving.” The author thoroughly describes the history of atrocities his country has been through and their current conflicts. While there are serious themes in this book, there is also plenty of hope.
VERDICT This short read packs a great deal of heart and promise for readers. Aguon has written both an informational and philosophical book that will please readers interested in environmental and political issues.
Reviewed by Anna Kallemeyn , Aug 01, 2022
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