Not Enough, Too Much by Andrea Hernandez Holm
Not Enough, Too Much is a poetic exploration of Mexicana identity in the U.S.-Mexico Borderlands. Holm grapples with issues of uncertainty that arise from her experiences of living in the Borderlands as a Mexicana displaced from the homelands of her families, and often feeling disconnected from heritage languages and traditions. The disruption of relationships to place, language, and ceremony spurred by movement across territory and exacerbated by laws and policies are subtle at times, striking at others. The poems reveal how such disruptions can create insecurities that seep into sense of self and belonging. But the seeds of family, home, and tradition remain and Holm finds identity as a Mexicana is made stronger in the navigation of these obstacles. In the end, the connection to place and belonging remains strong and is a healing force.
Andrea Hernandez Holm is a desert storyteller, poet, and scholar. She was a 2014 featured poet of the Stjukshon Indigenous reading series at Casa Libre en la Solana and 2011 Indigenous Poets and Writers Exhibit at Arizona State University. Most recently, her poems have appeared in Power of the Storm: Indigenous Voices, Visions, and Determination, Anacua Literary Arts Journal: Migrations, Caja de Resistencia: Revista de poesía crítica, and Soñadores—We Came to Dream. Her poetry is also included in the award-winning anthology, Poetry of Resistance: Voices for Social Justice. Andrea is the first graduate of the doctoral studies program in the Mexican American Studies Department at the University of Arizona, and also holds masters degrees in in Mexican American Studies and American Indian Studies as well. Andrea's research focus is writing, storytelling, and knowledge-keeping. Andrea is also a writing specialist and has assisted emerging and established writers in developing their voices for 20 years. Born and raised in the desert of central Arizona, Andrea’s writing focuses on the exploration of identity. She lives in Tucson with her husband and sons, and is blessed to be near family and friends.