The Calling (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9781966337089)

The Calling is a compelling coming-of-age story that follows Guillermo Tierra, a young Chicano man determined to join the Marine Corps after dropping out of high school and spending time in a juvenile detention center. Focused on turning his life around, Tierra sees the military as a path to purpose and redemption. However, when unexpected obstacles prevent him from enlisting, he is forced to reevaluate his future and make a life-altering decision. The narrative dives deep into Tierra's internal and external struggles as he navigates the consequences of his past, the weight of his identity, and the uncertain road ahead. Through vivid storytelling, the audience is brought into the many layers of Tierra's world-his family, his community, and the cultural forces that shape him. As his journey unfolds, Tierra is challenged to define who he is beyond the roles society has assigned him. The Calling explores powerful themes of identity, resilience, and transformation, shedding light on the experiences of Chicano youth in America. Through Guillermo's journey, readers witness the strength it takes to reclaim one's future when the path forward is anything but clear.