UOG Press launches CHamoru author’s 2nd novel

Juanit author Chris Perez Howard. (UNIVERSITY OF GUAM PRESS)

The University of Guam Press will be launching Juanit, its second book by acclaimed CHamoru author Chris Perez Howard this Friday, July 28, from 4pm to 6pm at the Hagåtña Public Library. The event will be open to the public and there will be free refreshments.

Juanit is a young adult novel that tells the story of a young girl of mixed ancestry who is uprooted from her home in Guam. When a series of painful events lead her back to the island, she must learn how to make peace with both sides of her identity.

The novel is inspired by the experiences of Howard and two of his friends during the period in which the novel takes place.

“At an early age, I was aware that I was of mixed ancestry. In my youth, when someone would question my identity, I told them I was ‘half-American and half-Guamanian,’” writes Howard in the book’s preface. “It took me a long time to understand that neither term defined me. Today, if someone asks me, I tell them that I am CHamoru.”

The novel also explores themes that may be unsettling to some readers, such as sexual abuse, teen pregnancy, drug use, and the loss of a parent.

“While these themes may be hard to talk about, it’s important that we do not shy away from them,” said UOG Press publicist Via De Fant. “It’s through critical discussions of hard topics that we can strengthen communities and bridge gaps, especially with our youth. We invite people to join us at this special launch to learn more about Juanit and its importance in the literary community.”

The book is available for a pre-sale price of $15.

A flyer shows the cover of Juanit. (UNIVERSITY OF GUAM PRESS)

Howard’s first novel, Mariquita– Revisited, will also be available for purchase at the launch. The book, tragic and tender with its honesty, chronicles the resilience of Howard’s mother during the waning days of World War II. It is considered one of the most widely read novels about the wartime experience in Guam.

Patrons can purchase Juanit and Mariquita—Revisited for a special bundle price of $27.

Juanit is available for purchase online at https://uogpress.com/product/juanit/, as well as at bookstores on the island, including Bestseller and the Triton Store.

About the UOG Press

The University of Guam Press publishes an array of academic and literary books and journals with a specific focus on the unique history, environment, peoples, cultures, and languages of the islands that make up the Western Pacific region. Visit uogpress.com to learn more about them and browse their wide selection of local art and literature. (UOG)