A celebration of CHamoru cultural identity through poetry takes center stage as University of Guam Press announces the launch of "Signs of Being" by C.T. Perez.

"Signs of Being" is a collection of poetry, prose, and commentary that explores CHamoru identity through ec(h)o literature, a style that interprets natural signs as echoes from ancestors.

“It's an effort to reach that level of expression of what is in the heart and the soul of a terminal being,” said Perez. “I'm facing closer to passing than I am to living. I've lived more than half my life and I'm quite comfortable saying that. It's beautiful to age. It's hard. It's a challenge, but we could say the same for CHamoru people—that we survived the many challenges and struggles, but we also are in the joy of life and the joy of being.”

The book is the final title in UOG Press’s Famalao’an Poets Project, supported by a grant from the Poetry Foundation to amplify CHamoru women’s voices.

The launch event will be held on Friday, Dec. 13, at the Guam Museum from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. 

The public is invited to enjoy a poetry reading, interactive displays, and refreshments.

“Signs of Being” is available for pre-order online at uogpress.com, nyupress.org, and Amazon, and in-store at UOG Press for $20. The book will be made available at local bookstores following the launch.