Brando Skyhourse to speak at Cuesta today.
Photo courtesy of Brando Skyhorse

By Oliver Fend
Staff Writer

The author of the novel “The Madonnas of Echo Park,” Brando Skyhorse, will be speaking at Cuesta Performing Arts Center, and Dallons Hall on North County later this month.

“Take This Man” is a memoir of Skyhorse’s youth, in which he recounts abandonment by his father who was sent to prison at a young age. His identity as a Mexican American was hidden from him by his mother who raised him to believe he was Native American. As he was forced to evaluate his true identity, Brando underwent an epic journey of reclaiming his identity and heritage that was kept secret from him since his childhood.

Part of the College Success Studies 225 curriculum, Brando’s novel The Madonnas of Echo Park explores the immigrant communities of Echo Park in central Los Angeles, the same community where he grew up presented in a series of interconnected stories from different perspectives that intersect in various ways.

“Students should have the opportunity to meet those who study, it makes their work more approachable as it also is something that students can connect with on a personal level,” said Matthew Davis, English professor at Cuesta.

The event that is taking place has been entirely conceived by accident, after his initial appearance in March was cancelled. Brando was passing through the area for his speaking tour, and agreed to speak at Cuesta for a discounted fee.

“I would recommend either of his books to all sorts of people … We all have our own story of echo park,” Davis said.

Skyhorse will be at Cuesta College for the reading, a Q&A, and a book signing on Oct. 26, 5 to 7 p.m. at the Cuesta Performing Arts Center, and Dallons Hall on the north county campus from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm.

The event is free to students and general admission tickets are $10 and can be purchased at cpstickets.cuesta.edu.