THE LATINA BOOK CLUB

Best wishes for a Happy, Healthy 2010!  May it be filled with lots of great books.  Happy Reading and Happy New Year! -- Maria

http://www.eastharlemcafe.com/ Address:  1651 Lexington Avenue (corner of 104th Street), New York NY Tel: 212-996-2080 Proprietor / Moderator: Michelle Cruz Email: rsvp@eastharlemcafe.com This is a cute and intimate cafe right on the heart of Harlem.  The cafe has frequent events, including art shows (the mosaics are breathtaking!), guest lectures, author signings and a monthly bookclub.  Their Latino book club meets the third Wednesday of each month from 6:00-8:00pm.  The Book Club is about 20 members strong.  December's book is DAUGHTERS OF THE STONE by Dahlma Llanos-Figueroa.  All are welcome. REVIEW FROM AMAZON.COM:    "A lyrical, powerful debut novel about a family of Afro–Puerto Rican women, spanning five generations, detailing their physical and spiritual journey from the Old World to the New."

Book By Pat Mora Illustrated by Magaly Morales A Latin Baby Book Club Recommendation A wonderfully imaginative story based on the popular song, The Twelve Days of Christmas, A Piñata in a Pine Tree follows a sweet little girl who receives fantastic gifts from her secret amiga. From dos pastelitos to seis trompos girando to ocho pajaritos serenando, this book does a great job of putting a Latin twist on the traditional Anglo carol. And the surprise ending will tie the story together nicely. The book is written with both English and Spanish text interwoven together. Geared for more advanced speakers, the terminology is complex not simple, but readers have been given a glossary for reference in the back. Morales’ illustrations are bold, beautiful and full of movement. The gifts are introduced in vibrant colors and depicted in a way that they practically jump off each page to embrace the reader. It is impossible not to finish reading this book without wanting to start over aga

Believe it or not, it's December already.  Time for good cheer and holiday shopping.  And, if you are looking for books to stuff in your stockings, here are some great choices.   Merry Navidad & Feliz New Year! --Maria FOR THE COMADRES, COMPADRES & FRIEND BOOK CLUB: LAS CHRISTMAS: Favorite Latino Authors Share Their Holiday Memories by Esmeralda Santiago y Joie Davidow FOR THE ELLA BOOK CLUB: NOTORIOUS by Michele Martinez Book 4 in her suspense series FOR THE LATINO BABY CLUB: RENE HAS TWO LAST NAMES by Rene Colato Lainez in Spanish and English