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BOOK REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: THE GIRLS FROM THE REVOLUTIONARY CANTINA

By M.Padilla
Thomas Dunne Book
St. Martin’s Griffin


I actually have three best friends and, unlike the “Girls at the Revolutionary Cantina,” we are separated by distance. Tania lives in California, Anne lives in Pennsylvania, while Joanna resides in Puerto Rico. Our friendship thrives thanks to Ma Bell and the internet. I only see them (separately) about once a year, but we make that one visit count!

The “Girls at the Revolutionary Cantina” are together constantly, which can be good and bad.  Here’s my review of this wonderful debut novel:



Padilla’s debut novel is funny, poignant, absorbing and hysterical. It’s about friendship, lovers, careers, self discovery, murder and Hollywood. Readers will laugh, cry and gasp at the shenanigans of these senoritas. Padilla does a great job at creating believable, likeable characters with witty dialogue and larger-than-life situations.

SUMMARY: Nothing rips apart a long-standing friendship faster than a man. Julia Juarez and Ime Benevides have been inseparable since grade school that is until they both fall for Julia’s new co-worker Ilario. Sadden by the split with Ime, Julia turns to their other friends for comfort –Conception, a “party-obsessed” dance instructor; Marta, owner of the Revolutionary Cantina; and Nina, a skittish bride-to-be. Suddenly, Julia’s life is out of control and out of her hands!  Poor Julia.  She must quickly learn that friendships can only go so far before self-preservation kicks in.


WHO IS YOUR BEST FRIEND?!  Please leave a comment on this blog about the author, the book or friendships in general. One lucky commentator will win a FREE copy of this book. Winner announced Monday, July 19.


This book was provided by the publisher.

Comments

Mayra Calvani said…
I had him yesterday on Latino Books Examiner. I haven't read the book, but I love funny books--good for the health! :-)
Native NYer said…
I'll have to check it out. I hope to interview him as well soon. Great minds think alike. ---mcf
Benita said…
Friendships may have their difficult moments, but they are to be treasured. There is nobody in the world like a good friend.

bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com
traveler said…
Thanks for this lovely post. Friendships are the most important and cherished ingredients in our lives. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com
petite said…
This book looks wonderful. Without friends our lives would be sad and empty. rojosho(at)hotmail(dot)com
Caridad Pineiro said…
Good friends are truly more valuable than wealth or fame. My best friend is my daughter and I couldn't ask for a more supportive person in my life.
Elise said…
I will talk about friendship. I was lucky enough to have a best friend since the day I was born - my twin sister. We are so close and have never turned our backs on one another. We always confide in each other and our love and strong bond is unbreakable. I couldn't have asked for a better friend and sister.
caliblue7 at gmail dot com
herblady said…
I miss having friends. It's easy when you have young kids; you meet all the other parents. But when you get older it's not as easy, especially when you're disabled and stuck in the house all the time. Maybe this book could give me the feeling of friendship again. :)