THE LATINA BOOK CLUB

   Atria Books, 2015 “Sometimes life comes crashing down, heavy and cold as a dead weight. ” So begins Maria Dueñas new novel, THE HEART HAS ITS REASONS.   This is the story of a woman humiliated by betrayal; running in shame; looking for a reason to survive.   It’s also the story of her rebirth; of forgiveness; and, of new resolutions. THE HEART HAS ITS REASONS is a stellar novel full of fraught, memorable characters; hidden mysteries; and sweet romance. SUMMARY:   College Professor Blanca Perea’s world comes crashing down when her husband of 25 years asks for a divorce because his girlfriend is pregnant. Humiliated and bitter, Blanca runs as far away from Madrid as she can – California.   She accepts a research grant involving an exiled Spanish writer (Fontana) who died decades earlier.   Never does she expect to become intrigued with her subject nor find herself in the middle of a mystery.   Suddenly, after spending her e...

Join the Latina Book Club this week as we feature books with strong, courageous mothers.  And remember our Book of the Month, THE CRUEL COUNTRY, another tale of the power of a mother's love.  Happy Reading.  Happy Mother's Week.         "Learn from your parents if they are still alive.   They know you best and will give you the best advice based on the mistakes they’ve made in their own lives. Listen to them with respect; they know what they’re talking about .” -- Judith Valles       As we celebrate Mothers this week, we came across this powerful tribute to a mother.   AS MY MOTHER WOULD SAY: COMO DECIA MI MAMA is a short, funny, wise 37-page book full of "dichos" -- sayings, phrases that former San Bernadino Mayor Judith Valles collected from her mother and used in her personal and professional life, and which she gladly shares with other family members, friends, colleagues, and now with us reade...

   The Latina Book Club welcomes Valerie Tejeda , a journalist turned author.   She had a dream about Marilyn Monroe and a book idea was born.   Despite her writing credits and contacts, getting published was not easy, but not impossible.   We are looking forward to her book’s debut next July.   Congratulations, Valerie! CONTEST!  Enter to win an advance readers copy of HOLLYWOOD WITCH HUNTER by visiting valerietejeda.com/showmethemagic .  Good luck! “Writing and performing have always been passions of mine, even though now I wouldn't be caught dead acting!” – Valerie Tejeda Q:   Are you a "Valley Girl?" Tell us about yourself and what you love most about living in Southern California. Well, I was born in North Hollywood, California, grew up in Burbank and spent my high school years in the Sacramento area, so I am truly a California girl!   To be honest, I love everything about Southern California! I love ...

   The Latina Book Club is proud to welcome back author Thelma T. Reyna, newly named Poet Laureate of the Altadena Library District.   We’d also like to congratulate Thelma on her new poetry collection.   We want to hear all about its debut in Italy.   Read on! Thelma T. Reyna with her Poet Laureate Award Box. Q:  Congratulations on being selected Poet Laureate.  Tell us about this honor and how it has changed your life. Thank you, Maria. I don’t know how long the Altadena Library District has had a Poet Laureate, but this year I decided to answer a call for applications. Once chosen, I was surprised to learn that 12 poets had applied! It was pretty competitive, with a detailed application form. We also had to submit five poems, a bibliography of our publications or a resume, and a description of how we’re active in the community regarding poetry and literary events. A select committee reviewed all the applications and made their choice...