THE LATINA BOOK CLUB

   T he Latina Book Club loves libraries. Libraries are magical places full of miles and miles of wondrous books that transported readers of all ages to different cities, countries, even galaxies. Libraries are great places to visit and see science exhibits and art shows, and play computer games. But, best of all, readers can borrow books from their local library – dozens of books, hundreds of books – and take them home to read at their own pace. This Summer, kids of all ages can take part in the Summer Reading Challenge offered by the New York Public Libraries in all boroughs. The challenge is to read every day. Whether it’s a fiction novel, memoir, comic book, how to book or DIY project, read at least 20-minutes each day.  Readers can also read in all languages – English, Spanish, Chinese, French, et al.  There are even braille and talking books for the blind.  For more information, visit the NYPL program by clicking here . ...

      Book Expo America earlier this month was a fun and maddening adventure into the world of books.  It was great to meet authors, editors, illustrators and other industry professionals.  Not all booths were as diverse as they should have been, but all were sources of information, especially on upcoming books.  Below are 15 books that were getting good buzz at BEA.  Some you can read now, others you’ll have to mark your calendars for their upcoming release.   Happy Summer, Happy Reading! --Maria 15 BOOKS FOR THIS SUMMER & FALL ANCIENT EARTH JOURNAL: THE EARLY CRETACEOUS by Juan Carlos Alonso & Gregory S. Paul (science) – Walter Foster Jr. --Outstanding class room text books and great coffee art book! --Great descriptive narrative and detailed illustrations will entrance kids of all ages.  Plus, this book is “backed by the research of one of paleontology's most acclaimed theorists, giving the book ...

      Mayra Calvani is a prolific writer. This author-journalist-book reviewer writes everything from paranormals to romances to women’s fiction to children’s books.  She has two books out now that are complete opposites. One is dark; one is light. One is supernatural; one is normal. Both are page turners and will keep you on the edge of your seat! And, both are available now at amazon.com.  Download them today and get started on your summer reading! DARK LULLABY By Mayra Calvani Amazon Digital Services At a trendy Turkish tavern one Friday night, astrophysicist Gabriel Diaz meets a mysterious young woman. Captivated by her beauty as well as her views on good and evil, he spends the next several days with her. Soon, however, he begins to notice a strangeness in her–her skin’s abnormally high temperature, her obsession with milk products, her child-like and bizarre behavior as she seems to take pleasure in toying with his conscience. The you...

   La Casa Azul Bookstore opened it's doors on Friday, June 1 for a weekend celebration.  Authors, neighbors, friends and contributors were all treated to a weekend of readings, signings and fun. The Latina Book Club has been a long-time supporter of Aurora and La Casa Azul Bookstore, and we are glad to finally be able to "sit" with her for a chat.   Welcome, Aurora!    Our goal is to create a community center in East Harlem for both readers and writers, to create a place where reading, writing and creative expression is encouraged, and a place where ideas, curiosity and community spirit are celebrated. --Aurora Anaya-Cerda  How does it feel to finally have your dream come true of a physical bookstore? Photo by Laura Booth, 2012 A feeling of gratitude for being fortunate enough to do what I love, mixed with a sense of accomplishment, topped with happiness & sprinkled with pride. Telemundo was filming you as yo...

The Latina Book Club is Celebrating Men this month, and we are honored to welcome author Torrey Maldonado as a Guest Blogger.  Torrey will be talking about Fathers and how their absence affects everyone.  Happy Reading, and as always, Read Latino. "Your father’s dead. He's gone." That's what my mother told me over the phone. I didn’t know how to feel. My father was absent for so much of our lives. Wasn't he already “gone” to us? Yet, here I was experiencing his real death. The kid in me suddenly wanted him back to give us what he never had: his full and fully positive presence. True to the song, my “poppa was a rolling stone.” He regularly disappeared for years and, during his absence, I didn’t know him. When he returned, my mom let him stay with us and I didn’t know him. He often disappeared into the streets, came home, and disappeared into his bedroom. From my first day of daycare to my first gray hair, he spent more time outside with guy-friends and ...

        Congratulations and a big round of applause to my 9-year old niece, Joliz Maria, for reading One Million Words this summer. As a result, she and 19 of her fellow school mates won the Connecticut Governor’s Award of Excellence. It is a big honor and a huge accomplishment. Her parents, brothers, grandmother and I couldn’t be more proud. Joliz has always been a good reader. When she graduated from kindergarten, she was the narrator for the school graduation play and she was only 6! She reads half an hour every day. Something her parents and I endorse whole heartedly. Of course, I am adding English books by Latino authors to her growing reading pile. The first, THE DREAMER by Pam Munoz Ryan, an illustrated story about Pablo Neruda’s childhood. She loved it, and we had our own mini-book club discussion. I am looking for other age appropriate books by Latino authors. I welcome all suggestions. And to all other budding readers out there… Rea...

CONGRATULATIONS TO AUTHOR MARGO CANDELA!!  Her novel, GOOD-BYE TO ALL THAT, has just been selected by Los Angeles Magazine as the "Best Beach Read" for it's Best of L.A . issue, on newsstands through August. It's the ONLY BOOK to have garnered that distinction this year. Los Angeles magazine called GOOD-BYE TO ALL THAT "witty," "breezy" and "tantalizing." The book is available at Borders and Barnes & Noble stores nationwide, and at Amazon.com. To learn more about Margo, please visit her website at:   http://www.margocandela.com/ For The Latina Book Club's own Summer Reading List, click here . Happy Summer.  Happy Reading. READ LATINO.  --mcf

I have compiled all the books recommended during the May Book Giveaway.  I've even added a little tag line to help you go through the selections.  The books are in alphabetical order by author.   Happy Reading!--mcf Daughter of Fortune by Isabel Allende Historical novel set in Chile mid-1800s about how a woman’s search for her lost love leads to a journey of self-discovery. The House Of Spirits by Isabel Allende Saga about a proud passionate family, the Truebas. The Island Beneath the Sea by Isabel Allende Historical novel about slavery from Haiti to Cuba to New Orleans. Evenings at the Argentine Club by Julia Amante Childhood friends fall in love in Southern California. Little Nuggets of Wisdom By Chuy Bravo, Tom Brunelle He may be short, but Chuy has tall Hollywood tales to tell and "little nuggets" of advice on finances, friendship and fashion. A hoot. Goodbye to All That by Margo Candela Heroine struggles to juggle work and family. A ...