Hi Everyone!
I'm excited to present my first newsletter. I've wanted to have a
way to communicate monthly with readers for ages and haven't had the opportunity
(read: time) to do it. Until now! I hope you enjoy it and will
give my your input and thoughts on how to improve it, what you'd like to
know about, and what you're interested in seeing. This newsletter
is for YOU so don't be shy about communicating with me.
MARCELA’S LIST OF 10
Marcela, the main character of BECOMING LATINA IN 10 EASY STEPS,
makes a list of 10 things she can do to become a better Latina--this
to please her family. So, I decided the first article you will read each
month will be a list of 10, and it will be something fun.
This month I decided I would share with you the 10 best books I read
this summer. They are not necessarily listed in the order of my preference,
just as I remember reading them.
1.Unsettling
by Lynda Sandoval
Fun, hilarious, great characters and wonderful storytelling. Can’t ask
for more than that. I love characters that jump out of a book and seem
real. Lynda’s characters do. Will make you want to call up you girlfriends
and go on a trip together. |
2.
Ain’t She Sweet
by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
Again, awesome characterization. I LOVED the heroine. This book
was so good, I’m currently reading it again. I barely have time to read
books once, so this says a lot for this book. And for anyone who’s ever
read SEP, you’ll understand why – she’s just the best. |
3.The Nerd Who Loved Me
by Vicki Lewis Thompson
Funny and cute. Since I love nerds...ah, I mean intelligent, competent,
trustworthy, and handsome men, I loved this book. |
4. Time Off For Good Behavior
by Lani Diane Rich
(who won the RITA for this book)
You can probably tell by now that I like spunky heroines. I kept reading
just to see what this character would do next. Yikes--this girl has serious
issues. And this author has a wonderful voice. |
5. Ash Wednesday
by Ethan Hawke
Yes, that Ethan Hawke--the actor. My husband bought me this book because
he knows how much I love this guy. I didn’t know he could actually write.
Really enjoyed this book. Wonderful descriptions--not quite literary, but
not commercial fiction either. Sort of a slice of life book. |
6. Body Double
by Vicki Hinze
I have to say, that I like most of the Silhouette Bombshell books. They
are all extremely well written and probably should be published outside
of a “line”. But Vicki’s Body Double was one of my favorites
from the line. Suspenseful, interesting concept, great writing. A close
second was Code Name: Dove by Judith Leon – but I didn’t
read that one this summer. |
7. Learning To Sing
by Clay Aiken
Yes, I’m listing this one to please my mother who travels the United
States to see Clay in concert. However, I really did enjoy Clay’s book.
I love to read about success stories and people achieving their dreams
despite modest beginnings. Gives me some hope. |
8. Buddah Mom
by Jacqueline Kramer
This book taught me things like slaving over three healthy meals a day
in my kitchen is really a good thing. I’m nurturing my family’s body and
spiritual life. Creating a peaceful and beautiful place for my family to
grow in is an art and something they will one day appreciate as they become
centered, loving human beings. Enough said. |
9. The Book of Latina Women:
150 Vidas of Passion, Strength, and Success by Sylvia Mendoza
The only thing wrong with this book is that I’m not listed--just kidding.
What a great, jam packed, informative book! Gives you a glimpse into so
many amazing women and makes you want to go find out more. Great reference,
especially for anyone who is a librarian or teacher. Excellent for teen
Latina girls so that they can see what is possible in life. |
10. You Fat Is NOT Your Fault
by Carol Simontacchi, C.C.N., M.S
.
Thank God someone finally said it!
I recommend all of these. The each added something to my life, and because
I want to add something to your life, I will choose five of these books
to give away in my contest. See CONTEST below. Good luck.
|
CONTEST
The good news is that if you are receiving this newsletter, you are
automatically entered into this month’s contest. I will randomly select
five winners to receive one of the books from Marcela’s List of 10.
The bad news is you do not get to choose the book. I’ll see if I can get
a few of the authors to autograph their books (if anyone out there is tight
with Clay or especially Ethan feel free to send them my way--heck, I’ll
make the time to talk to those boys), and I’ll decide this month which
books I will give away. If you know of any friends, relatives, or neighbors
who might want to participate in the contest, direct them to my website
and there will be a navigational link leading them to the contest page.
WEBSITE UPDATES
The news section has been updated under the Meet Lara link and I have some
info on my current work in progress BECOMING AMERICANA--and
a question for you--so check it out.
 |
BECOMING LATINA
IN TEN EASY STEPS
Bookmarks have come in! If you’d like one for yourself or a few to give
away, send me a note
(with your address, please) and I’ll mail them to you. They came out great,
and the cover is now growing on me. Some of my Latina friends didn’t think
the cover represented us too well, but the colors really stand out and
it gives the impression that it will be a fun story--something I’m hoping
you will agree it is when you read it. |
Berkley Publishing -- January 2006
|
|
