A busy time

The last month has been a whirlwind, taking me from Ohio to Los Angeles and then to Naples, Florida. I returned with an international book award ... and the joy of seeing familiar faces after more than forty years at my high school reunion. The details:

America Libre wins International Latino Book Award
Last February I had the privilege of having America Libre nominated by Rueben Martinez of Libreria Martinez for the International Latino Book Awards. The nomination alone was an honor, coming from someone who has hosted virtually every leading Latino author in his landmark Santa Ana, California bookstore and is widely recognized for his efforts at promoting reading and literacy among Latino youth. With the awards ceremony drawing near, I received an additional thrill: being chosen as a presenter in the Non-Fiction English category.

Shortly after completing my stint as presenter I was called back to the stage. To my amazement and delight, America Libre had been selected as the winner in the Novel–Adventure or Drama–English category.

The significance of this award did not really sink in until I began to contemplate the competition. The second place award in the Novel–Adventure or Drama–English category went to Guillermo Arriaga, the author of six novels and seven screenplays. Among Arriaga’s most notable films are Babel, 21 Grams, Amores Perros, and The Three Burials of Melquiadas Estradas. Renowned Cuban-born novelist Cristina Garcia received Honorable Mention. Garcia has written seven novels including Dreaming In Cuban, a 1992 National Book Award finalist. That is pretty good company to keep, much less surpass.

Back in the groove of the office again, I hope to return to more regular journaling on this blog.

Raul Ramos y Sanchez