~Turn The Page~

Sunday, March 31, 2013

Border Writers

APRIL 11, 2013, THURSDAY, 3:30 – 10:00 PM

BORDER WRITERS / ESCRITORES de la FRONTERA

Literary Symposium

3:30 – 5:15 PM Panel Discussion + Q&A

6:15 – 6:45 PM Casual Reception

6:45 – 9:00 PM Short Readings (seven authors)

9:00 – 10:00 PM Q&A + Book Signing

Nowhere is the world more connected, more complex, than in the borderlands. This multi-sponsor event highlights the international scene only three hours from San Marcos, Texas, and the Austin-San Antonio corridor—a landscape extremely relevant to students and these communities but often unexplored. Gathering together seven writers who can speak intimately of an area where two countries meet—geographically and culturally—creates the opportunity to highlight the complexities and contradictions of our global, interconnected world. Their stories foster understanding and appreciation for the uniqueness of South Texas, which reflects overlapping Mexican and American cultures, and for both of these cultures in their own right as well. Expected topics range from immigration to religion to economic realities, since these aspects of border life are woven into the fictional and nonfictional work of the participants. Audiences are invited to participate in these deeply important conversations. Books will be for sale during the afternoon event, the reception, and the book signing after the readings.

Texas State University will host “Border Writers / Escritores de le Frontera: A Literary Symposium” Thursday, April 11 in the Wittliff Collections on the seventh floor of the Alkek Library.

SPONSORS: This symposium is supported by a Global Odyssey Grant. Co-sponsors include both Kappa Delta Chi, a Latina sorority, and Omega Delta Phi, a multicultural fraternity, as well as Texas State’s English Department, College of Education, Modern Languages Department, College of Applied Arts, Center for the Study of the Southwest, Office of Equity and Access, History Department, College of Health Professions, College of Liberal Arts, and Wittliff Collections.

PARTICIPANTS include authors who’ve been finalists for the National Book Award and the National Book Critics

http://www.txstate.edu/news/news_releases/news_archive/2013/March-2013/BorderWriters032613.html

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

The Last Lord of Paradise~ Vivian LeMay~

Vivian LeMay drew me in with her vivid language, and with only one word to use; I would use the word UNIQUE to describe this work of historical fiction. The native language, English language, plus French language made for an interesting dialogue between the characters. Not to say that this element was even needed with the interesting story line; which leaves readers with a cliffhanger in the last chapter. Was it a curse or Jeanne’s spirit that led Anton to the mist? I am about to acquire the whole series.

The shrewdness and duplicitous manner of Anton depicts humans at their worst, but also shows the nativity of women and comparative evolving changes concerning women’s choice to dictate how they govern their lives. Also, this story was reminiscent of the French and native people’s stories of curses and black magic, something read about in folktales in areas like New Orleans. In my own historical naivete, I would have never associated Native Americans and the French co-habitating in Michigan of all places; I suppose I always assumed the British and Spaniards were the primary European settlers of the Northern states.

However, after some research I found due to fur trade in the area of Michigan the French established trading posts in the 1700’s. I was thrilled to learn something new as I grew up in the south, the tip of Texas, so my state to state historical knowledge is limited, but reading this book made it fun and entertaining as history should be. The underlying historical relevance of probable occurrences between the natives and French at the time makes for a culturally rich and relevant story informing the readers to the diversity of the great nation. We are truly a country of immigrants. This story has rejuvenated my interest into the diverse historical aspects of our country. I haven’t read anything so delightful since my stint of habitual reading of Ann Rinaldi books while I taught middle school language arts. Perhaps this author has made me a fan of historical fiction after all.

As an avid reader, if a fellow reader requested an example of good literature in the genre of historical fiction; I would suggest this book and author. Vivian LeMay offers an interesting and educating read! M.Espinola

For more information:

http://thelastlordofparadise.blogspot.com/

Sunday, July 15, 2012

Teri Molina's "Dark Obsession"

As a native to the Rio Grande Valley, I was immediately interested in Teri Molina's Dark Obsession as I have read few stories where the RGV is the setting of a world wind of a book. If you are starved for the paranormal with a splash of romantic heat, then this author brings more to the table than most. Her characters are vibrant and mysterious, while bringing a flavor of south Texas painted on the pages with her words. She has a flair for telling a tale of characters with second sight, intuition in dreams, and a hereditary of supernatural powers passed down from generation to generation. The antagonist is written to keep the reader's on their heels like standing on a cliff with nowhere to go but down. My heart raced through the scenes when the protagonist, Lexie, continually tries to evade the evil stalker thwarting her into the arms of her true love Ray. Lexie and Ray try to fight their attraction to each other, but an unknown force has them linked by fate. Teri writes with the voice which translates to various readers. If you are a reader interested in biting your nails, with the lamp light on low, and with you under the covers-then this story is for your bedside.

Dark Obsession will make your skin crawl, your heart race, and your blood boil. -Mirta Espinola

For more of Teri:
http://www.terrimolina.com/

Monday, May 28, 2012

Texas Native writes~Forget Me Not~

Teri Molina’s novel Forget Me Not incorporates a generous combination of romance and suspense comparable to the delicious frosting topped on a decadent cake. The story reminiscent of several good books turned movies on the Hallmark channel, Forget Me Not is one I’d like to watch. The depiction of the Texas coast is adequately nostalgic and as a Texas native it is pleasantly relatable. Hailing from Texas she captures the picturesque landscape of Texas simplicity and laid back attitude to a tee. The relationships between the characters unfold in a sufficient manner weaving lives together like a rope strengthening the interest for the reader. (I became invested in the story quickly.) Following the rising action, which commences in New York readers grasp the main character, Cassandra’s hindrance to travel and stay in Texas where pain resides and so much is left unresolved. The plot thickens. The author skillfully uncovers Cassandra’s disturbed past like layers of an onion being peeled. Love, loss, passion and mayhem keep the pages turning. Through the twists and turns the author ends the story seamlessly with an unexpected and dramatic resolution without dragging the story on more where there is no need. A delightful read! M. Espinola

www.espinolaeditor.blogspot.com

My favorite excerpt:

“A gusty sea breeze swept into the room, sending the drapes floating above the floor before they settled against the windowsill. Outside a seagull swooped at the water, arcing back up as it missed its prey. A distant memory played in her head. Five years old, sitting on the edge of the beach, building a sandcastle with her mother. Their shrieks of laughter filled the air as one wave after another moved inshore and threatened to swallow their creation. Her mother took her hand and led her into the water.”

Teri’s Information:

http://www.terrimolina.com

http://right2write.blogspot.com

Monday, May 7, 2012

Relevant and Culturally Rich Literature for Children

I just discovered this wonderful site. Kudos to all the Latina women who have contributed to literacy as it is so important for our children. Having literature Latinas/os can relate to is a necessity. It is imperative for children to be able to activate schema/prior knowledge to help young readers make connections, thus improving their comprehension strategies of literature on various spectrums.

Please think about purchasing this literature and bringing it into your homes. Reading with and to your children is so necessary; however, immersing your children with rich and culturally relevant literature in addition to any literature you purchase improves comprehension so much more. One day they will read and enjoy Shakespeare, Pound, Dickens, Joyce, and Kafka. But, there has to be a beginning point. Nothing will be too obscure and literature will be more pleasurable. How can we achieve this? Give them something relatable.

M. Espinola
www.espinolaeditor.blogspot.com

http://www.latinbabybookclub.com/2009/07/siete-latina-authors-you-should-know.html

Many Thanks!!!

http://www.gabriellahewitt.com/2011/08/15/meet-an-author-monday-mirta-espinola/

Thank you so much!!!

www.gabriellahewitt.com

Radiance: Love After Death

Radiance:Love after Death
By: Debra Jayne East

Marena Jacobs never expected her life to end in near tragedy. While driving home one night from Eden, North Carolina, she escaped a bad car accident and miraculously survived. Waking up from a coma months later, she carries a secret that changed her heart forever. Will she remember what happened in those seconds of time she passed from life to death? The tall dark stranger coming in her window was about to spark her memory.