LOS ANGELES, CA — The America Libre Committee, headed by Dr. Jess Nieto, Executive Director of the Heritage of America Educational & Cultural Foundation, has arranged a number of community appearances for Raul Ramos y Sanchez, author of the novel AMERICA LIBRE (ISBN 978-0446507752)
The controversial novel is set in a near-future where once-peaceful immigration rallies explode into riots against the violence of self-appointed border patrols and urban vigilantes. As the violence escalates, the U.S. Southwest is embroiled in a Latino war of liberation. Amid the chaos in his L.A. barrio, decorated Afghan vet Manolo Suarez finds himself romantically drawn to a Latina radical activist, threatening his marriage, his family—and his loyalty to his country.
AMERICA LIBRE Southern California Events:
September 16 - Heritage of America Educational & Cultural Foundation
A public discussion on the issues raised by AMERICA LIBRE will be led by Heritage of America's Executive Director Dr. Jess Nieto with members of the Bakersfield, CA community and the Chicana Reader's Book Club.
September 17 - California State University, Bakersfield
Dr. Anthony Nuño, professor of HispanicAmerican/
September 21 - Vroman's Bookstore, Pasadena - 7:00pm
Vroman's Bookstore, Southern California's oldest and largest independent bookstore, hosts a reading and book signing for AMERICA LIBRE. Live entertainment by Max Vasquez & Friends - including an original composition inspired by the novel. Location: 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91101 - PH: 626-449-5320.
September 22 - California State University, Northridge
Chicano/a Studies professor Dr. Gabriel Gutierrez invites the author for a reading from AMERICA LIBRE followed by a Q&A session with students.
Sept. 23 - Libreria Martinez, Santa Ana - 7:30pm
Libreria Martinez owned by MacArthur "genius" grant recipient Rueben Martinez hosts a panel discussion and book signing for America Libre. Panelists include Abel Salas, Editor Brooklyn & Boyle magazine; Juan Manuel Casas, author of Frederico Villalba's Texas; and others. Live entertainment. Location: 1200 N. Main St., Suite 100-D, Santa Ana, CA 92701 - PH: 714-973-7900.
September 24 - California State University, Long Beach
Prof. Armando Vazquez-Ramos of the Chicano & Latino Studies Department hosts the author as he reads from AMERICA LIBRE and answers student questions.
September 24 - Mysterious Galaxy Bookstore, San Diego - 7:00pm
Mysterious Galaxy Books will host an AMERICA LIBRE reading, Q&A session and book signing. Location: 7051Clairemont Mesa Blvd, #302, San Diego, CA 92111 - PH: 858.268.4747.
September 25-27 - Southern California Writers Conference, Irvine
The Southern California Writers' Conference led by Michael Steven Gregory invites the author to lead a workshop on social media for authors.
AMERICA LIBRE highlights:
- An International Latino Book Award Best Novel
- USA Today Summer Reads Selection
- Latina Magazine Top Ten Hot Summer Reads
AMERICA LIBRE Reviews:
"Thrilling and vibrant"
James Rollins - New York Times bestselling author of The Last Oracle
"A sweeping, intense novel of extremism, fear and consequences"
Publisher's Weekly
"Provocative"
USA Today
AMERICA LIBRE Synopsis:
The time: The second decade of the 21st century -- In the midst of a lingering depression, the immigration crisis is reaching the boiling point. Legions of idle youths roam restlessly in the nation's teeming barrios. Once-peaceful immigration protests explode into rioting. Cities across the nation are in flames. Anglo vigilantes bent on revenge launch drive-by shootings in the barrios, wantonly killing young and old. Fueled by the supremacist violence, a long-simmering Hispanic insurrection emerges. Its goal: to redraw the map of the United States. Exploiting the turmoil, a congressional demagogue succeeds in passing legislation that transforms the nation's inner-city barrios into walled-off Quarantine Zones. In this chaotic landscape, Manolo Suarez is struggling to provide for his family. Under the spell of a beautiful Latina radical, the former U.S. Army Ranger eventually finds himself questioning his loyalty to his wife-and his country.
