Monday, January 25, 2010

Barrios joins board of National Book Critics Circle

Steve Bennett of the San Antonio Express-News reports the great news:

Former Express-News book editor and critic Gregg Barrios weighed in today with some excellent news: He's been elected to the board of directors of the National Book Critics Circle.

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The National Book Critics Circle, founded in 1974, is a nonprofit organization consisting of more than 600 active book reviewers who are interested in honoring quality writing and communicating with one another about common concerns. The centerpiece of NBCC activities is the annual awards for the best book in six categories: autobiography, biography, criticism, fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. Recent winners include Roberto Bolano for "2666," Dexter Filkins for "The Forever War" and poet Juan Felipe Herrera for "Half the World in Light ." 2010 finalist are to be announced Jan. 23.


Read the entire story here. If you missed our previous interview with Gregg Barrios, click here.

◙ Well, I had a wonderful reading for Anywhere But L.A. (Bilingual Press) last Thursday at the legendary independent bookstore, Kepler's Books near the Stanford campus, which was co-sponsored by the Chicano/Latino Student Alumni Association of Northern California. After a fun dinner next door at Café Borrone, we walked over to Kepler’s where I was introduced by award-winning novelist Michael Nava. We had a great crowd and lots of good questions afterwards. Many thanks to the Association and Kepler’s Books (especially to Pam and Judi) for putting this together. If you missed the event, you may order an autographed copy from Kepler’s. We must support our independent bookstores!

And tonight, at 6:30 p.m., I will have a joint appearance with the truly great Graciela Limón at the East Los Angeles Library, 4837 E. 3rd St., Los Angeles, CA 90022. Phone: 323-264-0155. We will discuss magic and realism in contemporary Chicano literature. A reception and book signing will highlight the evening. Graciela’s newest book is The River Flows North (Arte Público Press). If you haven’t seen Graciela at a book event, you are in for a special time. This is a free event.

◙ Check out the American Library Association’s list GLBTQ books for children and teens. This is part of the ALA’s Rainbow Project. You will recognize a few friends of La Bloga on the list.

◙ Don’t miss Daniel Alarcón’s essay, Life Among the Pirates, in the new issue of the literary journal, GRANTA.

◙ The Latino Books Examiner reports that a new Latino bookstore opened its doors in Austin, Texas:

Dulce Bread & Book Shop gives you a warm bienvenida, welcoming you to a virtual multilingual bookshop café. Based in Austin, Texas, Dulce is an independent bookshop specializing in an array of multilingual, multicultural books crafted by multicultural authors, in the original language, in translation, as well as bilingual editions. Dulce makes a strong effort to offer all books and has a vast inventory to satisfy diverse flavors in all genres.

Read the entire report here.

◙ The Latino Books Examiner also reports that nominations are now being accepted for the 2010 International Latino Book Awards to be held at the Javits Center in New York City on May 25. Books must carry a 2009 publishing date to be eligible. More information here.

◙ That’s all for this Monday (a bit short because I'm on the road in Northern California). In the meantime, enjoy the intervening posts from mis compadres y comadres here on La Bloga. And remember: ¡Lea un libro!

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