The Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center has selected Chicano literary activist, writer, and professor Tony Diaz for their August Latino Bookstore Summer Series and the national book launch of his book “The Tip of the Pyramid”. The book draws upon his over twenty years of work in the rich context of Chicano and Latino literary communities, reflecting on this effort and his life in activism, teaching, and media..

The genesis of the book in 2010 when Arizona lawmakers banned Mexican-American studies in their schools. Diaz co-organized the Librotraficante Caravan, an effort to confront the attempted erasure of Mexican American history and culture from Arizona classrooms.

“The Tip of the Pyramid” is Diaz’s second book. He previously authored the novel “The Aztec Love God” a coming-of-age tale about Tiofilio Duarte, a Mexican American high school student who dreams of becoming a stand-up comedian. 

Diaz will be joined by some of the writers, activists, and leaders who are mentioned in the book, which chronicles the work of The Librotraficantes, Nuestra Palabra: Latino Writers Having Their Say, and is a call for “Our Community to understand its power and to unite.”

Diaz earned his master of fine arts degree from the University of Houston Creative Writing Program. He is a cultural accelerator and the literary curator of the Latino Bookstore at the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center.

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By Cris Franco

Just in time for the holidays comes the perfect gift to bestow your hardcore cinephile friends, familia – or yourself! It’s the latest literary offering from Boze Hadleigh-Garcia (nom de plume “Boze Hadleigh”) and it’s a deliciously decadent look at Hollywood’s sordid underbelly, titled: Scandals, Secrets, and Swan Songs. As its name implies, this 269-pager gives us an extreme close-up on the public disasters, private disgraces and often tragic final days of many a screen legend. 

Hadleigh’s 27th book is delivered with his trademark Hollywood insider POV that replaces Hollywood’s legendary rumors with Tinsel Town’s unreal reality. Judiciously researched, three of the selections explore the exploits of La La Land’s darkest final bows by answering the burning questions: Who drove the original “Mexican Spitfire,” Lupe Velez, to take her own life and that of her unborn child? How did a misunderstanding with a male “escort” lead to the murder of silent film macho Ramon Novarro? What devastating disease slowly ended the life of the devastatingly beautiful Rita Hayworth (born Margarita Carmen Cansino)? The aforementioned are only a few of the one-hundred matinee idols Hadleigh exposes with his masterful mix of historical journalism and movie-biz macabre.    

Cleverly organized into chapters with titles such as, “Drugs: John Belushi, River Phoenix, and Chris Farley”; “Fatal Obesity: Laird Cregar, Victor Buono, John Candy” and “Accidents: Susan Peters, James Dean, Jayne Mansfield, and Christopher Reeve,” Hadleigh cuts to the chase and brings us the bizarre backstories and dizzying ironies that brought mammoth talents the likes of Phil Hartman, Dorothy Dandridge, Carrie Fisher, John Belushi, Natalie Wood and Robin Williams to fall victims of their own fame, delusion and destiny. Hadleigh is a gifted biographer who has written a terrific (sometimes terrifying) book – a fascinating forensic look into the human wreckage strewn on the boulevard of broken dreams. Ah, Hollywood!

Scandals, Secrets and Swan Songs is available on Amazon.com and other places where books are sold.

Featured Photos: Author Boze Hadleigh-Garcia (Photo: Courtesy, self) / Book cover of ‘Scandals, Secrets, and Swan Songs’

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If ever there was a perfect way to entertain families during these complicated times — a pandemic and quarantine, it would be Andrew Avner’s book, Toro presented by Primary Productions and published by Black Rose Writing. Toro, a middle grade fiction novel, is the first in a projected three-book series. Toro is also available as an unabridged audiobook.

Toro is a noble and brave tale that captures our hearts — young and old and captivates us from start to finish. Readers are transported to Pamplona, Spain where it introduces its heroine, the indomitable, Alicia Catalina Cortes, a young and rebellious Spanish cow. 

Yes, a cow named Alicia who has set her sights on running with the bulls. Her only dilemma? She’s a cow and only bulls are allowed to participate in Pamplona’s most sacred and coveted annual fiesta of San Fermin.

Alicia is a fast and fiery cow who isn’t about to be detoured by sexist and outdated rules saying she can’t run with the bulls because she’s a cow. She is determined to defy every tradition in order to fulfill her dream and follow her ferocious cow-beating heart. 

Toro brings to life Pamplona, Spain’s colorful and exciting backdrop during the time of its famous running of the bulls. Usually, between six to ten or more bulls are let loose on a course of the town’s sectioned-off subset of the town’s streets. Spanish tradition of its annual bull-running began in northeastern Spain in the early 14th century. While transporting cattle in order to sell them at the market, men would try to speed the process by hurrying their cattle using tactics of fear and excitement.

A true gem of a book with an unforgettable story, Toro is a book for all. A tale about overcoming obstacles and going for your dreams. It is about friendships, family culture, humor, loyalty and empowerment. An uplifting read perfect to rise above the tumultuous 2020 year we’ve experienced. 

According to Kirkus Review, Toro is a “charming and engaging fantasy with characters readers will love and a strong positive message. And, it is a story that evokes beloved films such as Babe and Ratatouille.”

Avner’s Toro is one of the best novel of 2020 aimed at capturing the “tween” readers and beyond; a sure bet development into an animated film. He is currently writing and producing short films for The Walt Disney Company, while penning his next novel. A gifted filmmaker and writer, Avner is an honors’ graduate from New York University’s Tisch School of Arts, who once worked with Academy Award-winning producer David Brown. 

An unforgettable tale, Toro is a heartfelt, coming-of-age fable told from the cattle’s point of view. If you’re into anthropomorphic talking animals driving the narrative ala Charlotte’s Web, The Jungle Book, and Fantastic Mr. Fox, well you’re going to love Toro.

Toro is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook in the review.

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My, my, my!  Who knew that Lassie was a boy, Richard Burton changed his name to that of the gay schoolmaster he idolized and lived with as a teen, and Dick Sargent had to fend off advances by Carey Grant and Blake Edwards?

Author Boze Hadleigh knew – and he knew much, much, more! So he’s chronicled his extensive research into Hollywood’s vast archives of interviews on the often taboo subject of sexual diversity into his 26^th book titled, “Inside the Hollywood Closet: A Book of Quotes.” Hadleigh (aka “Boze Hadleigh Garcia”– son of a Mexican mother) curated a century’s worth of gay commentary into a smooth 191 pages, that offers a piercing look into Tinsel Town’s tumultuous love/hate affair with queer culture.  

Hadleigh, Bette Davis‘ biographer Boze Hadleigh, puts together an interesting and insightful collection of observations and anecdotes by and about Hollywood’s biggest players. Only this time the curtains are pulled on their sexual preferences, revealing a cast of characters, gay and bisexual — some you’ve heard about, others quite unexpected. 

Told in a series of quotes from stars such as Colin Farrell, Doris Roberts, Adam West, Elizabeth Taylor, Elton John, Paul Lynde, and Sandy Dennis, it is split into four chapters: “Playing the Game,” “Out and Outing,” “Loving in Private,” and “Dishing in Public.” Each chapter is prefaced by Hadleigh, who speaks with pride and purpose about his subject. 

“What was too often deemed scandalous can now be disclosed without destroying a career. More and more, diversity and difference-not just how people look, but how they love-are acceptable. The main point here is that as human beings and yes, actors … every LGBT+ individual should be the star of their own life, on their own terms, dwelling in honesty and safety, free from hate, persecution and discrimination…” Bravo, Boze!

That said, there is also lots of fun bitchiness in this juicy collection: “Only in America can a poor black boy like Michael Jackson grow up to become a rich white woman.” – Red Buttons.

“He [the Duke of Windsor, former king of England] pretends not to hate me, but he does, and it’s because I’m queer and he’s queer but unlike him I don’t pretend not to be” – Sir Noel Coward. 

But equally eye-opening are the many sweet moments that fill the pages, offering hope for a more open, loving, and honest world. 

“It is time to live and let love.” – Lynn Redgrave. 

“It’s a fairly small minority compared to the whole. So we must enlist the backing and acknowledgment of our families… and what family doesn’t have a LGBT member, even if not in the immediate family? All of us need to stand up to homophobia-in politics, religion, entertainment or elsewhere.”- Amy Winehouse.

“I have three sons, I dearly love them all. But my gay son is the apple of my eye.” – Sally Field.
You don’t have to be queer to enjoy the gay buffet presented by “Inside the Hollywood Closet: A Book of Quotes.” Readers interested in our growing acceptance of humanity’s sexual spectrum will find it relevant and inspiring. A great holiday gift for any cinephile, it’s available at RiverdaleAvenueBooks.com, as well as amazon.com.

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Offered right before Halloween, the deal almost sounds like a treat. It certainly is another tool to keep middle grade children entertained for a few days during the pandemic.  

“So many families with kids are facing hard times, and I’d love ‘Toro’ to bring them some hope, inspiration, joy, and amusement,” says Avner. “Offering the free eBook for four days is a simple way to help and give back.”

“Toro” is set in the colorful backdrop of Pamplona, Spain during the fiesta of San Fermín and the running of the bulls, famed as one of the most exhilarating, dangerous, and spectacular events around the world. Ultimately, it’s a heartfelt, coming-of-age fable told from the cattle’s point of view. Like Charlotte’s Web, The Jungle Book, and Fantastic Mr. Fox, anthropomorphic talking animals drive the narrative.

Alicía Catalina Cortés is a fast and fiery Spanish cow who desperately wants to run with the bulls in Pamplona—but since she’s a cow, tradition forbids her to partake in the fiesta of San Fermín. Through her journey, Alicía learns that to be noble and brave, she must follow her dream and her heart, even if it means defying tradition.

FROM FILM CONCEPT TO BOOK PROJECT
The book marks Avner’s debut as an author. Initially a film concept, the book took over twenty years to arrive on the shelves and the digital market.

A filmmaker by trade with experience and relations in Hollywood, Avner first conceived “Toro” as an animated feature told from the animals’ perspective. The inspiration came from watching the best of Disney and Pixar, according to the author, who holds a fine arts degree in film and television from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts.  

Major animation studios, award-winning directors, and internationally renowned actors loved the idea of a “Toro” film—with Antonio Banderas circling the project and Jennifer Lopez attached to voice the lead role and produce the movie with Avner at one point. Yet, the stars never seemed to align to make the film a reality. “Countless times a “Toro” movie was almost made,” recalls Avner. However, after over a decade of frustration on the film front, Avner decided to go a different route and wrote “Toro” as a middle grade novel instead.

MORE CHALLENGES
Similar to his experience trying to get a film made, the literary endeavor also proved to be somewhat of a challenge for the first-time author. Shortly after completing the manuscript, he says he lost his book agent and was left without any prospects for new representation or publication.

Undaunted, the then-aspiring author decided to take the bull by the horns in true indie spirit. With the help of voice actor friends, Avner produced the audiobook version of “Toro,” recording it entirely in the kitchen of his West Hollywood apartment with virtually no budget other than a $79 software plugin and even voicing a few main characters himself, according to the author. By April 2020 “Toro” the full-cast audiobook was complete with narration by Brad Raider and performances by George Spielvogel, Malili Dib, Leila Cohen, and Yolanda Corrales, plus post-production by Jacob Morgan.

Just a few months later, the effort paid off. Avner secured a publishing deal with independent publisher Black Rose Writing who agreed to release the audiobook along with e-book and paperback editions.

INSPIRING CHILDREN
“The story behind the story is one of faith and self-reliance, to pursue a vision or dream in the face of impossible odds, to defy immeasurable rejection and succeed. My personal story as an artist and the narrative of my book are the same—hopeful and uplifting,” remarks Avner about his determination to bring “Toro” to fruition.

On the heels of its release, the accolades for “Toro” began rolling in. Positive reviews were followed by a recent NYC Big Book Award for best audiobook and distinguished favorite in the juvenile fiction category. Currently, “Toro” is nominated for a Cybils Award in the elementary/middle grade speculative fiction category and is being considered for the Odyssey Award, Newbery Medal, and National Book Award, according to its author.

Having discovered a passion for writing novels, Avner seems now vested in Alicía’s story for the long run. “Toro” is only the first in a projected three-book series, reveals the filmmaker-turned-author, who has not given up on an animated film or even a live-action virtual production in the vein of Disney’s The Jungle Book (2016), whereby photorealistic talking animals appear alongside real actors. In the meantime, it appears the sequel to the book may likely be set in Fort Worth, Texas.

The “Toro” Kindle and paperback editions are available now via Amazon and all major book retailers. Its audiobook is available via Audible, Amazon, and Apple Books.

To listen to an excerpt from the the audiobook, click here  

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By Elia Esparza

Un Sueño En Sus Manos, (A Dream in My Hands) written by the lead guitarist Daniel López who shares the story of how he formed the group, Los Solitarios just south of the border in Tijuana, Mx. López has authored his memoir, exercising a new form of creative media, this time to tell the story of his musical journey. His autobiography “Un Sueño En Mis Manos” was published in April 2020 and available on Amazon.

López delves into his beginnings as a musician and composer, and the first musical groups he formed with non-professional instruments. With stories and anecdotes he tells of never imagining that one day he would reach more than half a century exposing his music that has made history as el Símbolo Romántico de México (the Romantic Symbol of Mexico). He tells us how he created the unique sound of Los Solitarios, which became one of the top-selling Mexican musical groups of all time, and has been credited with launching the ‘Romantic group music’ genre (‘Música romántica grupera’) that pioneered a new era in Mexican music in the 60s and 70s.

In 1963, five young musicians– Rogelio, Piki, Armando, Daniel y Alfredo and later Pablo and Agustin, who soon replaced Alfredo, launched their band as “Los Solitarios,” a Mexican band that played musica grupera, a genre of Regional Mexican music. In time, the permanent band members who went on to great fame are:  Agustín Villegas^† (Composer & Singer), Daniel López (Music Director, Lead Guitarist, Composer), Juan Luis Villegas (Drums & Percussion), Miguel Angel Damian (Bass), and David Miranda (Keyboards).

Los Solitarios grew to fame in the ‘60s and ‘70s and would be known to become “El Símbolo Romántico de México” (the Romantic Symbol of Mexico). Fifty-eight years later, they maintain their status. And, for this article, Latin Heat has the pleasure of spotlighting Daniel López, and his new book — Un Sueño En Mis Manos: La Historia de Los Solitarios.

Los Solitarios most famous hits dominated the radio airwaves in the late 60s and 70s, with such hits: Sufrir (1969), Mi Amor Es Para Ti (1970), Nada De Tu Amor (1971), No Debes Cry (1972), Today (1974-75), There are Unforgettable Things (1975), Tomb Of Love, What You Have Left, Yesterday They Told Me, Never Say and Those Eyes, just a few of their successes, and are attributed to López.

With his perseverance and passion for music, he remains in full force for more than half a century, making him a living icon and legend.

The legendary Los Solitarios and Daniel López were not just a band for the ages, they were a phenomenon of the ’60s and 70s, proven by the fact that they always had two songs consecutively dominating Spanish-language radio stations. Their hits were either first or second on the music charts. Los Solitarios’s songs-music pushed genre boundaries and their lyrics hit the heart of every Mexican-American and Latinos who are fans of romantic ballads. López’s vision and musical ability were a big part of this group’s ultimate global success.

López was recognized by the US Library of Congress and honored as one of Mexico’s musical legends. The Society of Authors and Composers of Mexico (SACM) recognized López for his enriching contribution to Mexican music. López’s photograph is cemented in SACM’s Museum of Composers in Mexico City where his music is played.

Los Solitarios recently celebrated its 57th anniversary. Los Solitarios kept performing through March 2020 and then halted all performances as a result of the COVID-19 crisis.

The autobiography is absolutely fascinating and a beautiful walk down memory lane. It is available for purchase on Amazon.

Published by Page Publishing, Inc (2020)  –  Paperback book with photos: 114 pages. Language: Spanish  –  Available online at: Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com  

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Like so many Latinos, David Damian Figueroa was blessed with a Mexican mother who always had a “dicho” (saying) to confront just about any challenge, loss or triumph—blessings. 

Figueroa has penned a book that is part memoir, part self-help, and overall a great journal. A Reminder to My Twenty-Three-Year Old Self is founded on the great lessons his beloved mother taught him growing up. During these current times of great doubt, injustices, and mistrust, this book comes at a perfect time.

Figueroa, who lost his mother, Antonia Hernandez Figueroa when he was 23 years old, has dedicated the book to her– honoring the abundance of love, wisdom, and guidance she packed into his life– from the day he was born until the day she died. “A Reminder to My Twenty-Three-Year Old Self” is a gem of a book, where Figueroa shares all that he learned growing up– wisdom that came in the form of dichos.

I found the book to be an addictive read and with each axiom, my mind wandered back to my own childhood during those times when my own mother would offer up her own dichos at times to defuse a sad situation with some humor.

Figueroa has published the best of his mother’s dichos and has added a few more from other people he admires, like Dolores Huerta and some of his own that have come to him throughout his life.

The book begins with an introduction about Figueroa’s life with his mother, a loving tribute to the woman who shaped his childhood and prepared him for the rest of his life. Afterward, each additional page expands as a journal, where readers write in their own thoughts, tailoring each dicho’s wisdom to fit into their own lives.

All around, “A Reminder to My Twenty-Three-Year Old Self” is a book about staying positive to meet a goal and/or build confidence. Each page presents a “saying” opposite a lined journal page to write your ideas, quotes, and whatnots. And, oh what a joy to learn about the significances of dichos that many Latinos have heard their entire lives. Personally, I found myself reading this book and remembering my mother reciting the dichos as stress-relieving moments.

For those who need a boost in creativity, some of the journal pages can be filled with ideas and drawings or doodles that often come when we’re drawing a blank on what to do or what to write, draw or invent next.

A Reminder to My Twenty-Three-Year-Old Self: A Book of Quotes, Thoughts on Life, and Personal Wisdom
David Damian Figueroa
Lulu.com, 2019
ISBN: 1684702445, 9781684702442
172 pages

About the Author
The host of The David Damian Show, David Damian Figueroa life has led him to work with some of this country’s most iconic civil rights icons, artists, and entertainment professionals. In addition, Figueroa is a respected non-profit leader, activist, and farmworker advocate. He partnered with actors/activists Eva Longoria, Forest Whitaker, and author Eric Schlosser to bring focus to the farmworker issues with the critically-acclaimed documentary Food Chains. He was also associate producer of The Harvest—The Children Who Feed America/La Cosecha—Los niños que alimentan America.

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Journalist/TheTrendtalk TV host and author Naibe Reynoso will be conducting storytime and signing her new board book. Be Bold, Be Brave Chiquitos. Her book features 11 Latinas who made U.S. history and includes Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, Civil Rights activist Dolores Huerta, and actress Rita Moreno and nine other accomplished Latinas.

“When I looked for books to read to my children, I noticed a lack of children’s publications highlighting Latina women who have greatly contributed to U.S. history,” said author and publisher Reynoso, adding “now more than ever, it was important to publish a piece of media that portrays my community, especially women, in a positive light.”

According to a 2018 statistics from the Cooperative Children’s Book Center (CCBC) only 5% of characters represented in children’s picture books were Latinx.  Boutique publishing house like Reynoso’s Con Todo Press, hopes to help bridge that gap with books like  Be Bold, Be Brave, Chiquitos: 11 Latinas who made U.S. History. 

Con Todo Press Publishing was founded in 2018 to amplify the voices of underrepresented communities. CTP publishes books that reflect a more balanced representation of women, Latinos, and people of color. Their mission is to keep producing books told from an authentic and relatable perspective, that will bridge the gap between communities of color and media.

The event will take place at The Play Date, 8335 Firestone Blvd., Downey, CA 9024, and will consist of a meet and greet, reading, photo op, activities for the little ones and a book signing.

Click here for tickets

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