FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 9, 2007
Contact: , Austin Public Library, (512) 974-7528
Fax: (512) 974-7442

Bestselling Author, Julia Alvarez Begins Book Tour
with a visit to Austin Public Library

On Thursday, August 9, 2007 at 6:30 p.m., and as part of Austin Public Library’s Adult Summer Reading Program the Carver Branch, 1161 Angelina will host the bestselling author of How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents, Julia Alvarez. The program will include a visual presentation and talk by Alvarez followed by a book signing by Book People, with proceeds from the book sales benefiting the Austin Public Library. The program is free and the public is invited to attend. For additional information call (512) 974-7400 or visit www.cityofaustin.org/library.

In her new book (on sale August 6, 2007) she explores the phenomenon of the Latina “sweet fifteen” celebration, ONCE UPON a QUINCEAÑERA: Coming of Age in the USA (Viking).  In ONCE UPON A QUINCEAÑERA, Julia Alvarez explores this celebration that brings a Latina girl into womanhood. She attends the quince of a young woman named “Monica” who lives in Queens, and witnesses the commotion, confusion, and potential for disaster that comes with planning this important event. Alvarez also weaves in interviews with other quince girls, her own memories of coming of age as an immigrant, and the history of the custom itself—how it originated and what has changed as Latinas become accustomed to a super-size American culture.  Her book is an enlightening, accessible, and entertaining portrait of contemporary Latino culture as well as a critical look at the rituals of coming of age and the economic and social consequences of the quince parties. It is a great book for anyone interested in American youth today—parents, teachers, and teenagers themselves.

About the Author
Julia Alvarez is the author of five books of fiction, a book of essays, five collections of poetry, and five books for children. Her most popular novels are, How the García Girls Lost Their Accents and In the Time of the Butterflies, which was made into a movie produced by and starring Salma Hayek, with Marc Anthony and Edward James Olmos. For additional information about  Julia Alvarez visit www.juliaalvarez.com.

Related link
The Austin Chronicle: Readings