Cheryl's Book Nook

I am happy to have author Belinda Acosta discuss her new books. When I was contacted about writing a series on quinceañeras I had just reviewed Julia Alvarez’s nonfiction book, Once Upon a Quinceañera for The Austin Chronicle. So, the subject was in high on my radar. What intrigued me about the subject was similar to what intrigued Alvarez: What does it mean to be a woman today? Is there something about the Latina experience that is unique? Why have a ritual to mark this “passage”? Where did the tradition stem from? And on and on and on. I find it amusing that I did not have a quinceañera, I had never been to one prior to writing this book, and I don’t have any children. I do know, from first hand experience, how complicated the relationship between mothers and daughters can be. Part of what makes Damas, Dramas, and Ana Ruiz stand out is that it focuses on that relationship—the good and the bad, hopefully, with honesty and candor. Belinda Acosta works as a journalist in Austin, Texas, ...

Ana Ruiz has two beautiful children, Diego and Carmen. In addition, Ana used to be married to a wonderful husband…that all changed, when he slept with another woman and moved out to by with her. Ana has enough respect for her husband t not diss her husband in front of her children. Unfortunately all this has caused is confusion and anger, especially for Carmen. She can’t understand why her Apa “father” left her and won’t come back. Carmen blames her mother, so much that she can’t stand to be around her. Ana understands how much Carmen is hurting and wants to take her mind off her father. Ana wants to throw a quinceanera, this is sort of like a coming out party to introduce young girls as ladies now…like they do in the South. How much longer will Ana be able to battle Carmen before she gives in and tells her the truth? What a fun, quirky, read Damas, Dramas, and Ana Ruiz turned out to be. It has the right amount of everything in it to give it that special kick…like your favorite kind of...