Reading Together 2012 Blog

Luis Alberto Urrea

While we are excited about featuring one of Luis Alberto Urrea’s works of fiction as the 2012 Reading Together title, you might be interested to know he has also written poetry and nonfiction.  Here is a list of all of his published works, including the upcoming release, Queen of America (Nov. 2011).

Fiction

• In Search of Snow(1994)
• Six Kinds of Sky: A Collection of Short Fiction(2002)
• The Hummingbird’s Daughter (2005)
• Into the Beautiful North(2009)
• Mr. Mendoza’s Paintbrush (2010)
• Queen of America (2011)

Nonfiction

• Across the Wire: Life and Hard Times on the Mexican Border(1993)
• By the Lake of Sleeping Children(1996)
• Nobody’s Son: Notes from an American Life (1998)
• Wandering Time: Western Notebooks (1999)
• Vatos (2000)
• The Devil’s Highway(2004)

Poetry

• The Fever of Being: Poems (1994)
• Ghost Sickness: A Book of Poems (1997)

It’s clear from even a quick glance at these titles that Urrea’s work is strongly influenced by his own life experiences living and working near the U. S./Mexico border. I’ve recently enjoyed reading some of these earlier works. I urge you to explore as much of Urrea’s body of work as you can. You’ll find yourself with an even greater appreciation for the roots which inspired the writing of our Reading Together selection.

Book

Luis Alberto Urrea

luis-alberto-urrea-3-160

• 9/25/2011 04:42:34 PM, by Karen S | Add a Comment
• Topics: Author 

Into the Beautiful North

We are thrilled to announce the 2012 Reading Together title, Into the Beautiful North by Luis Alberto Urrea. Originally published in 2009 and now available in paperback, audiobook, ebook, and Spanish language editions, we expect this work of fiction--about the quest of a young Mexican girl to bring a sense of security back to her small village threatened by the increasing presence of drug bandits—will appeal to Reading Together “regulars” as well as new readers who will be inspired by the story, the characters, the humor and the journey. It is beautifully written. 

We are also excited to tell you that Urrea will be coming to Kalamazoo on March 6, 2012. We have found him to be wonderfully engaging and personable, and we believe his appearance will kick off Reading Together 2012 in a most memorable way. But don't take it from me. Let Luis speak for himself.

Book

Into the Beautiful North

into-the-beautiful-north-160

• 9/22/2011 08:23:55 AM, by Karen S | Add a Comment
• Topics: Author  Book  Events 

And the 2012 title...

...will be revealed very soon! We are excited to share with you the title that has been selected for Reading Together 2012. But you’ll have to wait just a little longer. The announcement will be made on Thursday, September 22, so be sure to check back if you want to be one of the first to know!

We can tell you this: This year’s book is a work of fiction and the author will be coming to Kalamazoo in March, 2012.

Book

Reading Together

reading-together-top-secret-160

• 9/19/2011 10:26:55 AM, by Karen S | Add a Comment
• Topics: Book