After
five months as a self-published edition, my debut novel America Libre was acquired byGrand Central Publishing (formerly Warner Books). As part
of the same deal, Grand Central also acquired
my second novel, House Divided, the sequel to America Libre. The original edition of America
Libre has been retired to make way for the revised
Grand Central Publishing version which hit the shelves July 29, 2009.
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On September 3, 2008 the Writers’ League of Texasselected America Libre as one of the six finalists in the Violet Crown fiction awards.
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Want to play Hollywood casting director?
Vote on the star you'd like to see in a possible film adaptation of America
Libre.
Manolo
Suarez:
- Benicio Del Toro
- Jimmy Smits
- Wilmer Valderrama
Winning the International Latino Book Award brought a sense of gratification delayed for several years. But this award was far from a solitary effort.Readmore.
Time:
The second decade of the twenty-first century. As
the immigration crisis reaches the boiling point, once-peaceful
Latino protests explode into rioting. Cities across the nation
are in flames. Anglo vigilantes bent on revenge launch drive-by
shootings in the barrios, wantonly killing young and old.
Exploiting the turmoil, a congressional demagogue succeeds
in passing legislation that transforms the nation’s
teeming inner-city barrios into walled-off Quarantine Zones.
In this chaotic landscape, Manolo Suarez is struggling to
provide for his family. Under the spell of a beautiful Latina
radical, the former U.S. Army Ranger eventually finds himself
questioning his loyalty to his wife—and his country. Read
the first chapter
“America
Libre creatively provides the reader with a window into the
despair, brought about by racism, faced by many of our Hispanic
neighbors." Miguel De La Torre, Ph.D. – Iliff School of Theology
“An
engaging, fast-moving story of love, intrigue and personal
and ethnic conflict, wrapped in rich, thought-provoking political
and cultural commentary." Richard W. Slatta, Ph.D.– Professor of History,
North Carolina State University
When I began writing America Libre in 2004, some thought the book’s premise was unrealistic. An uprising by Hispanics? The idea seemed far-fetched, they said. Today, as the rhetoric over immigration grows more heated, the skeptics are no longer so certain. I posed the nightmare scenario of America Libre as a wake up call to the dangers of extremism—on both sides of this explosive issue. Illegal immigration is a hotly debated topic. Yet it is only the tip of the iceberg. Over the next decade, three other factors will prove equally significant. Some of the volatile conditions presented in America Libre have already surfaced. I hope my abilities as a prophet end here. But the potential for a widespread conflict lurks behind every escalation of our current war of words.
In
the sequel to America Libre, a faction within the Hispanic insurgency turns to terror—and Mano Suarez's teenaged son joins them. Mano must decide whether to betray his son or live up to his principles. Coming from Grand Central Publishing January 2011. See all other work.
A SPECIAL THANKS
Like
so many books, America Libre began as a solitary
endeavor. Along the way to publication, it has grown into
a venture touching many people. I’ve been blessed by
the support of my family and long-time friends—and have
known the joy of making so many new friends. To those who have
bought books, written reviews, shared contacts, conducted interviews,
or offered advice and encouragement—I cannot thank you
enough. Scott Willis and Veronica Jacuinde merit special mention
for their help with publicity. I also want to recognize Rueben
Martinez of Libreria Martinez for his valued support. And,
of course, I want to acknowledge the unflagging dedication
of my agent, Sally van Haitsma along with the trust placed
in my work by my editor at Grand Central Publishing, Selina
McLemore. Thanks to all of you.
