From Our Friends at ACENTOS

Tuesday, October 9th @7pm
ACENTOS Bronx Poetry Showcase
The Uptown's Best Open Mic and Featured Poet
MUNDO RIVERA

Mundo Rivera is a Nuyorican writer, born and raised in El Barrio.
He has attended artist residencies at La Fundacion Valparaiso in the
south of Spain and the La Napoule Art Foundation in France, near
Cannes. He has published articles in Urban Latino Magazine and the
New York Post, and is currently working on a novel and a collection
of poetry tentatively titled The Deliberateness of El Cuco in the Tree.
He is currently teaching 8th grade English/Humanities at the Urban
Assembly School for the Urban Environment in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn.

The Bruckner Bar and Grill
1 Bruckner Boulevard (Corner of 3rd Ave)
6 Train to 138th Street Station
Hosted by JOHN RODRIGUEZ
FREE! ($5 Suggested Donation)

Coming from MANHATTAN:
At the 138th Street Station, exit the train to your left, by the last
car on the 6. Go up the stairs, to your right, to exit at LINCOLN
AVENUE. Walk down Lincoln to Bruckner Blvd, turn right on Bruckner.
Walk past the bike shop. The Bruckner Bar and Grill is at the corner:
One Bruckner Blvd., right next to the Third Avenue Bridge.

Coming from THE BRONX:
By Train:
At the 138th Street Station, exit to your RIGHT, by the FIRST car on
the 6. Go up the stairs, to your right, to exit at LINCOLN AVENUE.
Walk down Lincoln to Bruckner Blvd, turn right on Bruckner. Walk
alongside the bridge, past the bike shop. The Bruckner Bar and Grill
is at the corner: One Bruckner Blvd., right next to the Third Avenue
Bridge.

By Bus:
Bx15 to Lincoln Ave. and Bruckner Blvd. Walk one block west, past the
bike shop, to the Bruckner Bar and Grill.
Bx1, Bx21, Bx32 to 138th and 3rd Ave. Walk five blocks south along
the left side of 3rd Avenue to the end (Bruckner and 3rd). The
Bruckner Bar and Grill will be on the corner.

For more information, please call 917-209-4211.

More Bounty

Manuel Ramos





CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS
Chicana and other lesbians are needed to make submissions to a publication on Latina Lesbians to be edited by Chicana lesbian writer Juanita Ramos and published by the nonprofit Sinister Wisdom, a journal by and for female-born lesbians. With a focus on how Latina lesbians define activism and other issues, submissions can be a poem, song, letter, essay, short story, interview, journal entry, photograph, art work, etc., in Spanish and/or English. You can submit up to five entries, including written pieces and art work. Each written entry must not exceed 2,500 words. Submissions are due no later than November 1. For details, send an email to Juanita Ramos at companeras1994@yahoo.com

CATÁSTROFE
The Center for the Studies in Beckett and Contemporary Theatre Practice (Colorado State University) will present Samuel Beckett's play, Catastrophe in English and Spanish in Fort Collins and Denver, Colorado, including at El Centro Su Teatro on October 8 at 8:00 PM. The plays are directed by Eric Prince and José Luis Suárez-García. La Bloga has a special affection for Beckett, as shown by some of our previous posts, and this bilingual presentation of this particular play should be an excellent event.

LOS LOBOS SHOW TO BENEFIT ALMA MATER
Earlier this year an arson fire destroyed the auditorium at Garfield High School in East L.A. On October 14, Los Lobos will perform a benefit concert to raise funds for the reconstruction of the auditorium. The school sustained an estimated $30 million in damage. The band, whose original four members are all Garfield graduates from the early 1970s, will headline a bill with other Chicano artists including Tierra, Little Willie G of Thee Midniters and El Chicano. The event at Gibson Amphitheatre will also feature the Tex-Mex band Little Joe y La Familia and Upground.

FACE 2 FACE IN A FRENZY - ZARCO GUERRERO
I got the following info from Denver artist Jerry Vigil. Jerry also let us know that some of his most recent art can be seen in I Want Your Skull Fanzine, Issue Three, now on sale. Click on the links to find out more about Jerry or the magazine.

Face 2 Face in a Frenzy is especially geared to schools and prevention programs. It is an educational tool that addresses the many problems facing our youth today. Master Mask Maker Zarco Guerrero brings ancient archetypes to life in this freaked out and extremely funny folly featuring a curious cast of hand carved characters. Face 2 Face reveals the power of the mask to transform. The artist miraculously metamorphoses before our very eyes into multi personalities. Each masked character delivers a passionate and provocative monologue laced with poetry and song. The issues of diversity, discrimination, aging, substance abuse and nonviolence are but a few of the important themes addressed in this most artistic adventure. Face 2 Face is a maniacal one man masked melodrama that mirrors the mystery of the heart and mind in a myriad of fantastic faces. It's family friendly, and suitable for all audiences.

October 31st, 2007, Doors open - 6:30 pm
Performance: – 7:00 – 8:30 pm
Denver Museum of Nature and Science, Ricketson Auditorium, 2001 Colorado Blvd
Free but call to reserve tickets: 303.322.7009 or 1.800.925.2250

CHICANA NIGHT
The Hudson Valley Writers Center will host Chicana Night on October 28, beginning at 4:30 PM. Sergio Troncoso, who is on the board of this prestigious institution, told La Bloga that this year's event includes Alicia Gaspar de Alba and Helena María Viramontes. The writers will read and answer questions, and their books will be on sale. Suggested donation to attend is $5.00. Go here for all the details.

FLORICANTO PRESS ANNOUNCES NEW RELEASES
This press let us know that it has several new books including Papi Chulo by Carlos T. Mock, previously discussed here on La Bloga by Lisa. The message said:

"Floricanto Press's new releases include books in the Latina Series, and our new Gay Latino series. It also includes books about contemporary socio-political discourse, social commentary, and colonial literature (1600). Floricanto Press is definitively presenting a diverse view of Hispanic and Latino culture, including multiple voices of the literary and social spectrum to be found in the Latino community."

Click here for more about this press and its books.

LISA ALVARADO
Speaking of Lisa Alvarado -- she posted some of her fine poetry on her website and let us know that selections from her latest poetry volume, Raw Silk Suture, will be featured in the upcoming Ocho 15, edited by Francisco Aragón. You owe it to yourself to read Lisa's moving and powerful words.

INTERNATIONAL ACCORDION FESTIVAL
The International Accordion Festival kicks off October 12 at 6:30 PM at the Arneson River Theatre in La Villita in San Antonio, TX, with Santiago Jiménez, Jr, Chango Spaziuk, and Brandan. $5.00 admission. The Festival continues through October 14 featuring renowned artists from around the world playing just about every kind of accordion music you can imagine. Click here for details.

I have a couple of reading events coming up that I should mention: On October 11 at about 7:00 PM I'll speak at a gathering of the Rocky Mountain Chapter of the Mystery Writers of America, at the Chicano Humanities & Arts Council (CHAC). Wine has been promised. On October 20, around 6:00 PM, I will join Emma Pérez for a reading and program presented by El Laboratorio, the literary collective organized by Professor John-Michael Rivera. The reception includes food and drink, in addition to mingling with the authors.
CHAC - 772 Santa Fe Drive, Denver, CO 303-571-0440
The Laboratory of Art and Ideas at Belmar, 404 S. Upham St., Lakewood, CO 303-934-1777

Later.

October with Tia Chucha, Reyna Grande, and some thoughts....

Tia Chucha's Events for October 2007


Author Reading with Anna Marie Gonzalez
Saturday Oct. 6th at 2 p.m.




Ann Marie Gonzalez will present her new book and discuss its purpose. Divine for Life is a book written for people in search of divinity and understanding of who we are and what we are capable of. It is the Divine being's guide to life. This book will open doors to the truth of our existence.

"My deepest prayer is that sharing this information contributes to the empowerment of all who read this and ultimately to the spiritual evolution of humanity." Ann Marie Gonzalez


Book Reading with Mario Garcia
Saturday October 13, 2007 at 2 p.m.


Author and professor of History and Chicano Studies at UCSB Mario Garcia will present and read from his newly released book The Gospel of Cesar Chavez: My Faith in Action.
This is a book of spiritual reflections, prayers, or mantras from Cesar Chavez, one of the great spiritual leaders of our time. Perhaps the best-known Latino historical figure in the United States, a key aspect of why he did what he did was his faith. He was a devout Catholic and a man of deep moral and spiritual values, which is what drove him to seek basic rights for farm workers as well as recognition for their human dignity as children of God. Now, for the first time, The Gospel of Cesar Chavez calls attention to the spiritual side of this great leader through his own words.



Special Day of the Dead Workshop # 1
Satuday Oct. 20th from
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The first workshop of our 3 piece Dia De Los Muertos celebration!

-Danza Temachtia Quetzalcoatl
-Intro to group
-Historical Prospective of Day of the Dead
-Sugar Skull Workshop

Come join Danza Temachtia Quetzalcoatl as we introduce ourselves to the community and provide a historical and cultural perspective of the importance of Dia de los Muertos. This visual presentation will close with a sugar skull making workshop. It's fun for Everyone!

All the workshops are free!



Poetry Reading with Jim Moreno: The Artivist Movement
Saturday October 20th at 2 p.m.

Poet Jim Moreno will present and read from his newly released poetry collection, Dancing in Dissent: Poetry for Activism.

Dancing in Dissent is an artivist's (artist and activist) collection of poetry resonating with the legacy of speaking out against injustice and oppression. Moreno is a member of San Diego's Langston Hughes Poetry Circle and a past board member of the African American Writers and Artists.

He teaches poetry workshops for gang youth in lockups, children in after-school programs and adults who are beginning or practiced poets.



Michael Heralda Performs Aztec Stories
Saturday Oct. 20, 2007 at 6 p.m.

Come and experience the origins of this very special ceremony from the indigenous perspective in a presentation of music, songs, and stories.

The ceremony has evolved due to European influences, the artistic influence of Jose Guadalupe Posada's fanciful stylizations, and the commercial forces of our "modern" world. This program is for those interested in learning about the origins of this ceremony. It is also an opportunity to help establish a "balance" between today's modern practice and the ancient ceremony's true relevance and importance. You will hear things that touch your heart and at times seem very familiar. This is the ancient voice that you hear intuitively speaking to you from the past through your heart. Some of the information revealed in this presentation may surprise you, and some may validate an intuitive understanding you possess and have contemplated.


Special Day Of The Dead Workshop # 2
Sunday Oct. 21st from
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The second day of our 3 piece Dia De Los Muertos celebration
-Danza Temechtia Quetzalcoatl
-Historical Perspective of Danza
-3 groups
-dance, song, drumming
Day II of our Dia de Los Muertos workshop introduces the importance of danza in Day of the Dead celebrations. After the discussion, each participant is invited to learn an element of danza-drumming, dancing and/or Mexica songs-themselves!

All workshops are Free!
Special Day of the Dead Workshop # 3
Monday Oct. 22nd from
6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
This is the last workshop of our 3 piece Dia De Los Muertos celebration!

-Danza Temachtia Quetzalcoatl
-Mexica story telling
This will be a review and expansion of first 2 workshops. Day III of our workshop will continue to teach the elements of "la danza" and will close with Mexica storytelling for all!

On this final day of the workshop, Danza Temachtia Quetzalcoatl will host a community ceremony for all its participants. Traditional face painting will begin the celebration and everyone who participated will have a chance to share what they have learned!

All workshops are free!


Friday Oct. 26th at 8 p.m.

Join us for our famous Open Mic Night, this week featuring poet Thomas Gayton, along with some of the local poets and musican performers!

Works and Performances.
Thomas has read his poetry on Pacifica Radio, KPFK-Los Angeles and has performed with Jazz greats Charles McPherson, cousin Clark Gayton and Daniel Jackson. He has taught verse writing at the Writing Center in San Diego, founded the Poetry Workshop in La Jolla, California, at D.G. Wills bookstore and also cofounded the San Diego Poets' Press.
Book Reading with Beto Gutierrez


Saturday Oct. 27th at 1 p.m.
Author Beto Gutierrez will read and discuss his newly published book A Sentence with the District.

A collection of essays based on actual experiences of a former at-risk youth who became an inspired high school teacher in the Los Angeles Unified School District, Gutierrez sheds insight from a first person point of view that others dare not mention. A must-read book that advocates educational equity and quality.

Sugar Skull Workshop Hosted by Norma
Sunday Oct. 28, 2007 at 12 p.m.

Come experience a hands-on workshop for the whole family in preparation for Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) with the making of Sugar Skulls, a centuries-old tradition in Mexico that plays an important symbolic role in this holiday. You are welcomed to join us in tribute of this fun and mysterious holiday.


Tia Chucha's Centro Cultural
10258 Foothill Blvd.
Lake View Terrace, CA 91342

(818) 896-1479

www.tiachucha.com
e-mail us at: info@chuchamail.com


Donate to Tia Chuchas! Tia Chucha's Centro Cultural & Bookstore | 10258 Foothill Blvd. | Lake View Terrace | CA | 91342

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Reyna Grande update



Under the Bridge Bookstore and Gallery
e-mail: underthebridge@sbcglobal.net
When:
Saturday Oct 06, 2007
at 5:00 PM
Where::
Under the Bridge Bookstore and Gallery
358 West 6th Street
San Pedro, CA 90731

UNDER THE BRIDGE BOOKSTORE AND GALLERY CELEBRATES DEBUT AUTHORS!

RSVP not required


SPREAD THE WORD...

Join us as Eduardo Santiago, author of Tomorrow They Will Kiss; Rosa Lowinger, author of Tropicana Nights and Reyna Grande, author of Across A Hundred Mountains, read and sign their new books.

Our readings/booksignings are a great opportunity to meet an author, hear them read from their work, or purchase an autographed copy of their latest book. As always, our events are free and open to the public.

If you are unable to attend an event and are interested in purchasing a signed book please please give us a call at 310-519-8871 or contact us via email at underthebridge@sbcglobal.net. We're happy to hold a book for you.



Some random autumnal thoughts...

Here in the Midwest, there is always a clear sense of seasons changing, of the time and life broken into segments. Now on my walks, I see the start of red gold rustling in the trees, the yellow and orange suns of zempasuchitl, and in my dreams, the faces of loved ones on the other side reminding me to make an ofrenda. On my good days, I see my things linked as a whole, a cycle beginning and ending and beginning.

Somehow too, at middle age, I feel more and more an affinity with autumn, I seem more in touch with the fullness of things as they begin to pass away. Somehow in the still of winter, the expectation of spring, and the busyness of summer I forget to quiet myself and take in what's everyday beautiful ---the walk in the park near my house, the full moon veiled partially with papel picado clouds.

Maybe it because I know once again things will fall away soon into a wintersleep , it seems more important to take time to walk, feel the crunch of leaves and grass under my feet, the smell of wood smoke from neighbor's fireplaces. Maybe it's because I have enough experience remembering and forgetting this, that this year I'm writing it down.

Lisa Alvarado

Books in English and Spanish for Halloween or Día de las brujas

René Colato Laínez

It is time to look in the closet for some clothes and scissors. Taran! You can make a great outfit. But if there is no time for mending, you can go to any store and buy your disfraz.

Meanwhile, this is my list of books for October.


Los gatos black on Halloween by Marisa Montes. Illustrated by Yuyi Morales.

Easy to read, rhyming text about Halloween night incorporates Spanish words, from las brujas riding their broomsticks to los monstruos whose monstrous ball is interrupted by a true horror.




Celebra el Halloween y el Dia de Muertos con Cristina y su conejito azul por F. Isabel Campoy y Alma Flor Ada. Ilustrado por Ivanova Martinez.

Even though Cristina has lost her blue bunny, she can still enjoy Halloween and the Day of the Dead by thinking about her favorite toy. Includes facts about Halloween and the Day of the Dead.




The witch's face : a Mexican tale by Eric A. Kimmel. Illustrated by Fabricio Vanden Broeck.

Don Aurelio falls in love with a witch who has a beautiful face but fails to heed her special instructions.




La mujer chiquitita contado por Jill Bennett. Ilustrado por Tomie dePaola.

Retells the tale of the teeny-tiny woman who finds a teeny-tiny bone in a churchyard and puts it away in her cupboard before she goes to sleep.






Hallo-What? by Christel Desmoinaux

A young witch wonders why everyone is so busy with pumpkins until her grandmother tells her about Halloween and some of the traditions associated with it.






La viejecita que no le tenía miedo a nada por Linda Williams. Ilustrado por Megan Lloyd. Traducido por Yolanda Noda.

A little old lady who is not afraid of anything must deal with a pumpkin head, a tall black hat, and other spooky objects that follow her through the dark woods trying to scare her.




Where the Wild Things Are written and illustrated by Maurice Sendak.

A naughty little boy, sent to bed without his supper, sails to the land of the wild things where he becomes their king.





Jugando con fantasmas : el libro de los cuentos de miedo por W. Kienitz y Bettina Grabis. Ilustraciones de Silke Voigt. Traducción de J. A. Bravo.

Ghost stories, games, activities, recipes and crafts for having fun with ghosts, goblins, witches and other spooky and macabre events.

Noticías

"It’s a wonderful book, filled with the grace and wisdom of being present, at every moment, and reminding us to do the same." Sandra Cisneros

And by-the-way, don't forget about Raúl Niño's upcoming Chicago readings at: the Sulzer Regional Library tomorrow, October 4th, at 7PM, or the DvA Gallery on Friday, October6, at 8-9:30PM. Available through MARCH/Abrazo Press


And good news about La Bloga's René Colato Laínez:

The Tejas Star Book Award was created by the Region One ESC Library Advisory Committee to promote reading in general and for readers to discover the cognitive and economic benefits of bilingualism and multilingualism. All the children of Texas will have the opportunity to select their favorite book from the Tejas Star list during the 2007-2008 school year. Details for participation and voting are coming soon. The Tejas Star Book Award Committee selected the following books for the 2007-2008 Tejas Star Book Award.

Byrd, Lee Merrill. (2006). Lover Boy/Juanito el cariñoso: a Bilingual Counting Book. Illustrated by Francisco Delgado. Cinco Puntos Press ISBN 0-938317-38-5. Grades PK-2. (Bilingual, English/Spanish) Reviewed in Críticas Magazine: http://reviews.criticasmagazine.com/BookDetail.aspx?isbn=0938317385; School Library Journal, Jun, 2006, Vol. 52, Issue 6, p. 142; Kirkus Review, 3/15/2006, Vol. 74, Issue 6, p. 287.

Juanito loves to count in English and Spanish, the kisses he gives to family, friends and pets.

Canetti, Yanitzia. (2006) Ay, luna, luna, lunita… Illustrated by Ángeles Peinador. Editorial Everest, S.A. (Distributed by Lectorum).ISBN 84-241-8774-1. Grades PK-2. (Spanish)
Reviewed in Críticas Magazine: http://reviews.criticasmagazine.com/BookDetail.aspx?isbn=8424187741

Farmer Federico Feliciano de la Feria never suspects that all the animals on his farm, except for one, are unhappy with who they are and wish to the moon to make them a different animal.

Colato Laínez, René. (2005). Playing Lotería/El juego de la Lotería. Illustrated by Jill Arena. Luna Rising. ISBN 978-0-87358-881-2 and 0-87358-881-9. Grades 1-3. (Bilingual, English/Spanish) Reviewed in Críticas Magazine: http://reviews.criticasmagazine.com/BookDetail.aspx?isbn=0873588819; School Library Journal, Oct. 2005, Vol. 51, Issue 10, p. 148.

A boy reluctantly spends the summer with his grandmother in Mexico. They have fun learning each other's language using the game Lotería, or Mexican bingo.

Garza, Xavier. (2006). Juan and the Chupacabras/Juan y el Chupacabras. Illustrated by April Ward. Piñata Books. ISBN 978-1-55885-454-3 and 1-55885-454-1. Grades 2-4. (Bilingual, English/Spanish) Reviewed in Kirkus Reviews, 10/15/2006, Vol. 74, Issue 20; School Library Journal; Oct. 2006, Vol. 52, Issue 10, p144.

After hearing their grandfather describe his encounter with the Chupacabras, Juan and his cousin Luz go into the corn fields at night to find out if the Chupacabras is a real monster.

Gonzalez-Bertrand, Diane. The Ruiz Street Kids/Los Muchachos de la Calle Ruiz. (2006). Piñata Books. ISBN 978-1-55885-321-8 and 1-55885-321-9. Grades 3-6. (Bilingual, English/Spanish) Reviewed in School Library Journal, Oct. 2006, Vol. 52, Issue 10, p. 144.

The Ruiz Street kids wonder why David, the tough-looking red-haired kid, has a different bike every time he rides down the street. They all think David steals the bikes and the rumors begin.

Hayes, Joe. (2005). A Spoon for Every Bite: Una Cuchara Para Cada Bocado. Illustrated by Rebecca Leer. Cinco Puntos. ISBN 0-938317-93-8. Grades 1-5. (Bilingual, English/Spanish)
Reviewed in Library Media Connection, Feb. 2006, Vol. 24, Issue 5, p. 57; School Library Journal, Oct. 2005, Vol. 51 Issue 10, p. 148-149.

In this folktale, a poor man tells his rich compadre that he knows someone who uses a different spoon for every bite. The envious rich man spends his entire fortune buying enough spoons for every bite he takes. He is surprised when he finds out how a poor man uses a spoon for every bite.

Mansour, Vivian. (2005). El Enmascarado de Lata. Illustrated by Trino. (The Tin Wrestler) Fondo de Cultura Económica. ISBN 968-16-7672-6. Grades 4-6. (Spanish) Reviewed in Críticas Magazine: http://reviews.criticasmagazine.com/BookDetail.aspx?isbn=9681676726

In this comical story, a small puny boy tries to convince his schoolmates, who pick on him daily, that the famous wrestler, El enmascarado de Lata (The Tin Wrestler), is his father. When his plans fail, he discovers the true meaning of friendship and integrity.

Villaseñor, Victor. (2005). Little Crow to the Rescue/El Cuervito al Rescate. Illustrated by Felipe Ugalde Alcántara. Piñata Books. ISBN978-1-55885-430-7 and 1-55885-430-4. Grades 2-4. (Bilingual, English/Spanish) Reviewed in Kirkus Reviews, 11/15/2005, Vol. 73, Issue 22, p1236-1236; Booklist, 10/1/2005, Vol. 102, Issue 3, p. 66; School Library Journal, Feb. 2006, Vol. 52, Issue 2, p. 127.

When Father Crow warns his son to beware of ungrateful humans, who do not appreciate what animals have taught them, Little Crow makes a clever suggestion to stay out of danger.

Lisa Alvarado

Immigrant foundations down Oz way

The Secret River. Kate Grenville. Edinburgh. Canongate Books, 2006.

ISBN 184195828X.

Michael Sedano

I'd love to meet the chicano version of Kate Grenville's Australian foundation novel, The Secret River. Imagine there's an Australian writer working on a novel about his great- great- great- grandfather and grandmother, who see a family of anglos set up a homestead, extinct a food plant, dig a system of settlements up and down the river. Some of these anglos would torture slow-moving blacks, keep sex slaves, a few would intermarry or live and let live. Ni modo, the writer would think, that world ended the day those people set foot on our land and no amount of romantic recreation will change that one awful fact.

Grenville doesn't shy away from the contradiction between native and invader in 1807. It is the heart of the conflict in the anglo family's story. The husband, a boatman, convinces his wife to abandon the hardscrabble encampment of Sydney for virgin land, free for the taking. They're fresh from London, he released from prison and transported to New South Wales. They make a living in Sydney but the man discovers paradise in the wilderness.

A frightening boat ride on open seas--the novel's best writing happens here--gets the family to their land. Along the slow river that rises and falls with the ocean tide, a handful of people have staked claims. There's enough freight for a boatman and company for the woman during his absences. Poor mother and three kids. And the crop to nurture. Puro city folk--she's a literate spirit--the transition to subsistence farming must have been terrifying. Then the blacks would appear.

The story idealizes the aboriginal people in a clearly despairing manner. The men shake sticks at the farmer who has destroyed the native crops. The women trade precious artifacts for trinkets. For the anglos, dinner is a boring menu of mush with a little salt pork. For the locals, lizard, snake, and kangaroo diet puts food simply everywhere, and they make fire by rubbing sticks together. The anglo family's middle son seems drawn to black ways, but the novel doesn't go in his direction, the author lets the boy's career tantalize the reader with its possibilities.

The author gives the women a pass when the inevitable massacre comes, three years into their stay along the river. Grenville's graphic bloodbath is the exclusive doing of the most hateful along with the weakest men among the anglos. The blacks take a few anglo lives with them in the attack, but gruesome slaughter of man, woman, and baby eliminates what had so troubled the characters, missing crops and stolen tools. For the rest of their lives the man would never mention the slaughter and the wife would never question where they'd gone.

The sea passage early in the novel and the massacre of the innocents near the end make for the story's most powerful writing. In between, Grenville unfolds her tale with a deliberate pace that keeps a reader turning pages, shaking one's head.

Sydney and Australia today form a thriving English-speaking land near the rim of the world where it's already tomorrow. No looking back down under. But still. I'll stay on the lookout for a counterpart to Grenville's The Secret River. In the meantime, The Secret River is one of those novels you read and pass along to another reader, curious what they'll make of it.

That's Tuesday the first one in October, 2007. Looks like it'll be a fine Fall in southern Cal. Same to you.

mvs

CREATIVE WRITING PROGRAM SEARCHES FOR TWO ASSISTANT PROFESSORS

The Creative Writing Program of the Department of English at the University of Arizona invites applications and nominations for two tenure-track assistant professors, one in creative nonfiction and one in fiction, to start August 2008. We are looking for outstanding writers and teachers to work with students at the graduate and undergraduate level. Our university, college, and department seek to expand our work with under-represented cultures and under-served constituencies, and so we welcome candidates with experience and interest in working with diverse students, colleagues, and communities. Our program also seeks to encourage a broad range of aesthetic approaches. Welcome, but not required, is secondary expertise in poetry and/or an ability to contribute to a college-wide initiative in border studies.

For full details and online application, click here (cite job #39165 for creative nonfiction, or job #39113 for fiction). Include letter of application, c.v., and writing sample (30 pages maximum) with the online application. Please have three letters of recommendation sent to Professor Alison Hawthorne Deming, Search Committee Chair, Department of English, P.O. Box 210067, ML445, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721-0067. Review of complete applications will begin October 10, 2007 and continue until the positions are filled. For more information on the department and the program, go to here.

◙ In yesterday’s El Paso Times, I reviewed Aaron Abeyta’s debut novel, Rise, Do Not Be Afraid (Ghost Road Press). As you know, Abeyta is one of La Bloga’s favorite writers.

◙ If you missed Rudy’s post from yesterday, check it out…he writes about an important landmark reached by La Bloga which would not have been possible without you, our readers.

◙ Tattoo Highway, an online journal of prose, poetry and art (and one of my favorite online litmags), is now reading for TH/16: "Sidekicks & Fellow Travelers." Deadline January 15, 2008.

GENERAL GUIDELINES: Interpret the theme literally or loosely, as you wish. Our tastes are eclectic. We like fresh, vivid language, and we like stories and poems that are actually about something – that acknowledge a world beyond the writer's own psyche. If they have an edge, if they provoke us to think or make us laugh, so much the better. We strongly suggest reading a previous issue or two before submitting. While we particularly welcome poetry and short "screen-reader-friendly" prose or cross-genre pieces (less than 1000 words), we do on occasion publish longer work. We encourage hypertext and new media (Flash .swf) submissions, also photographs and original graphics. For complete guidelines, click here.

◙ And this notice from that wild vato of literature, William Nericcio, Professor & Chair of the Department of English & Comparative Literature, San Diego State University: He will be doing a book reading at Skylight Books, 1818 N. Vermont Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90027; Tel: (323) 660-1175, on Wednesday, November 7, 2007, 7:30 p.m. The book: Tex[t] Mex: Seductive Hallucinations of the Mexican in America (University of Texas Press). And here is the pretty ad:

◙ In the latest edition of the Santa Monica Review, a beautiful full-page ad runs for the forthcoming Latinos in Lotusland: An Anthology of Contemporary Southern California Literature (Bilingual Press). If you haven’t seen the ad yet, one of the contributors to the anthology, Daniel Chacón, posted a PDF link to his university’s website. The Santa Monica Review is a fine literary journal that you, as readers and writers, should check out. Now. Or else I’ll have to get a little Tony Soprano on you.

◙ Lo siento for the short post but I moderated a panel at yesterday’s West Hollywood Book Fair and was completely pressed for time. Such is life but I had a blast and will try to gather some photos to give you a report. So, until next Monday, enjoy the intervening posts from my compadres y comadres at La Bloga. ¡Lea un libro! --Daniel Olivas