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Albert Camus

Don't walk behind me; I may not lead. Don't walk in front of me; I may not follow. Just walk beside me and be my friend.

Wednesday, November 14, 2018

a tale of sorrow and joy - Song of the Boricua by Olivia Castillo

"This complex, moving, and honestly quite inspirational novel was a compelling read. I enjoyed the many complex layers of the plot, realistic characters, and particularly the premise that one’s actions/choices can affect not only your life, but the generations afterwards. " - Oregongirl, Amazon

Description:

Puerto Rico an island of contradiction, serves as an enchanting backdrop following three generations of women. 

Elena: Resilient and ambitious, but trapped by duty to her children. 

Maria: Passionate and headstrong, but married to a man she does not love. Josephina: Optimistic and romantic, but in love with an alcoholic. 

Isabella: Clairvoyant and spiritual, but denies her heritage and roots. 

Like the land these women are held hostage, unfulfilled and unable to find their happiness. Each generation like the land is cursed. Can they defy the powerful bond of the curse and free themselves to find love everlasting? 

New Author, Olivia Castillo, like the jibaros of the past weaves a tale of sorrow and joy. Castillos' fiction is timely, offering a glimpse into the islands rich history and offering insight into the story that has plagued women for all of time, the search for true love and acceptance of self. 

GUEST POST

I remember the first book I truly fell in love with. I was in first grade and my teacher introduced the class to, The Velveteen Rabbit, by Margery Williams. This classic tale was perfect for a six-year-old who had one foot in the world of fantasy, and one foot in the world of childhood and elementary school. 

Her description of the boy was relatable to a six-year-old. I too had stuffed animals I loved and wanted to be real. I often wondered if my toys talked at night and would try to stay up to see if they would. 

When the boy got ill and they took his bunny away, I felt as heartbroken as he did. I also felt the feeling of being thrown away like garbage. At the time I was being abused, so I related to the feeling of being unwanted. 

The end of the story was so powerful to me and continues to be powerful, even today. The definition of really being real, given by the Skin Horse, is one of the best I have ever heard. " 'Real isn’t how you are made,” said the Skin Horse. “It’s a thing that happens to you. When a child loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but REALLY loves you, then you become real.' ” 

From then on, I made it my goal to be real. It is a book that I feel all people can relate to. 

The book will be on sale for $0.99
About the author:
Olivia Castillo is a New York native. After going to the prestigious Fiorello H. Laguardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts, she went on to study graphic design at Otis Parson's College in Los Angeles. Along with being an entrepreneur, she is the mother of three children, and grandmother of two. When not writing or spending time with her family, she travels the world and paints. Song of the Boricua is her first novel.

Author's Giveaway
a Rafflecopter giveaway

12 comments:

Olivia Castillo said...

Thank you !

James Robert said...

My family and I all appreciate you bringing to our attention the book description of another great book to read. Thanks so much!

Olivia Castillo said...

You are so welcome :)

Rita Wray said...

Sounds like a great read.

Calvin F. said...

Nice intro to this book, sounds like a relaxing adventure read

Bernie Wallace said...

Who is your favorite character in your book? Congrats on the release. Bernie Wallace BWallace1980(at)hotmail(d0t)com

Debra Branigan said...

The cover is very beautiful and I am interested in the different setting for this story. Congratulations on your new novel. Thanks for hosting as well.

Marisela Zuniga said...

This sounds really interesting to read. Thanks for sharing

Debbie P said...

This book sounds like an intriguing read.

Debra Branigan said...

Thanks for hosting.

Debra Branigan said...

What is next for the author?

Debra Branigan said...

Good luck with the novel.