Burning Última:  Rudolfo Anaya and the Impact of Book Bans on Democracy Article for the NM Humanities Council

I'm pleased to share my latest article for the NM Humanities Council on the subject of book banning and its effect on democracy and my dear friend and mentor, Rudolfo Anaya whose novel Bless Me, Última, was banned many times. Check it out at: https://nmhumanities.org/?blogId=1926

Episode 4, Season 2 of “Cooking The Books” Podcast Now Available!

The latest episode of my podcast "Cooking The Books" just dropped! We're talking (belatedly!) about Christmas in New Mexico, the importance of traditional holiday food, the author Rudolfo Anaya, and I interview the marvelous food marketer Eric Martinez of Los Foodies, so give it a listen, ya filthy animal! https://anchor.fm/cookingthebooks/episodes/The-Farolitos-of-Christmas-and-the-Seasonal-Happiness-of-Biscochitos-e1adp13 https://anchor.fm/cookingthebooks/episodes/The-Farolitos-of-Christmas-and-the-Seasonal-Happiness-of-Biscochitos-e1adp13

Zia Summer by Rudolfo Anaya

Those of you who have followed my blog since its inception know of my great and abiding love for the works, and for he himself, the late, great Chicano author Rudolfo Anaya, and particularly, today's literary choice of Zia Summer. Rudy, as he was affectionately known, was not only someone I admired greatly, he was … Continue reading Zia Summer by Rudolfo Anaya

Episode 9 of “Cooking the Books” Podcast Now Online!

The latest episode of "Cooking the Books" Podcast just dropped, and it's a good one! We're talking green chile, blue corn, witches and mysticism, one of my exes and his hilarious dislike of the writer, and the author himself, my friend, the late, great Rudolfo Anaya, so give it a listen! https://anchor.fm/cookingthebooks/episodes/Bless-Me--ltima-and-the-Spiritual-Bliss-of-Blue-Corn-Cakes-ejm5qp

REPOST: Bless Me, Última by Rudolfo Anaya

The news of the death of Rudolfo Anaya hit today. He was not only a world-renowned author, he was also a dear and cherished friend, mentor, and counselor. I was fortunate to have met him 20 years ago and we developed a wonderful friendship. He encouraged my writing, persuaded me to attend graduate school, and … Continue reading REPOST: Bless Me, Última by Rudolfo Anaya

Alburquerque by Rudolfo Anaya

Those of you who know me know of my deep and abiding love for the books of Rudolfo Anaya. For those of you who may not have heard of him, he is a well-known New Mexico writer who wrote what many consider the seminal work of Chicano literature - Bless Me, Ultima. His work tends … Continue reading Alburquerque by Rudolfo Anaya

Rio Grande Fall by Rudolfo Anaya

If you've been following my blog since it started, you'll know of my deep and abiding love for the literary works of Rudolfo Anaya. A native of my home state of New Mexico, he was one of the first writers to gain national and worldwide attention for his books set here in the Land of … Continue reading Rio Grande Fall by Rudolfo Anaya

Cuentos: Tales from the Hispanic Southwest by José Griego y Maestas and Rudolfo Anaya

I'd consider this book of short stories, Cuentos: Tales from the Hispanic Southwest, one of the pivotal books of my childhood. I've mentioned my father and his love of reading, and there were always books around him. In his car, in his house, you name it. As well, being a very strong proponent of civil … Continue reading Cuentos: Tales from the Hispanic Southwest by José Griego y Maestas and Rudolfo Anaya

The Farolitos of Christmas by Rudolfo Anaya

Thanks to TB for the photography. Welcome to December, and a month of holiday-themed books and food! Those who know me know my great and abiding love for the books of Rudolfo Anaya. He's called the Godfather of Chicano literature for a reason, and it's his novel Bless Me, Ultima, that catapulted him and our … Continue reading The Farolitos of Christmas by Rudolfo Anaya