Jo Ann of Bronze World recently inquired if I would host a Question and Answer session with Raul Ramos y Sanchez, the award winning author of AMERICA LIBRE. Of course I said YES! There was no way I could pass up probing this author’s mind!
Before I bring on the Q & A, let me bring you up to speed on the author and book.
Raul (Can you believe we are on first name basis?!) is Cuban born, but has resided in the US for many years. He is a talented and gifted writer, director, producer and businessman. He has also been featured in various television, radio, print publications and social media sources. Click HERE to learn more about this multi-faceted author.
AMERICA LIBRE, the first of a trilogy, is set in the near future. In this future, Latinos have grown in population but not wealth. They struggle to feed their families, obtain jobs, and maintain a sense of dignity in a harsh and unjust world. Tensions escalate when cops accidentally shoot an innocent Latina during a drug bust. A revolution eventually ensues, escalating into a Civil War. Over his wife’s protests decorated ex-Army Ranger and family man, Manolo “Mano” Suarez, decides to join the melee. While trying to bring about change, he encounters a beautiful Latina radical. Mano eventually realizes that the battle he is facing is not only in the streets but within him! Will he choose love of family and country or the beguiling and beautiful Latina and revolutionists? Read this page turner to find out!
Blog Q & A
1. As a romantic, I have to admit I am very interested in the love story between Mano and his wife. He’s her knight in shining armor, a devoted family man and a hard worker. What made you portray him as such?
| Mano is the kind of guy all men should want to be: loyal, kind, strong, responsible. I wanted readers to like and admire Mano. In a lot of ways, he represents the best of the entire Latino community. So when Mano is drawn into the revolution, I wanted readers to understand how prejudice, hatred and violence could drive even a very decent guy into becoming a rebel. |
2. Mano is later tempted by a beautiful Latina. I have to ask, why did you give her features which are not normally considered Latino (ex. natural, not from the box, straight blonde hair)? Doesn’t this promote the myth that Latinos prefer non-Latino features?
| You raise a good point about Josefina’s appearance. She has honey-blond hair and blue eyes. In most people’s minds, she is not a typical Latina. But in reality, she is. In the U.S. we have been conditioned by the media to believe there is a Hispanic/Latino “look.” For one thing, this makes it easier for advertisers to choose models when selling products. Hollywood also tends to typecast Latinos. But when a Hispanic actor does not fit the stereotype, they are often cast in non-Latino roles. Martin Sheen (Ramon Estevez), Charlie Sheen (Carlos Estevez), Frankie Muñiz (Malcolm in the Middle), Eddie Cibrian, Majandra Delfino and Sarah Ramos are just a few examples. In truth, people from Latin America have very different looks because, just like the U.S. population, they come from all over the world or are indigenous. (I also included the Afro-Latino character Jesus Lopez in AMERICA LIBRE to underscore that more people of African descent in the Americas speak Spanish than English.) With Jo’s character, I wanted to shatter a number of stereotypes, not just with her appearance but also with her attitudes. Throughout the AMERICA LIBRE, I wanted to paint a more diverse picture of Latinos than is commonly perceived. |
3. The books love’s story is not just between Mano and his wife but also between him and the United States. When he meets the beautiful Latina and the revolutionists he doubts all that he held sacred and true. Without spoilers, do you believe that love can conquer all? How did this influence the outcome of the book?
| Love is universal. Every culture on the planet celebrates love – and every person feels it. But human love is not perfect. All of us are also tempted. How we deal with those temptations is what makes for drama in a book, a movie or a play. As you noted, Mano is seduced by Josefina and by her revolutionary ideology. Will he succumb to these temptations? I hope you’ll read AMERICA LIBRE and find out. |
4. Although I have focused on the book’s love story, it is also an action packed thriller. It brings attention to immigration plights that are either unknown or pushed beneath the rug. Did you intend to bring the reader’s attention to the dissatisfaction found in many of today’s Latin communities? If so, could this not cause more harm and discord?
| As Tupac Shakur said: “No one knows my struggle. They only see the trouble.” I’ve tried to show the plight of everyday, hardworking Latinos and the difficulties they face. At the same time, I’ve also tried to show the consequences of prejudice and hatred. The U.S. is experiencing conditions which are ripe for exploitation by extremists. I hope that AMERICA LIBRE is a wake up call about these dangers. |
5. I recently discovered that your book may be made into a movie! How Latinalicious is that?! Are you considering any particular actors/actresses? Would you consider unknowns or only established artists?
| Well, an author on a movie set is usually there for PR value—if at all. The producers and director make all the casting decisions. So my speculation on actors to the play the roles in AMERICA LIBRE is mostly for fun. That said, readers can join in the fun and vote for the star they’d like to see play the characters in AMERICA LIBRE on my website: www.RaulRamos.com. Just scroll down a bit in the left column and you’ll find a link to vote or write in your favorite star. |
6. I love the fact that you were featured in USA Today and Latina Magazine, as one of the top summer reads. It brings me great pleasure to see that you are accepted by what others consider “serious” and “light” readers, as well as mainstream and Latino communities alike. That is quite an accomplishment! Felicidades/Congratulations! With that said, do you feel like a trendsetter?
| Thank you for your kind words! I’ve been very fortunate in the progress of AMERICA LIBRE so far. And I owe it all to other people, starting with my agent and my editor at Grand Central Publishing who put their faith in my work. The publicity team at GCP has also done a terrific job in spreading the word about my novel. In addition, many wonderful people like you in the Latino community have been very generous with their support and encouragement. I must admit that I don’t feel like a trendsetter. I’d rather think what I’m doing is offering a unique perspective on Latino culture. |
Raul, it’s been a great pleasure having you here on Latina On a Mission. You are truly a “Latino On a Mission” that is inspiring and empowering so many around you! Sigue pa’ delante!/Keep on keeping on!
I also need to thank Jo Ann of Bronze World for making this possible! Gracias Jo Ann!
You can read the first chapter of AMERICA LIBRE by clicking HERE. Enjoy! And don’t forget to let me know what you think!
{ 13 comments… add one }
What a wonderful take on America Libre. Most focus on the whole story and not the love story. Again, another unique perspective on the book. And Raul, more insight!! Congrats on a great interview you two.
Thanks, Carolyn! It’s fascinating how each interviewer brings a fresh point of view. These questions were fun to answer. I hope visitors today will ask more about the book and its premise.
After reading that Q &A, I wanna go out and buy the book now! Seems like it’s a great read! Don’t think I’ve ever read anything from a Latino writer, so I’m excited to pick it up!
Hi Christina,
I’m delighted about your interest in AMERICA LIBRE. I hope the novel is an entertaining story for both mainstream and Latino readers. In the left column of my website http://www.RaulRamos.com you’ll find all the online and brick and mortar stores where it’s available. Please send me a note with your thoughts after you’ve read it. I’d love to hear from you.
Fascinating!
I completely agree that we have been conditioned by the media to believe that there is a Latino/Hispanic look. Unfortunately, prejudice and hatred exist among the Latino/Hispanic community as well.
Thanks Miggy for introducing me to what seems like an interesting author and book.
Raul – I look forward to reading your books!
Hi Sabrina,
Glad to get acquainted and hope you enjoy AMERICA LIBRE.
Without a doubt, discrimination exists throughout the world. I hope my novel helps open some eyes to the dangers of prejudice and hate — no matter where they originate. In my mind, extremism is the enemy, no matter what side it’s on.
Just out of curiosity – do you, as an author, have a say whether you want the book published as a softcover vs hardcover? Amazing book by the way, I finished it in a weekend.
Thank you, Raymond! An author never tires of hearing from readers. We spend so much time alone writing that it’s very satisfying to get feedback.
As a first-time author, I did not have any say about the cover choice. A major publisher like Grand Central makes that decision based purely on economics. Often, a lot of readers wait for the paperback because it’s lower in price. So a lot of publishers are going straight to paperback with first releases.
By the way, I was honored by your photo for the #MyAmericaLibre Photo Contest. You certainly placed the novel in very fine company. Good luck with the $50 prize!
As a fellow male latino, I am simply amazed and can only praise another in his accomplishments. The book sounds great and I plan to pick up a copy this weekend. I like the reality of the story because as you state, “The U.S. is experiencing conditions which are ripe for exploitation by extremists”. Unfortunate, but true to a degree. Although racial prejudices have deteriorated, they still linger and it is through these tough economic times that social economic gaps are widened and emphatically exhibited.
Great Tupac quote as well!
Thanks Ms. Latina for a positive and inspirational interview of a fellow Latino. Great Q&A!
Hola Kenny,
Each of us Latinos knows that we represent. You represent. I represent. Judge Sotomayor represents. Whether we like it or not, everyone of us is an unofficial ambassador. That’s what it means to be a minority in this country. And you know what? I take pride in that. I hope the day will come when that pride won’t scare mainstream Americans. Do they call the Irish racists for celebrating St Patrick’s Day? Or the Italians on Columbus Day? As you point out, we have made progress but still have a long way to go.
I love how you portrayed Mano. It shows a different side of spanish men, the side not often seen in the media. I am looking forward to picking up the book this weekend.
Amelia
Glad to hear that, Amelia. Once you’ve read the book, please stop by my website and leave a message with your thoughts. I would love to hear what you think of Mano and all the other characters:
http://www.RaulRamos.com
Thanks! Raul
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