Chanticleer Book Reviews

Author: sean-dwyer

The Shorts Roundup for the 2023 First Place Winners!

The Short Story Awards recognize emerging new talent and outstanding works in the genre of Short Stories, Collections and Novellas. The Grand Prize Winners, Mack Little’s book, Shelter in A Hostile World and Catherine Brown’s story The Heart of Kublai Khan’s Menagerie Keeper will be promoted for years to come in our annual Hall of Fame article, as well as be featured on the Shorts contest page year ’round!

The best part about being a Chanticleer Int’l Book Award Winner is the love and attention you get all year ‘round!

The 2023 Shorts Winners were announced at the 2024 Chanticleer Authors Conference in April, and you can see the official winners post here for Novellas and Collections! And here for Short Stories and Essays!

Join us in celebrating the 2023 First Place Shorts Winners!

Paper Lantern Writers – Unlocked

Who knows what treasures will be found when this ancient trunk is finally Unlocked?

In much the same manner as Pandora, each Paper Lantern Writer takes a turn opening an old wooden chest, digging out stories spanning seven centuries. The individuals in these tales—heroes, villains, and in between—are more than people from the past. Whether they are making mayhem, waging war, or quietly holding their families together, their strength and fortitude shines on the page. From the Swinging Seventies to the Middle Ages, these characters gather, keep, and spill the secrets of their souls.

Find it on Amazon

Elizabeth Rau – The Good Slope

Moving, bold, and funny, this collection of essays by Elizabeth Rau captures the poignancy of ordinary life through the voices of everyday people–children, friends, neighbors, and even the mail carrier. In vivid and lyrical prose, she chronicles her childhood in the Midwest, her many years as a newspaper reporter, and, above all, her plunge into motherhood in middle age. At a time when some writers tend to grouse about raising children, Rau revels in her good fortune and the day-to-day: teaching her younger son how to read using “Garfield” comic books; encouraging her older son to design his grandmother’s gravestone; observing the motley crew of boys who patronize “the yellow house” for years, bringing their wit, charm, and stuff, from yo-yos to baseball gloves. Along the way we meet characters in her neighborhood, like Ed the mailman whose true passion is growing and selling daylilies because they are “beautiful and resilient and won’t die on you.” Engaging, yet never indulgent, the collection elevates moments we take for granted into luminous stories about the experience of home.

Find it Locally and on Amazon

Sean Thomas Dwyer – Tiptoeing Past The Dragon

This work is a manuscript. Sean also won a 2018 First Place in the Journey Award for his Book A Quest For Tears (Find that Locally and our review for it here). He has also recently been awarded with Village Books Literary Citizenship Award. Congratulations Sean!

Mary Ann Bernal – AnaRose and The Templar’s Quest

A dangerous expedition. A precious artifact. A race against time.

Museum curator and expert in antiquities AnaRose Preston accepts the challenge to find one of Christianity’s holy relics concealed in the hilt of a legendary dagger. Traveling throughout contemporary France, she rushes to solve a historical mystery. But members of a secret society stand in her way. AnaRose risks her life to locate the weapon before it falls into the wrong hands.

Find it on Amazon

JuJu – The Costly Wish

Be careful what you wish for, they say…

We’re so caught up in wishful thinking that we fail to acknowledge the drawbacks associated with them. It’s the way of the universe; you need to give up something dear to you in order to achieve something dearer. With that being said, there is a balance that needs to be met for everything to work in perfect harmony. But what happens when you’ve bitten off more than you can chew? What happens when your granted wish has consequences you did not ask for?

Presenting a narrative that begins with a grave warning, condensing into a plot that will send shivers down your spine. A narrative that will toy with you, allowing you to find comfort only to take it away when you least expect it.

Find it Locally or on Amazon

Gary Baysinger – A Kind of Homecoming

1914 England

Rose is swept off her feet by young German Sebastian, who shares many of her passions and dreams. The world is their oyster—until it is not, with the rising drums of war reinforcing their differences and proving an obstacle to any relationship dreams each may have harbored.

As Rose throws herself into the rigors of being an Army nurse, cleaning up after the infantry’s battles, she can’t help but wonder how the pain and suffering she witnesses fits into the beliefs and ideals she once held.

From issues of patriotism and opportunity to confrontations with the “lottery of fate” that transforms dreams and dreamers alike, A Kind of Homecoming represents a vivid story of war and transformation that will appeal to libraries and readers seeking succinct yet powerful explorations of World War I’s impact on individual ambitions.

Find it on Amazon

Brian Feutz – Pity the Peasants

Read the Award Winning story on his website here!

From fiction to humor, short-story narrative to poetry —
Brian Feutz has an affinity for the music of words. A wide range of life experiences and interests converge in a lively perspective that challenges conventions and stimulates thought.

A.J. McCarthy – The Strike

The author of mystery suspense novels, A.J. McCarthy is always on the lookout for new ideas. Her friends and family are cautious, concerned they may become a victim in her next novel. Those who are more adventurous offer up ideas and are willing to sacrifice certain family members for the cause. A.J. bides her time, waiting for the right moment and the perfect victim. She hides behind a quiet façade, and few know what she’s really thinking.

A.J. grew up reading Agatha Christie, Sidney Sheldon, and many other masters of mystery and suspense. A lifelong love of the genre evolved. She’s a member of Crime Writers of Canada, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers. When she isn’t writing, chances are she is reading.

Find her books on Amazon

Logan D. Irons – Bridge of Kings

Two Warriors. Two Kings. One bridge.

Some men hold secrets that are far darker than war. An old oath obligates Ulf Bodvarsson to join King Harald Hardrada’s army of Norsemen, seeking to assert his claim to the English crown. Yet near Stamford Bridge, enemies await, seeking to fulfill their own oaths of blood. The struggle that awaits them all will decide who rules and who dies.

This gritty historical fantasy novella gives new readers an excellent introduction to the dynamic grimdark world created by Logan D. Irons. Start the series that is perfect for fans of George R.R. Martin, Bernard Cornwell, Joe Abercrombie, John Gwynne, and Mark Lawrence.

Find it on Amazon

Marie Sutro- Son Down

Marie Sutro is was born in the San Francisco Bay Area, which served as the setting for her debut novel, Dark Associations. As soon as she learned to read, she developed an insatiable appetite for books. With each new story, Marie became more fascinated with the transformative power of words. The magic she discovered in those printed pages sparked an ardent desire to write, which continues to this day.

Marie remains committed to sharing the knowledge that has brought so much joy to her life. She volunteers with California Library Literacy Services, helping adults improve their reading and writing skills. Marie is also a member of Sisters in Crime, where she has served on the board of her local chapter. She currently serves on the board of Bouchercon World Mystery Convention.

Robert S Phillips – The Great River

You can read his story can be found on HamLit here for their issue Life Expectancy. His Novel, Elodia’s Knife is available Locally and on Amazon, and our Review of that book is here.

Writing didn’t become a priority for Robert until recently. In 2023, he published his first novel, “Elodia’s Knife,” a historical epic set in the late 4th century CE, when the Western Roman Empire was on the brink of collapse. The book tells the story of a young Gothic girl who flees her abusive husband and finds refuge in Roman territory. She uses her wits and strength to survive and rise to power in a world that seeks to crush her.

The novel’s ordinary characters are made extraordinary by the world-shaking events of their time. Its unconventional story is bursting with confusion and danger, all precisely framed by the known historical record. “Elodia’s Knife” is a testament to Robert’s love of history, adventure, and suspense.

S.M. Stevens – The Wallace House of Pain

Troubled family relations, modern social justice issues, deeply personal choices.

Activist Xander Wallace and his straitlaced father do not have an easy relationship. Jim’s views on race, immigration, gender, sexuality and even Millennials alienate his son no matter how hard Xander tries to find common ground. Toss in Jim’s second marriage ten months after Xander’s mother died and it’s a volatile cocktail. How, against this backdrop, will Xander ever dare to bare his soul and reveal his greatest secret?

Find it on Amazon

Remembering Robert Phillips

Robert Phillips passed on August 8, 2024. He is deeply missed. Here is a note from Robert’s family:

Robert retired from his life-long career as a software engineer at the beginning of the COVID lockdown, and immediately focused his time and energy on caring for Mom and writing his first historical fiction novel. Elodia’s Knife was published in 2023, and received numerous local awards and accolades. Not one to let time go to waste, he immediately started writing the sequels.

Dad never stopped missing Mom after her death, and spoke about her with love and reverence regularly. But he also continued to grow his own community here in Bellingham, working out at ProFitness Northwest under the expert care and compassion of our trainer Christy, connecting with writers in Whatcom County through the Village Books writers group, and volunteering his time and energy with the lively set-building crew at the Bellingham Theatre Guild. He travelled to visit friends and family in British Columbia, Alberta, Israel, Pennsylvania, Washington DC, Texas, New Mexico, and North Carolina.

Dad and I talked in January of 2024. He was clear and definite in his intentions. He wanted to use whatever remaining time he had to finish the sequels to Elodia’s Knife, to spend time with friends and family, to live fully and pain-free for as long as possible.

If you knew Robert and would like to donate in his memory, his family asks that donations be sent to End of Life Washington, which is a powerful and critical advocacy group here in Washington, and was an incredible support to me as we prepared for his death: https://endoflifewa.org/ or The Bellingham Theatre Guild, which creates incredible local theater with an all-volunteer crew: https://bellinghamtheatreguild.com/.

Reviews for both of the sequels to Elodia’s Knife will be coming soon. We are honored to be able to continue to remember and celebrate Robert and his writing.

Thank you for joining us to celebrate the 2023 Shorts First Place Winners!

Your book can join the Tiers of Achievement, but only if you submit to the Shorts Awards!

Got a great Short Book? The 2024 Shorts Awards are open through the end of August!

Submit to the Shorts Awards Today!

August 22, 2024
Honoring Linda Quinby Lambert, Seán Dwyer, and David Beaumier – Recipients of the Village Books Literary Citizenship Award 2024

Announcing the Recipients of the 2024 Village Books Literary Citizenship Award!

The annual Literary Citizenship Award with the first recipients being recognized on Thursday, July 11, 2024 at Village Books, Fairhaven Village, Bellingham, Wash.

Recipients of this award are of diverse backgrounds and professions, but each have demonstrated a commitment to engage with the literary community with the intent of giving as much, if not more so, than they receive. This can take many different forms such as giving back to the literary community in a meaningful way, making yourself available to other writers as time allows to provide your knowledge and expertise, championing other people’s successes, and involving yourself in the local literary landscape of independent bookstores, libraries, and writing organizations.

Village Books, our local independent bookstore (and Chanticleer Authors Conference Book Room Manager) was founded in June 1980 and is a pillar of the pacific northwest writing community.

Village Books Literary Citizenship Award Ceremony
will take place on
Thursday, July 11, 2024 at six o’clock in the evening
at Village Books, Bellingham

All Are Welcome

“Our literary world is a social ecosystem that relies on others: readers, writers, editors, reviewers, publishers, booksellers, and so on. The writing and publishing world is one made of relationships. Writing itself may be a somewhat solitary activity, but once the story or poem is ‘done’ we rely on others to read, share, and publish our work. Yet there are so many levels of participation from others in this community.” ~ Lori May, author of The Write Crowd: Literary Citizenship & The Writing Life

We invite you to join us to honor this year’s Literary Citizenship Award Ceremony recognizing the following three recipients.

Throughout both her personal and professional life, Linda has combined her passions for research and creative writing.

Linda is known for her roles as Library Director for both Whatcom Community College and La Conner Swinomish Library, though it’s her master’s degree in journalism that explains her curious nature to all who know her. An ardent friend to readers and writers, you’ll find Linda present at many book events, and she can always be relied upon to offer insightful questions. She is an active member of Red Wheelbarrow Writers, two book clubs, two critique groups, and you’ll find her work in anthologies including Whatcom Writes annual publications, the Salish Current, I Sing the Salmon Home, and co-editor of 52 Women of Whatcom. Linda helped found both Whatcom Reads and the Chuckanut Writers Conference, community institutions that bring readers and writers together.

Seán Dwyer writes nonfiction and fiction, both novels and stories.

He’s a Spanish professor in the Modern and Classical Languages & Literatures department at Western Washington University, speaks four other languages fluently, and is a songwriter. In 2015, a publisher was waiting for his debut novel manuscript when, in a matter of seconds, Seán’s teaching and writing careers were put on hold. Rear-ended at 50 mph while stopped at a crosswalk, Seán suffered two concussions in two seconds. His memoir, A Quest for Tears, chronicles his recovery from the brain injury that left him unable to read or write for more than a few minutes at a time. Before and since, he’s generously given so much to his community of writers through The Red Wheelbarrow Writers Group, as the president of Whatcom Writers and Publishers, regular contribution to anthologies, and as the ever-supportive host of Village Books’ Open Mics. He has branched out into boutique publishing, and the authors in his list have won multiple awards. Wherever you find him, you’ll experience firsthand his generous spirit.

David always holds true to his first love of Argentine tango, but when he’s not dancing, he writes.

The dance metaphor also holds true in his literary life as it’s a dance of relationships and cooperation. His work has appeared in EWU’s Inroads, WWU’s Suffix, Whatcom Writes, and HamLit but it’s his work with his fellow writers that seems to truly fuel him. He’s worked as the assistant publishing director at Village Books and is the current project manager for The Writers Corner Anthologies, which grew out of his many years as the skillful facilitator of the VB Writes Fiction Writing Group. David helps writers find their voices as an editor and coach and serving as the Communications and Marketing Manager for Chanticleer Book Reviews. He’s a tireless supporter of writers, wherever they are on their journey, and the most frequent question he asks is, “How can I help?”

We’re extra excited to celebrate Chanticleer’s own David Beaumier! David has been with Chanticleer for almost four years, not counting his time interning with us a decade ago. Seán Dwyer is also a usual suspect you can find at Chanticleer events, including our annual authors conference. We’re proud to support such amazing community members! Congratulations again to all recipients!

Village Books’ Literary Citizenship Award celebrates and thanks these three talented and dedicated community builders, community mentors, and community defenders.

They have each demonstrated, in their own unique way, the virtues that embody a Good Literary Citizen. For this, Village Books is awarding $1000 to each of them and hereby induct them into the Village Books Literary Citizen Hall of Fame which will be on permanent display in Village Books, Fairhaven.

June 27, 2024
POP-UP Books & Gifts Event – Just in Time for Palentine’s & Valentine’s Day
Pop-On Over and Visit Us

at the Chanticleer

Pop-Up Books and Gifts Event

February 4 & 5, 2023

Saturday 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

and Sunday 11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

The Herald Building – First Floor, Downtown Bellingham, Wash.

FREE! Local Authors and Artists Event featuring Gifts for Palentine’s and Valentine’s Day:
- Books
- Children’s Books
- Candles
- Soaps
- T-shirts
- Toys & Games
- Prints & Paintings
- Cards
- Vintage Goods
- Bric a Brac
Open to the Public

POP on over to our POP-UP Event on Sat. & Sun. Feb 4th & 5th at the Herald Building, First Floor – Downtown Bellingham!

Featuring the Following Authors:

Susan Conrad, Peggy Sullivan, Gail Noble-Sanderson, Wendy Kendall, Jennifer Mueller, Robert Wright, Rob Slater, Donna LeClair, Strider Klusman, Marian Exall, Christine Smith, Sean Dwyer, MW Soapworks, Neal Cronic – Artist & Kiffer Brown.

POP on Over for this FUN and FREE event! We have a few spots left, if you are interested or in the neighborhood.

We’d love to help create these pop-ups for Chanticleerians all over.

Message or email Kiffer at KBrown@ChantiReviews.com
January 26, 2023
POP-UP Books & Gifts Event – Just in Time for Palentine’s Day
Pop-On Over and Visit Us at the

Pop-Up Books and Gifts Event

February 4 & 5, 2023

Saturday 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

and Sunday 11 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.

The Herald Building – First Floor, Downtown Bellingham, Wash.

FREE! Local Authors and Artists Event featuring Gifts for Palentine’s and Valentine’s Day:
- Books
- Children’s Books
- Candles
- Soaps
- Tee-shirts
- Toys & Games
- Prints & Paintings
- Cards
- Vintage Stuff
- Bric a Brac
Open to the Public and FREE!

POP on over to our POP-UP Event on Sat. & Sun. Feb 4th & 5th at the Herald Building, First Floor – Downtown Bellingham!

Featuring the Following Folk:

Susan Conrad, Peggy Sullivan, Gail Noble-Sanderson, Wendy Kendall, Jennifer Mueller, Robert Wright, Rob Slater, Donna LeClair, Strider Klusman, Marian Exall, Christine Smith, Sean Dwyer, MW Soapworks, Neil Cronic – Artist & Kiffer Brown.

POP on Over for this FUN and FREE event! We have a few spots left, if you are interested or in the neighborhood.

We’d love to help create these pop-ups for Chanticleerians all over.

Message or email Kiffer at KBrown@ChantiReviews.com
January 18, 2023
Spotlight on Seán Dwyer, Award Winning Author of Quest for Tears, Professor, and Community Leader

Award-winning Author, Professor, and President of Whatcom Writers and Publishers

Seán has been a writer since he discovered that people strung words together to tell stories. He is also a polyglot and has written creatively in Spanish, German, French, Portuguese, Latin, and Irish. Sean has finished three novel projects and published stories in several journals, anthologies, and Chanticleer Magazine. A native of Gary, Indiana, and Dwyer teaches Spanish, German, and Portuguese at Western Washington University in Bellingham, WA. The author of over 100 songs, Dwyer is also an active member of Red Wheelbarrow Writers, Whatcom Writers and Publishers, and Upstart Crows.

Seán Dwyer’s collection Voices I Hear was a Finalist for the innaguaral Shorts Awards, and his book A Quest for Tears won First Place in the Journey Awards. Read the 5 Star Book Review of A Quest for Tears here.

Still thinking about registering for the 10th Anniversary Chanticleer Authors Conference?

Now’s the time!

We have a stellar line up of speakers for CAC22, with options to attend in person and virtually. Find out why The Writer Magazine (founded in 1887) has repeatedly recognized the Chanticleer Authors Conference as one of the best conferences to attend and participate in for North America. Join us June 23-26, 2022 at the beautiful Hotel Bellwether in Bellingham, WA.

June 2, 2022
Making Your Story Narrator Irresistible | 2-hour Online Class with Steve Almond for Laurel Leigh

How to Create an Irresistible Narrator – Taught by Steve Almond

Many a short story, essay, novel, and memoir have gone unpublished because the author fails to create a strong narrator, one who can act as a wise and entertaining guide to the reader. In this class, you will examine the work of Sylvia Plath, Jane Austen, Alicia Erian, Joan Didion, and others in an effort to make sure your next narrator isn’t just strong, but irresistible.

Steve will upend what you thought you knew about narrators and make you reconsider how you go about creating characters on the page.

The fiercely amazing writer Steve Almond (Candyfreak, God Bless America) has been teaching writers for a long time, including at Seattle’s Hugo House and Portland’s Tin House Summer Writer’s Workshop.

Steve Almond, author of ten books of fiction and non-fiction, including the New York Times bestsellers “Candyfreak” and “Against Football.”

Now he is teaching an online class to support one of our own, Laurel Leigh, to help her cover her medical and other basic expenses.

The class Steve will be offering for this project is: How to Create an Irresistible Narrator

Laurel Leigh has supported her community of friends and writers across the country for decades. She has always had time to give advice, send a cheerful message, share a heartfelt hello. She has mentored new writers and aspiring authors. She has let wordsmiths borrow her confidence until they found their own. Now it’s time for us to step up and support her.

Laurel Leigh – mentor for writers, editor, and builder of writer communities.

Laurel Leigh Needs Our Help

Recently, our wonderful friend and mentor Laurel Leigh got devastating news from her doctors: She has advanced-stage lung cancer.

She’s never smoked. Nobody knows exactly when or why she developed lung cancer, but she did.

Laurel is self-employed and has not been able to work full-time since starting treatment last month. By the time it was discovered, her cancer was inoperable, and part of her right lung is collapsed around the main tumor. She is undergoing simultaneous chemo and radiation therapy. To make matters worse, she cannot tolerate some of the medications used to lessen the treatment side effects. Her health insurance is covering only a part of the treatment costs, and as a freelancer she does not have paid time off or short-term disability coverage.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/laurel-leigh-needs-our-help

The only way to get a seat at Steve Almond’s exclusive class on narration is to donate $75 or more, using this link, with “Steve Almond” mentioned in the Comments section on Laurel Leigh’s GoFundMe webpage. The Zoom invitation will be sent via GoFundMe’s Thank You email.

If you are not taking the online class, please consider making a contribution to help Laurel cover her medical and other basic expenses. It doesn’t have to be much. Even a small amount will reduce the pressure on her in this difficult time. You may contribute here.

Note from Kiffer: I first met Laurel Leigh while she was supporting local authors at Village Books in Fairhaven at an event. She is considered to be a founder of the Bellingham writers’ community. Many of us remember her from Open Mic with Laurel Leigh at Whatcom Talks and Village Books where she encouraged published and unpublished authors. She is a gracious and talented word-crafter who is generous with her knowledge and experience.

Please join Sean Dwyer, Cami Ostman, Paul Hanson, and myself along with Sabine Sloley, Dawn Groves, Selah Tay-Song, and others of the writing community who have joined forces to help Laurel fight the good fight. Please feel free to contact any of us if you have any questions or want to know how you can help Laurel.

Here’s to Laurel’s full and speedy recovery! – Kiffer and Andrew Brown

This class on narration is suitable for all levels of writers.

When: Wednesday, September 22, 2021 from 5 – 7 p.m. PDT (8 – 10 p.m. Eastern Time)

Where: Online via Zoom

COST: A donation of $75 or more to the GoFundMe campaign of the amazing Laurel Leigh to help cover illness-associated expenses. Make sure to add the words “Steve Almond” as a comment. Steve has graciously offered to teach this two-hour online class with proceeds going to the Laurel Leigh GoFundMe campaign.

Click here to enroll in the online class or to make a donation to benefit Laurel Leigh Erdoiza GoFundMe.com project.

I cannot oversell this opportunity work with my colleague Steve Almond. He is a writer. He teaches writing at a level unequaled. In particular his lectures on the narrator are excellent. You will be grateful to work with him. Claudette Sutherland.

September 15, 2021
Celebrating Cinco de Mayo — Chicanx Books and the Rich History of Mexican American Literature
Cinco de Mayo is coming up soon, dear readers, and we are happy to celebrate with our neighbors to the south, but how much do you really know about Cinco de Mayo?

Mexican Independence Day?

While many in the US believe May 5 to be Mexico’s Independence Day, it’s actually September 16th—starting in 1810, over 50 years before 1862 when Cinco de Mayo was commemorated.

Why the confusion?

Many Mexican immigrants in the United States brought Cinco de Mayo with them as a way to celebrate their culture, and it hit the mainstream when US companies decided to capitalize specifically on boozy drinks associated with Mexico like margaritas. As is often the case in US history, emphasizing a culture just to drink didn’t always land well with actual Mexican Americans (see our article on St Patrick’s Day covering a similar issue here). The holiday is a much bigger deal here than in Mexico. Dia de la Independence or Anniversario de la Independence, September 16, Dia de la Independence or Anniversario de la Independence, September 16, commemorates Mexico’s independence from Spain and is the most important patriotic statutory holiday.

So What is Cinco de Mayo?

Cinco de Mayo is the anniversary of the Battle of Puebla against the French troops serving under Napoleon III. The victory there has long stood as a symbol of Mexican resistance to domination, and is still widely celebrated in that city and region, though not so much throughout the rest of The United States of Mexico.

Puebla de Zaaragoza

If you happen to be in Puebla de Zaaragoza during Cinco de Mayo, you can visit the original battlefield, museums, hear speeches, and even see re-enactments of the historic conflict!

Informative Links:
Mexican American or Chicanx Literature

The word Chicano is often used to refer to someone who is Mexican American, though it can also be heavily connotated as a political identity. Chicano is a catchall word with the masculine ending “o” while Chicana refers specifically to women who identify as Mexican American. The terms Chicanx or Chicane are often used as gender neutral terms, though the ending “x” does not naturally occur in Spanish and is considered an anglicization of the language. Any writer worth their salt knows they have to explain why they choose to use which version of Chicano/a/x/e rather than typing out the endless slash marks, and as an academic in the US who speaks Spanish, but whose native language is English, I am most comfortable with Chicanx.

Chicanx literature often stands out with strong themes near and dear to the author’s heart, as well as pushing the edge of literary excellence through a rich tradition of reading and writing that goes back further than the English language tradition.

Here are some examples:
- Borderlands/La Frontera by Gloria Anzuldúa is a marvelous book of theory, non-fiction, and poetry, blended together in a way that stands up for the power of community and connection, while examining the open wound on the border.
- Their Dogs Came With Them by Helena Maria Viramontes is a brilliant story of being young in East Los Angeles when the highway system is destroying barrios. The book takes a hard look at identity through a brilliant postmodern lens.
- Forgetting the Alamo, or Blood Memory by Emma Pérez follows the dramatic journey and transformation of a Mexican American through the Old West.
- So Far From God by Ana Castillo tells the story about a family of women and their many struggles in a small border town. Heaven and Hell lurk in the background as one mother and her daughters work to carve out a place where they fit in the world.
15 Books by Mexican, Mexican-American, and Chicanx Authors to Add to Your Reading List

Related Books From Chanticleer

These are books that are related to Spanish language or Mexico from Chanticleer:

A Quest for Tears
by Seán Dwyer

A Quest for Tears by Seán Dwyer is a captivating memoir written four years after the author suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) as the result of a rear-end car collision.

While such casualties often foster long-term, unpredictable damage and seem a medical mystery, here Dwyer’s goal is to share his unique roadmap of struggles and experiences, while also advocating for fellow TBI survivors.

At age fifty-four, Dwyer was a college educator, fluent in Spanish, and a creative writer who had authored two novels and a work of nonfiction. A prolific songwriter, he was also blessed with an excellent memory, supportive of the talent of colleagues, and was always able to display his emotions easily. But in the aftermath of his January 29, 2015 accident, life changed.

Continue Reading here…

Make No Bones About It
By Ann Charles

Ann Charles has another true winner on her hands as she reunites the intrepid band of archeologists led by Angélica García for the second installment of her crackerjack series A Dig Site Mystery. From the very first sentence, Make No Bones About It is an entertaining thrill ride of the first order.

Top-notch archaeologist, Angélica García, admits that after her divorce she “suffered from trust issues—as having no faith in her own ability to judge character.” She leaves her university teaching job for a change of pace and heads to Mexico where she is hired by the National Institute of Anthropology and History to clean up and prepare derelict dig sites (ruins) for the current tourism boon— archaeo-tourism.

Continue Reading here…

The Lost Years of Billy Bates
By Ronald E. Yates

For those not familiar with the series, Yates presents his books as works of “faction,” a story “based in part on fact” but also “augmented by narrative fiction.” The protagonist, William Fitzroy Raglan Battles, born in Kansas in 1860, lives a full 100 years and takes part in some of the most significant events of his time. He encounters key figures of the day (Bat Masterson Wyatt Earp, President Wilson, Francisco “Pancho” Villa, among others), gives us their backstories, and quietly appraises them.

Yates, a journalist with a keen eye for nuance and subtlety, has created a protagonist with superb critical thinking skills. William, a journalist, and occasional soldier examines people and transactions from every angle. Just as at ease in a Kansas saloon as he is at the captain’s table on a grand ocean liner on the Pacific, Billy Battles is also ruthlessly honest about his shortcomings and feels tremendous guilt when he acts impulsively or inadvertently causes harm to others. Yates has crafted a fully human character who is easy to admire, perhaps because he is admirably cognizant of his own flaws.

Continue Reading here…

Do You Have an Amazing Chicanx Book or are you a Chicanx Author?

Submit it today for an Award or an Editorial Review!

Also remember! We’re hosting our 2020 CIBA Ceremonies for First Place Category and Grand Prize Winners June 5th at the Hotel Bellwether in Beautiful Bellingham, Wash. Attending the June 5, 2021 VIRTUAL Ceremonies for the 2020 CIBAs is Free. However, registration is required. We will have the link posted on our website after the Finalists are announced.
May 4, 2021
NELLIE BLY Book Awards for the Best Non-Fiction Investigative and Long Form Journalism Works – 2019 CIBAs
Congratulations to the First Place Category Winners and the Grand Prize Winner of the Nellie Bly Book Awards for Investigative and Journalistic Non-Fiction Works, a division of the 2019 CIBAs.

The CIBAs Search for the Best in the Nellie Bly Book Awards!

Chanticleer International Book Awards is looking for the best books featuring investigative works, long-form journalism, and reporting/correspondence. The CIBA judges are seeking the best journalistic works in social science, data-driven reports, equality and justice, ethics, human rights, activist groups, crimes and corruption, environmental, whistle-blowers, health and medicine, and politics. We love them all.

The 2019 Nellie Bly Awards First Place Category Winners and the Nellie Bly Grand Prize Winner were announced at the Virtual Chanticleer Authors Conference that was broadcast via ZOOM webinar the week of September 8-13, 2020 from the Hotel Bellwether in Bellingham, Washington.

Sean Dwyer, author of A Quest for Tears: Overcoming a Traumatic Brain Injury, 2018 Journey 1st Place Category Winner.

This is the OFFICIAL 2019 LIST of the Nellie Bly Awards First Place Category Winners and the Nellie Bly Grand Prize Winner.

2019 is the FIRST year of the NELLIE BLY Book Awards – a non-fiction division of the CIBAs!

Congratulations to These Authors who Inaugurate the Nellie Bly Book Awards!
- T.S. Lewis – The Why of War: An Unorthodox Soldier’s Memoirs
- Maya Castro – The Bubble: Everything I Learned as a Target of the Political, and Often Corrupt, World of Youth Sports
- John Hoyte – Persistence of Light
- Judy Bebelaar and Ron Cabral – And Then They Were Gone: Teenagers of Peoples Temple from High School to Jonestown
- Patrick Hogan – Silent Spring – Deadly Autumn of the Vietnam War
- Gordon Cross, Robert Fowler, Ted Neill – Finding St. Lo: A Memoir of War & Family
The Nellie Bly Awards
2019 Grand Prize Winner is:

Shaping Public Opinion:

How Real Advocacy Journalism Should Be Practiced

by Janice S. Ellis, Ph.D.

How to Enter the Nellie Bly Awards?

We are accepting submissions into the 2020 Nellie Bly Awards until November 30, 2020.

All CIBA Division Winners for 2020 will be announced at CAC 21 on April 17, 2021.

Don’t delay! Enter today!

A Note to ALL the WINNERS: The coveted CIBA Blue Ribbons will be mailed out starting in October. We will contact you with an email to verify your mailing address and other items. We thank you for your patience and understanding.

If you have any questions, please email info@ChantiReviews.com == we will try our best to reply in 3 or 4 business days.
October 2, 2020
LEARN FROM THE BEST at VCAC 20 – J.D.Barker, Bob Dugoni, Chris Humphreys, Don Maass, Jessica Morrell
Learn from the Best at VCAC 20

Join us at the Virtual Chanticleer Authors Conference

Tuesday – Sunday, Sept 8 – 13, 2020

9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. PST

VIRTUAL LIVE SESSIONS via ZOOM

The New ERA of Content Creation in All Its Forms

J.D. Barker, Robert Dugoni, Chris Humphreys,

Donald Maass, Jessica Morrell,

Scott Steindorff

Read more about the VCAC faculty, by clicking here.

Sessions will be recorded and available later viewing through VIMEO exclusively to all registered participants.

Only one session will be presented at a time so YOU select which ones you want to see LIVE and which ones you will want to view later via VIMEO or revisit the session. Master Classes and Workshops will be held the following week starting on Wednesday, Sept 16, 2020.

Tuesday – Sunday, Sept 8 – 13, 2020 – VCAC Sessions

9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. PST

Click here for the VCAC Schedule

Headliners Include:

JD Barker

Robert Dugoni

Chris (C.C.) Humphreys

Scott Steindorff

Technical Workshops with Hindenburg Systems Experts

Wed. Sept 16, 2020

Audiobook Creation with Jonathan Hurley

Podcast Nuts and Bolts with Anita Michalski

Click here to learn more about the Hindenburg Workshops

Master Writing Classes to Take Your Works to the Next Level

with Donald Maass

Sunday, Sept 20, 2020 (9:30 – 4:30 PST with breaks, lunch breaks and Q & A)

and Jessica Morrell

Thursday and Friday mornings, Sept 17 & 18, 2020 (9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. PST with breaks)

Click here to learn more about the Master Writing Classes

Don’t Delay! Register Today! You may register for Workshops and Master Classes separately

Click here for the VCAC Schedule of Sessions

Topics at VCAC 20
- Virtual Author Events: How To Pivot from LIVE to VIRTUAL for Book Launches, Book Clubs, and Book Events with Janet Oakley, Sean Dwyer, & Gail Noble Sanderson
- Book to Film Panel Discussion with Scott Steindorff, Robert Dugoni, and J.D. Barker. Moderator is Chris Leibig
- It Takes a Village to Make a Film – Authors, Actors, Screenwriters, Producers, & Directors a Discussion with Tina Sloan, Scott Steindorff, & Kaylin McFarren, and Talk to Crows Production Company
- The Critical Role Authors Play in Fostering a Better Society – Janice S. Ellis, Ph.D.
- Exploration of New and Revolutionary Ways of Storytelling including Delving into Immersive, Mixed Reality, and Digital Art – Scott Steindorff
- How to Have 1,048 Readers Requesting Your Book in the 1st Day of a 100 Book Giveaway – Kaylin McFarren shares her Goodreads and Amazon Secrets to increasing book sales.
- Writing and Selling Children’s Books – Children’s Book Authors Share Their Tips & Tools – Denise Ditto Satterfield, Barbara Jean Hicks, M.J. Evans,
- Voice Driven Technology and the Future of Publishing – Paul Cutsinger
- Why Amazon Alexa Should Be Telling Your Story – 3 Sessions– Amy Stapleton and Wayne Richard
- How to Create a Sustainable and Compelling Series – Panel : Diane Garland, Wendy Delaney, Pamela Beason, J.D. Barker
- 5 Reasons Why You Should Publish Your Epubs on Bookchain – Simon-Pierre Marion
- Your Story World: Beyond Eye Color and the Weather – Diane Garland
- Don’t be Left OUT and OFF the Airwaves – Intro to Podcasting with Hindenburg Systems’ expert Anita Michalski
- Historical Fiction–Chris Humphreys will examine how to both fictionalize real characters and realize fictional ones.
- Just Call Out My Name – Collaborating with Other Authors – Janet Shawgo & Sean Dwyer
- Writers: Improve Your Productivity and Your Health by Correcting Posture with Tana Hope
- 5 Reasons Why You Should Publish Your Epubs on Bookchain – Simon-Pierre Marion
And more …

Click here to read more about the VCAC presenters and panelists!

Don’t Delay. Register Today for these LIVE ZOOM SESSIONS!

Sessions Start in just 7 Days! Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2020!

The 2019 CIBA Awards First Place Awards Winners will be announced every day (Tuesday – Saturday, Sept 8 -12, 2020) starting at 5 p.m. PST at the CIBA Virtual Ceremonies. All 2019 CIBA Finalists will be recognized during VCAC!

The 2019 CIBA Grand Prize Division Winners and the Overall Grand Prize for Best Book will be announced and recognized on Sunday, Sept 13, 2020 starting at 5: 30 p.m. PST ceremony.

All announcements are LIVE and we will have a Virtual Celebration Party after each day!

Have your favorite bubbly ready to cheer on your favorite authors! LIVE and INTERACTIVE!

See YOU at VCAC 20!
August 31, 2020
A QUEST for TEARS: Surviving Traumatic Brain Injury by Seán Dwyer – Memoir, Traumatic Brain Injury, Inspirational

A Quest for Tears by Sean Dwyer is a captivating memoir written four years after the author suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) as the result of a rear-end car collision.

While such casualties often foster long-term, unpredictable damage and seem a medical mystery, here Dwyer’s goal is to share his unique roadmap of struggles and experiences, while also advocating for fellow TBI survivors.

At age fifty-four, Dwyer was a college educator, fluent in Spanish, and a creative writer who had authored two novels and a work of nonfiction. A prolific songwriter, he was also blessed with an excellent memory, supportive of the talent of colleagues, and was always able to display his emotions easily. But in the aftermath of his January 29, 2015 accident, life changed.

Initially diagnosed with whiplash, back sprains, a leg wound, and soft-tissue damage to his arm, subsequent tests revealed a concussion and TBI. Now, in addition to dealing with the expected discomfort of his outer physical injuries, Dwyer was forced to navigate the arduous, mired path of debilitations faced by those dealing with head trauma. From a first-person perspective showcasing determination and resilience, Dwyer journeys through a slow, laborious labyrinth towards recovery. With a touch of wit, he applies the moniker

“Sean 2.0” to his injured self, and like a software upgrade, he begins to explore the new cognitive alterations of his brain.

Dwyer now faces life with an extreme sensitivity to light. Also, there is the absence of the familiar “earworm” that once inspired music and stories. His now quiet brain struggles for words has difficulty reading and lost the sense of musical enjoyment. Minimal laughter and a noticeable inability to shed tears lead him to wonder, “Am I going to be an emotional zombie for the rest of my days?”

Dwyer went from being a man with high regard for hygiene and fashion standards to an individual preferring comfortable attire and choosing vibrant novelty socks that delighted his injured brain. Painful head movements during a simple haircut caused him to eliminate the grooming event for two years. This was the new Dwyer.

Dwyer seeks numerous treatments over several months, from physical therapy and acupuncture to neuropsychologists and craniosacral practitioners. During a visit with a priest, he looked for help from the sacrament of healing. Attending conferences with fellow TBI survivors proves an essential part of his recovery, as he learns progress can still occur well beyond the one-year mark of the initial injury. Lightening the intensity of this autobiographical account, Dwyer distinguishes the one-year “smashiversary” of his accident with a celebration at a local Mexican restaurant. Along with a cathartic, hanging car pinata, a gifted plaque featuring the accident photo Dwyer was always quick to produce in conversation, is humorously preserved with the fitting caption “stronger than steel.”

The importance of the much-needed understanding and support he received from his wife and family, the medical community, and a vast tribe of friends, students, and colleagues continues to be imperative in Dwyer’s recovery.

Mock classroom set-ups helped him acclimate to possibilities for teaching, while fellow writers proved compassionate in fueling his need to find new pathways for creative expression. Dwyer weaves poignant moments throughout his story, including an unexpected conversation with a wheelchair-bound boy who inspired him to push through his newfound obstacles. He also highlights the guiding force of his beloved elder feline companion, Sophie, who proved the utmost source of comfort throughout his ordeal.

Written primarily as a resource for TBI survivors, their caregivers, and members of the medical community who often fail to distinguish the difference between intelligence and brain health, Dwyer’s A Quest For Tears is a remarkable achievement. Ultimately it proves a positive affirmation of the human spirit, focusing on the ability to learn and adapt when faced with the unique challenges brought on by sudden brain injury — a powerful and inspiring read.

A Quest for Tears won First Place in the CIBA 2018 Journey Awards for Memoir/Biographical works.

November 2, 2019