Julia Mercedes Castilla Releases 'The Other America'

From Julia Mercedes Castilla comes "The Other America", a moving and, at times, humorous account that centers on a South American journey and experience in the United States. Highlighting the many challenges and frustrations common to immigrants in general, this book paints a concrete picture of people who are adjusting to a new environment not only with a different language, but with different lifestyles, moral codes and preferences.

When Pablo was awarded a Fulbright scholarship, the couple traveled from South America to the USA in order to pursue his graduate studies, Marcela tags along albeit the many what-ifs and what-might-happens to them. True to her fears, the moment they embark on their voyage, a string of misfortunes begin. Such was the fate of the young couple that their sojourn in the land of the free is plagued by seemingly endless ordeals.

They struggle to adapt to their new surroundings and the many difficulties with the language, the culture and unexpected situations. Marcela, in particular, finds herself working in jobs she never considered. As a matter of fact, she is fired from a doughnut shop for the reason that she cannot understand what they want, let alone serve what they order:

An excerpt from the book goes:

"Was it written somewhere that I was not destined to spend most of my life in the home of my ancestors or was it a twist of the wheel that shifted roads when I was not looking? I often think of the circumstances that uprooted me, my husband and future descendents, from the land, culture, family and the idiosyncrasies of my country and its people."

In the face of the trials they experience, their uncanny ability to pull themselves out of bad circumstances softens the loneliness and hardships. Pablo and Marcel's attempts to make the most out of their situation will ring true to readers especially to those who have dealt with cross-cultural conflict. A repository of experiences and insights, "The Other America" solidly depicts the challenges, pathos and ironies of being an immigrant.

For more information on this book, interested parties may log on to http://www.Xlibris.com.

About the Author

Julia Mercedes Castilla writes for children, young adults and adults. Her books, short stories and articles have been published in Latin America, the United States, India and other countries. She writes in English and in Spanish. Most of her books are required reading in schools. She is married and has three children. She lives in Houston, Texas.

Castilla is the author of sixteen books, and is frequently invited to speak at conferences, schools, libraries and other venues in several countries. Many articles and reviews have been written about her work, along with interviews in newspapers and magazines.

The Other America * by Julia Mercedes Castilla
Publication Date: September 20, 2013
Trade Paperback; $19.99; 171 pages; 978-1-4836-9828-1
Trade Hardback; $29.99; 171 pages; 978-1-4836-9829-8
eBook; $3.99; 978-1-4836-9830-4

Members of the media who wish to review this book may request a complimentary paperback copy by contacting the publisher at (888) 795-4274 x. 7879. To purchase copies of the book for resale, please fax Xlibris at (812) 355-4079 or call (888) 795-4274 x. 7879.

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