News Summary
Renowned author Victor Villaseñor will celebrate the release of his new book, ‘Gathering StarDust,’ on May 24 at Libro Mobile in Santa Ana. The event aims to foster connections with fans and emphasize the importance of joy and cultural heritage. The story draws inspiration from Villaseñor’s childhood, highlighting his grandmother’s teachings and acknowledging the loss of cultural sites in the community. The event is critical for the struggling bookstore, enhancing community support for local authors.
Santa Ana – Celebrated author Victor Villaseñor is set to commemorate the release of his new book, Gathering StarDust, on May 24 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Libro Mobile, the only bookstore in Santa Ana. The event promises to be a significant occasion as Villaseñor engages with fans and promotes his latest work, which is designed to resonate with both children and adults alike.
Gathering StarDust is deeply inspired by Villaseñor’s relationship with his grandmother, affectionately known as “Mamagrande.” The narrative invites readers to reconnect with their childhood experiences, drawing on the idyllic setting of Ranchito Villaseñor, the family ranch where Villaseñor grew up and still resides with his partner, Carmen Blum, and their dog, Paco. Illustrated by Jack Wiens, the book reflects on Villaseñor’s upbringing and emphasizes the importance of joy in life, particularly during challenging times.
Villaseñor’s grandmother instilled in him the principle of spreading joy to at least ten people each day. While his book does not claim to provide solutions to all of life’s problems, it aims to encourage readers to seek joy and connection amid adversity. This underlying message is an extension of Villaseñor’s philosophy, which he developed throughout his career as a writer and storyteller.
The author has previously gained recognition for his bestselling titles, including Rain of Gold, Thirteen Senses, and Burro Genius. His literary journey has not been easy; he faced significant learning obstacles due to undiagnosed dyslexia and did not learn to read until he turned 20 years old. For Villaseñor, writing has served as a crucial method of bridging the gap between his heritage, family history, and broader themes concerning culture and humanity.
In Gathering StarDust, Villaseñor also acknowledges the loss of certain cultural sites in his community, a sentiment that resonates with readers who may witness similar changes due to development. This reflective aspect further enriches the narrative and fosters a connection with the audience’s own experiences of loss and nostalgia.
The release event at Libro Mobile is of notable significance as the bookstore has faced financial challenges, particularly following the loss of grant funding. Sarah Rafael Garcia, the founder of Libro Mobile, has expressed her appreciation for Villaseñor’s participation, stating that his appearance will help sustain the bookstore. The event is anticipated not only to attract Villaseñor’s fans, but also to strengthen the community around the struggling bookstore.
In a show of ongoing support, Villaseñor has expressed his intention to return to Libro Mobile for additional readings and signings. His dedication to the bookstore reflects his commitment to fostering literary culture in the Santa Ana area, as well as a desire to inspire the next generation of readers and writers.
Victor Villaseñor’s career, spanning several decades, underscores the transformative power of literature. Through his writing, he reconnects with his past and shares valuable philosophical insights, emphasizing the importance of compassion, human connection, and resilience in the face of life’s challenges.
As the release event for Gathering StarDust approaches, anticipation is building within the local community. The forthcoming celebration is expected not only to highlight Villaseñor’s latest achievement but also to reinforce the vital role that libraries and bookstores play in nurturing literary appreciation and supporting local authors.
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Additional Resources
- LA Times: Author Victor Villaseñor Gathers Stardust in Santa Ana
- Journal Sentinel: Victor Villaseñor’s Books Track Difficult Journeys
- Herald Times: Writer Victor Villaseñor Takes on Genius and the School System
- Google Search: Victor Villaseñor
- NBC San Diego: San Diego Latino Book Family Festival
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Victor Villaseñor
