AUSTIN, Texas – January 8, 2013 – Las Comadres Para Las Americas, headquartered in Austin, is proud to announce today the launch of the Spanish-language version of their book, Count On Me: Tales of Sisterhoods and Fierce Friendships. The original English-language version made its worldwide debut on September 4, 2012. The new release, titled Cuenta Conmigo: Conmovedoras historias de hermandad y amistades incondicionales, is published by Atria Books, a division of Simon & Schuster.
In twelve creative nonfiction narratives, mostly by women, the authors reflect on the importance of “comadres” in their lives. The authors include Carolina De Robertis, Stephanie Elizondo Griest, Reyna Grande, Michelle Herrera Mulligan, Dr. Lorraine Lopez, Daisy Martinez, Dr. Ana Nogales, Sofia Quintero, Teresa Rodriguez, Esmeralda Santiago, Fabiola Santiago, and Luis Alberto Urrea.
Although the number of English-speaking Latinos in the United States is growing as more generations are born and raised here, a majority of the population is still either Spanish-dominant or bilingual. According to a study by the Pew Hispanic Center in April of 2012, for 38% of all Hispanics in the U.S., Spanish is still the primary language. Another 38% of Hispanics claim bilingualism, and for the remaining 24%, English is the primary language.
“There are many comadres, along with others, who want to read in Spanish,” says Nora de Hoyos Comstock, national founder of Las Comadres Para Las Americas and visionary for the book, Count On Me. “For some, it is easier than reading in English, and for others, the practice of reading in Spanish keeps us current in the language and closer to our heritage.”
Count On Me, edited by acclaimed author and editor Adriana V. Lopez, is the first literary work produced by Las Comadres, the nation’s largest Latina organization. For twelve years, the non-profit has grown into an extensive network of comadres spanning the globe who come from all walks of life but are united in their love of culture, literacy, and education.
The word “comadre” is a unique term with intimate connotations. According to a literal translation, a comadre is a “godmother,” but in the Latino culture, it goes far beyond that. Through exclusive interviews with the contributing authors of the book, a similar theme comes up in conversation – a comadre is more than a friend and more than a sister. She is both.
Comadres can be family members, mentors, co-workers, or neighbors. In essence, comadres are like the godmothers of our fairy tales – they are there to take care of us and support us in our best and worst moments. What readers learn in the book Count On Me is concept of “comadreship” manifesting itself in various ways throughout a woman’s life.
The book is available for sale at local bookstores (hard copy ISBN # 9781451699715) and online (eBook ISBN # 9781451662962). For more information about the book, or to order a copy, please visit the official website www.CountOnMeBook.com.
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About Las Comadres Para Las Americas
Las Comadres is a nationally known Latina organization empowering women to be actively engaged in the growing Latino/Hispanic communities through online and face to face networks. Their mission is connecting and empowering Latinas everywhere through community building/networking, culture, learning, and technology.
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