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Alejandro Varela, "The Town of Babylon" (Astra, 2022)

New Books in Literature

English - July 24, 2023 08:00 - 43 minutes - ★★★★★ - 8 ratings
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Writing Latinos, from Public Books, features interviews with Latino (a/x/e) authors discussing their books and how their writing contributes to the ever-changing conversation about the meanings of latinidad.
In this episode, you’ll hear our interview with Alejandro Varela about his books The Town of Babylon and The People Who Report More Stress, both published by Astra House. The Town of Babylon was a finalist for the National Book Award, and The People Who Report More Stress is sure to earn similar accolades. We discussed stress as a silent killer in Latinx communities; the challenges of interethnic and interracial relationships; whether it’s possible to partner with someone who doesn’t share your politics; suburbs and cities; the meanings of Latinx literature as a genre; and so much more.
Varela is a writer based in New York City. He has a background in public health, which is evident in his writing. His writing has appeared in the Point Magazine, Georgia Review, Boston Review, Harper’s, The Offing, and other places.
Geraldo L. Cadava is a historian of the United States and Latin America. He focuses on Latinos in the United States and the U.S.-Mexico borderlands. He hosts the podcast "Writing Latinos."
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Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/literature

Writing Latinos, from Public Books, features interviews with Latino (a/x/e) authors discussing their books and how their writing contributes to the ever-changing conversation about the meanings of latinidad.

In this episode, you’ll hear our interview with Alejandro Varela about his books The Town of Babylon and The People Who Report More Stress, both published by Astra House. The Town of Babylon was a finalist for the National Book Award, and The People Who Report More Stress is sure to earn similar accolades. We discussed stress as a silent killer in Latinx communities; the challenges of interethnic and interracial relationships; whether it’s possible to partner with someone who doesn’t share your politics; suburbs and cities; the meanings of Latinx literature as a genre; and so much more.

Varela is a writer based in New York City. He has a background in public health, which is evident in his writing. His writing has appeared in the Point Magazine, Georgia Review, Boston Review, Harper’s, The Offing, and other places.

Geraldo L. Cadava is a historian of the United States and Latin America. He focuses on Latinos in the United States and the U.S.-Mexico borderlands. He hosts the podcast "Writing Latinos."

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/literature