Storytime: San Antonio Public Library to Host Author Sandra Cisneros

November 3, 2021 - San Antonio

By Jade Esteban Estrada, Staff Writer | San Antonio Sentinel

The San Antonio Public Library will host celebrated author Sandra Cisneros for An Evening with Sandra Cisneros at 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 15. This live, online discussion of her latest book, Martita, I Remember You/Martita, Te Recuerto, will feature author and filmmaker John Phillip Santos as moderator and include a Q&A session with online audience participation. 

Cisneros is a poet, short story writer, novelist, essayist, performer, and artist whose work explores the lives of the working class. In 1997, she became known as San Antonio’s most famous resident after she painted her Victorian cottage periwinkle, a decision that stirred controversy in the Historic King William District. She has lived in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico since 2013.

Her new book is about Corina, a young woman who leaves her Mexican family in Chicago to pursue her dream of becoming a writer in Paris. She quickly runs out of money, and spends the next few months among panhandling artists in the metro, sleeping on crowded floors. She develops intense friendships with Martita and Paola. Over the years, the three women disperse to three continents, falling out of touch and out of mind. One day, a rediscovered letter brings Corina’s days in Paris back with breathtaking immediacy. 

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“Sandra Cisneros’ work is cherished because of her innate ability to portray everyday people in interesting and authentic ways,” said Ramiro S. Salazar, San Antonio Public Library Director, on Thursday. “Connecting readers with a celebrated author like Sandra Cisneros through this online event shows how libraries continue serving their communities with new and innovative programs. We are honored to host Sandra for this rare opportunity and look forward to the discussion of her latest published work.”

This free event is open to the public and requires advanced registration, which can be found here.

Martita, I Remember You/Martita, Te Recuerdo is available for check out at San Antonio Public Library locations and holds can be placed online. A limited number of signed copies of the book are available for purchase from The Twig Book Shop online or in person. 

For more information, visit the San Antonio Public Library’s website or call them at 210-207-2500.

Jade Esteban Estrada is a staff writer for the San Antonio Sentinel, where he covers public health and other citywide issues. jade@sasentinel.com | Twitter: @satx_writer