Jennine Capo Crucet

I feel so lucky to have had the experience to meet and talk with an author like Jennine Capo Crucet. She was not at all like what I had expected; from How to Leave Hialeah I received almost a bitter impression of the writer of the level of tolerance and view of the Latino culture in Miami. However my first impressions of her were of a very outgoing, bubbly and happy person. She was incredibly friendly and gave great insights into her work. I was glad we got a litte time with her just to ourselves to ask questions, but she was also amazing in the larger group setting with the Women's and Gender Studies class.

I'm satisfied with her work and definitely plan on purchasing her new book when it comes out because I absolutely loved the excerpt she read from it during the second portion of the class. There is something incredible about the way she strings her words together and puts feeling behind them.

In general, I'm thrilled to have met her. I have always enjoyed reading my entire left, but it is such a rare opportunity to meet the author behind a book you have read. It's a strange experience because in your own head you perceive the book in a certain way as well as the author and meeting them can completely throw you off. At the same time, it is definitely a worth-while experience to get to meet the person who caught your attention and had the ability to probe your imagination.

With Jennine, it was fascinating to hear her talk about her own ideas and writing process and how she came about with the ideas to write How to Leave Hialeah. It's the kind of information one normally wouldn't have access to after reading a book and provides a greater insight into the story itself. Also, she seems to have the qualities of a great writer and it was so interesting to hear her talk about her life and struggle to become a writer, since I have considered the career path myself.

My new signed poster is hanging in my room along with my now signed copy of How to Leave Hialeah which I plan to spread the word about and recommend to my friends.