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Last month, my mom and I road-tripped to Seattle for author Justina Chen Headley's book launch party for the release of her novel North of Beautiful. Sweet friend Holly Cupala had invited us to stay with her and her lovely fam to surprise Justina. And Justina was definitely surprised. :)
Justina's been a friend and mentor for a couple of years now, and the one best word to describe her is inspiring. She is the epitome of inspiring. I have such a deep love and admiration for her, and am happy to say she is one of the most amazing people I've ever met.I also got to see some of my other brilliant friends/heroes again. Janet Lee Carey:
Lorie Ann Grover and daughter Ellen (they both have fantastic style, yes?):
A fellow Shan-fan and great online friend:
Dia Calhoun:
Jackie...who I don't seem to have a picture of. *frown* And of course Holly Cupala (who also has rockin' style):
One of the ways North of Beautiful inspired me (besides the desire to travel) is to take up collaging. In that vein, I made a collage for Justina, as well as a soundtrack for the novel (which I will post soon).
I also proceeded to sing "For Good" which made people (um...including myself) cry. But that's okay because I meant every word, singing it in front of people who have given me so much, much more than they will probably ever know.

(Now you know what this was referring to.)

by Justina Chen Headley

Trying to describe all that this book is about is difficult...it encompasses so much. It's about a girl named Terra and the birthmark on her face that has made her life so ugly. It's about a girl longing to be free, and wishing for someone to give her permission to be so. It's about relationships - the one you have with yourself, and the ones you have with others. It's about what the word "beauty" really means . . . and how that's not such a simple term to define.

Justina Chen Headley has crafted a truly stellar novel in North of Beautiful. She managed meticulously the delicate balance of mixing dark with light in her story. Her talent for weaving various themes and imagery throughout a book is brilliant. It's a story that overwhelms you with truth; both characters and story ring with a painful, sweet honesty. The book made me cry, not because it was sad, but because it was good. I love books that inspire me, make me want to live . . . this one made me want to travel, and go geocaching, and make collages and art.

The joie de vie that defines Justina herself shines through in her writing. She without a doubt possesses the gift of writing beautifully, and I for one am so enthused as a reader to be a recipient of that gift.

Please take some time to read about the land struggle that is currently underway, and not being covered by mainstream media. Margo Tamez, author of Naked Wanting and Raven Eye, wants readers to know about the struggle between the Department of Homeland Security and native peoples on the issue of border rights.

Border struggle article, here.

For background on Margo, her poetry, and her commitments, read my conversation with her, here.


Lisa Alvarado