“Mama’s Santos: An Arizona Life,” Carmen Duarte’s award-winning 36-part series on the life, challenges and triumphs of her mother, Leonarda “Nala” Bejarano Duarte, is available as a printed book for your permanent library or as a holiday gift.
“Mama’s Santos” originally ran in the Arizona Daily Star in 2000 and was made available as an e-book last year. Through a partnership with the University of Arizona BookStores and its book-on-demand service, the Espresso Book Machine, “Mama’s Santos” is available to order.
“Mama’s Santos,” a story of one woman’s courage, fortitude and faith, is a timeless story that adds depth and understanding to the history of Arizona and the people who laid the foundation of the state.
“Thankfully, many readers still prefer to read the printed word, so we’ve decided to create a version of ‘Mama’s Santos’ for them,” says Bobbie Jo Buel, the Star’s editor.
People are also reading…
“We hope that people will give the book as a gift to friends and family who perhaps weren’t here when the series first appeared in the Star almost 15 years ago,” says Buel.
“For newcomers to Arizona, ‘Mama’s Santos’ tells the history of our region in a way no other book does. We received more than 2,000 letters about the series and what surprised me most were the readers who said Leonarda Bejarano Duarte’s story and her family’s deep roots in Mexico was the story of their immigrant grandparents from Russia or Poland or Ireland. It’s thrilling when journalism makes such a personal connection with readers.”
The relationship with UA BookStores enables books to be printed as needed. The UA BookStores is one of few college bookstores with the Espresso Book Machine and ability to offer this cost-efficient method of producing books.
“The partnership with the UA BookStores marries our expertise,” says Buel.
“We excel at writing and telling stories. The UA BookStores knows the retail side of the book business and owns a book printer,” she says.
“When a reader buys from the UA BookStores, the money supports jobs in Tucson. Even better, the BookStores profits support the university.”
The cost is $19.95 plus shipping and handling. To order, go to tucson.com/mamassantos
