CAFE EXILE

About the Book

Without building skills, money, or a knowledge of West Indian culture, author Sandra Russell, with only a shovel and a miner´s pick, embarked on a mission in the Caribbean that resulted in a 14-year project that threatened everything she held dear -- her family, her beliefs, her life. Recovery from this challenge taught her that the evolutionary capacity of the human spirit is limitless. This is one of many lessons readers will share as Xlibris releases Russell´s inspiring new book, Cafe Exile.

Cafe Exile features a lively series of writings that traces the author´s forty-year odyssey, a journey through exotic places and uncommon dangers in a personal quest for truth. These writings combine the irony of the short story, the provocativeness of drama, the rigorous self-observation found in the best of memoirs, with the conciseness of the poem. A masterful blend and juxtaposition of literary elements, filled with insight, drama, and sly humor, this volume will stir your imagination and immerse you deep into the author´s life.

The book takes us from the industrial Pittsburgh of the author´s childhood; through the decadence of Key West in the 80´s and the tragedy of the early AIDS epidemic there; to her confrontation with the elements as a lone caretaker on a desert island 13 miles off the Florida Keys; her surprising sojourn into the mountains of the Caribbean where, with few resources, she carved a "Tibetan Monastery;" as well as to Italy, San Marino, Haiti, and finally, New Mexico....

Russell´s travels, replete with danger, eccentric characters, and remarkable achievement, were driven by a belief that personal truth can be found only in an environment that reflects an individual´s soul.



Press Release:

SANDRA RUSSELL and RON CHAVEZ to Read at Metta Theatre May 8

Poetry Passions Unleashed will be performed by three Taos poets at Metta Theatre Saturday, May 8 at 7 PM.

Sandra Russell will read from her book, Café Exile, which traces the author’s colorful journey through exotic and diverse locales in her search for an elusive ideal. Her literary awards include the HJ Heinz International Poetry Prize, Brooklyn College School of Music Chamber Opera Award, and production by the Houston Grand Opera, among others. She was founder of the Tres Piedras-based publication, Rockstalk and Barrel. Presently, Russell is working on a trilogy of books set in Key West and the Caribbean, as well as a new book of poetry.

Savannah Rodrigues will be making her teen début as a poet performer. A Taos High School freshman, she is already a published poet. She will read her original poetry that depicts a young girl’s awakening and coming of age. Ron Chávez is her poetry mentor and states that “ Savannah is a bright star in the horizon in the world of poetry. She is talented and dedicated and extremely sensitive to the way of the human spirit. She will go far,” Chávez concludes.

Ron Chávez will read in Spanish and English from his book, Time of Triumph, a Finalist in the “2008 New Mexico Book Awards,” and which received a positive review by Kirkus Discoveries in New York City . Chávez will also recite from his novel in progress and from new works of poetry. His poetry has been published in Spanish by the “Crespúsculo” of The Taos News and The Herencia Magazine out of Santa Fe . His English poetry and short fiction has been published in various publications, most notably in Voces by UNM Press and recently in the Poetry Rivals’ Collection – Illusions of Tranquility in the UK.

Both Russell and Chávez will sign their books at the reading. Metta Theatre is located between the old blinking light and The Sheepskin Company in El Prado. Admission is $5 or what you can pay. For information call 758-3390



Book Review

Ms. Russell's book of poems

About the Author

BIO SKETCH Sandra Russell grew up in Western Pennsylvania. She’s lived on the Jersey Shore, in Key West, on St. John in the Virgin Islands, in Rome and currently in north central New Mexico. A recipient of numerous poetry and opera-libretto awards, she’s been an editor with the US Foreign Broadcast Information Service, has taught high-school English, is founder and publisher of Rockstalk & Barrel, and is currently working on a trilogy of novels based on her sojourn in the Caribbean. She’s built two off-grid homes, including her current one in New Mexico. She has two children, and grandchildren. Cover photograph by Pat Russell Allan, 1977.