Author and Philanthropist Connie Spenuzza's Jubilant Journeys Named Finalist in International Latino Book Awards, Competes Alongside Nobel Peace Prize Nominee José Andrés

DANA POINT, Calif., June 10, 2019 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Libros Publishing is pleased to announce that international award-winning author and philanthropist Connie Spenuzza's most recent book, Jubilant Journeys, has been chosen as one of three finalists in the "Most Inspirational Nonfiction Book — English" category of the International Latino Book Awards, the country's largest Latino literary awards. Other finalists include celebrity chef José Andrés, most recently honored as a 2019 Nobel Peace Prize nominee and as a James Beard Humanitarian Award winner, with his Puerto Rican humanitarian aid account, We Fed an Island; and Dr. Anita L. Sanchez's The Four Sacred Gifts. In celebration of the book's honor, Jubilant Journeys is available for complimentary e-book download from June 3–14, 2019, at all major e-book retailers, including Amazon and Barnes and Noble. All proceeds from the sale of Jubilant Journeys are donated to the fight against human trafficking.

Jubilant Journeys is an alluring travel memoir of the Connie and Peter Spenuzza family, spanning over 50 years and 125 countries in a pensive genealogical search fueled by both family history and legend to find ancestral tracings to the famed scribe aboard the historic Pinta exploration ship in 1492. With patience to encounter the natural reveal of small but significant affirmations leading to great discovery, Spenuzza captures the essence of her trademarked term, "wanderlust serendipity™."

"I am honored to be named a finalist in this year's International Latino Book Awards," said Spenuzza. "To be considered 'most inspirational' alongside such a highly acclaimed humanitarian as Nobel Prize nominee José Andrés is a great distinction. I am humbled by and deeply appreciative of my opportunities for travel and am particularly grateful for the opportunity to influence others with my serendipitous adventures and discoveries. It is for this very reason that I have offered Jubilant Journeys as a complimentary e-book download for anyone to enjoy."

The International Book Awards are produced by Latino Literacy Now, a nonprofit organization founded in 1997. Finalists are from across the United States and Puerto Rico as well as from 18 other countries.

"The 2019 Finalists for the 21st Annual International Latino Book Awards are another reflection of the growing quality of books by and about Latinos," said Kirk Whisler, co-founder of Latino Literacy Now. "The Awards are now by far the largest Latino cultural awards in the United States, with 257 finalists this year in 95 categories. They are a major reflection that the fastest-growing group in the nation has truly arrived."

The International Latino Book Awards Ceremony will be held on Sept. 21, 2019, at the Los Angeles City College in Los Angeles.

About Connie Spenuzza

Connie Spenuzza, M.S. Ed., received First Place from the International Latino Book Awards for her novels Lucia Zárate (2017), Missing in Machu Picchu (2013) and Traces of Bliss (2012). The Association of American Publishers and the Las Comadres International organization selected her novels to the National Latino Book Club. In 2017, Foreword Reviews selected Lucía Zárate as Indie Book Finalist, while Parisian Promises (2014) was the runner-up for the Paris Book Award and Gathering the Indigo Maidens (2011) was a finalist for the Mariposa Award. Her children's bilingual fables, Olinguito Speaks Up, Lalo Loves to Help, and Howl of the Mission Owl, published under her pen name Cecilia Velástegui, have received numerous awards.

Spenuzza was born in Ecuador and raised in California and France. She received her graduate degree from the University of Southern California, speaks four languages and has traveled to 125 countries. Spenuzza donates the proceeds from the sale of her books to the fight against human trafficking. She resides in Dana Point, Calif.

Praise for Jubilant Journeys

"I love the author's description of place and her ability to evoke the certain kind of nostalgia tied to history. Recommended for those with the travel bug, an interest in travel memoir, or just plain good story-weaving!" — SAN FRANCISCO REVIEW

"A fascinating account of travels across the globe, Jubilant Journeys is inspiring — both in its appreciation for other cultures and because of Spenuzza's hunger to learn more." — FOREWORD 4 STAR REVIEW

"Part memoir, part travelogue, and part genealogical study, this book is joyously refreshing. It is poetry in motion." — US REVIEW OF BOOKS.

"A travel memoir unusually rich in imagery, history, and spirituality." — KIRKUS REVIEWS

"A lyrical account of travels with purpose: to expand beyond the ordinary, learn about the world and connect with others across the globe. The author's voice is erudite, and her writing is solid." — BLUE INK REVIEW

SOURCE Connie Spenuzza