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The 2025 Guadalajara International Book Fair (FIL) will take place from November 29 to December 7, 2025, at Expo Guadalajara in Mexico. It is the most important publishing gathering in Latin America and a large cultural festival for both professionals and the general public, featuring authors, academic discussions, and cultural events.
GUADALAJARA INTERNATIONAL BOOK FAIR 2025
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¡Buenos Días! And Good Day! As Editor-in-Chief, I’m absolutely delighted to welcome you to the 6th edition of Bookwrights House Magazine. Storytelling is a powerful force, and I am continually inspired by the incredible impact it has and the deep connections it forges within our reading community. This issue is filled with creative and engaging content that celebrates the vibrant culture, literary energy, and global significance of the Guadalajara Book Fair 2025. We invite you to immerse yourself in the perspectives, stories, and visual journeys curated to bring you closer to this extraordinary event.
Your unwavering support fuels our commitment to deliver stories that resonate deeply and illumi- nate the world around us. Thank you for being an essential part of the Bookwrights House journey.
Join us in the reading journey!
Publisher: Bookwrights House
Editor-in-Chief: Katherine Deakins / Clauds
layout designer: James burtons/ jolly
Everything You Need to Know About the Guadalajara Book Fair 2025
The literary world is already buzzing with anticipation for the 39th edition of the Feria Internacional del Libro de Guadalajara (FIL), set to take place from November 29 to December 7, 2025, at Expo Guadalajara, Mexico. As the most significant publishing event in the Spanish-speaking world and one of the largest cultural festivals in Latin America, the FIL is an unmissable gathering for professionals, academics, and readers alike.
GUEST OF HONOR: BARCELONA TAKES CENTER STAGE In a major highlight for the 2025 edition, the vibrant city of Barcelona will be the Guest of Honor. This presents a fantastic opportunity to immerse in the rich literary and cultural tradition of the Catalan capital.
Barcelona's presence promises to be extensive, showcasing its diverse literary scene, publishing industry, and artistic wealth. Key elements of the Guest of Honor program are set to include:
• A Delegation of Authors: Over 60 writers and literary personalities are expected to travel from Barcelona to participate in book presentations, readings, and dialogues. The selection aims for representativeness and a look toward the future, priori - tizing authors with translations into Spanish and promoting new editorial releases. • The Barcelona Pavilion: The pavilion is envisioned as a large "plaza" or square—a public space dedicated to conversation, dialogue, and reading, reflecting the city's cosmopolitan and integrating spirit. • A Broad Cultural Program: Beyond literature, Barcelona will showcase its culture with performances in various arts, including theatre, visual arts, and a dedicated film cycle. • A Culinary Experience: Attendees can look forward to a Barcelonian Gastronomy Festival, adding a flavor of the city's re- nowned cuisine to the fair's offerings. • Music and Arts at the Foro FIL: Each evening, the Guest of Honor offers a major performance at the Foro FIL, and Barcelona's program is set to include a varied musical lineup, featuring popular acts like Love of Lesbian, Rigoberta Bandini, and more. A GLOBAL LITERARY AND BUSINESS HUB The Guadalajara International Book Fair is unique in its dual focus on industry professionals and the general public, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. For Professionals: The first few days are especially crucial for the industry, with dedicated professional hours focusing on rights negotiation, distribution, and networking. The fair brings together over 2,000 publishers and thousands of professionals from around the globe.
For Readers: The general public can look forward to a massive cultural program that includes:
Author Galas and Readings: An unparalleled chance to see and hear from world-renowned authors.
FIL Pensamiento: An extensive academic program featuring panel discussions and forums on critical contemporary issues. FIL Niños: A massive space and program dedicated to promoting reading among children and young adults, featuring workshops, storytellers, and interactive activities.
Awards and Tributes: The fair is the setting for the presentation of prestigious accolades, including the FIL Literary Award in Romance Languages and the Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz Literary Prize.
Whether you are a professional looking to make connections, an academic seeking intellectual debate, or a lifelong reader wanting to meet your favorite authors, the Guadalajara Book Fair 2025 with the special presence of Barcelona is set to be a truly spectacular celebration of Spanish-language literature and global culture.
THE Green LUNG and Historic Heart of Guadalajara Bosque Los Colomos, a sprawling urban park on the border of Guadalajara and its neighbor Zapopan, is more than just a public green space; it is the vital "green lung" of the Guadalajara Metropolitan Area. Spanning approximately 92 hectares (over 227 acres), this historic forest blends nature, culture, and a deep connection to the city's past, making it an essential destination for locals and visitors alike.
A History Rooted in Water T he park's significance began in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Originally a protected forest, its purpose shifted to safeguarding the springs and water sources that supplied drinking water to the rapidly growing city of Guadalajara. This hydrological heritage is symbolized by one of its most recognizable structures: El Castillo (The Castle). Built in 1902 as the main administrative and water management building, this beautiful structure now serves as the Casa Colomos Cultural Center, hosting art workshops, film screenings, and other cultural events, cementing the forest's role as a center for both nature and the arts. Today, Bosque Los Colomos is cherished as a recreational retreat, offering diverse landscapes for various activities. The forest is home to a rich variety of trees, including towering pines, cedars, ash, and eucalyptus, providing a dense, cooling canopy.
ecological role as a protected natural area. Beyond recreation, the park offers:
Environmental Education: The Metropolitan Center for Environmental Education and Culture (CECA) offers guided interpretive trails, summer camps, and cultural events focused on environmental learning and conservation. Birdwatching: The diversity of flora makes the forest a home and stopover point for over 160 species of fauna, including various local and migratory birds. Picnic and Play Areas: Numerous designated picnic spots and children's playgrounds make it a perfect multi-generational family destination, particularly on weekends. From its roots as a critical water source to its present-day role as a vibrant cultural and ecological center, Bosque Los Colomos remains an enduring symbol of how a major metropolis can successfully integrate and preserve nature within its limits. It stands as a vital, beautiful, and accessible escape for the people of Guadalajara.
Nature and Culture Intertwined Bosque Los Colomos serves a crucial educational and
'The Flowers Will Come'
Set to Blossom as Guest of Honor at FIL Guadalajara 2025
The Guadalajara International Book Fair (FIL), the most important literary event in the Spanish-speaking world, is preparing to be transformed by the cosmopolitan energy and deep literary tradition of its 2025 Guest of Honor: Barcelona. From November 29 to December 7, 2025, the Catalan capital—a UNESCO City of Literature—will take center stage at the 39th edition of the FIL. Its participation is seen as a major cultural and economic relaunch, strengthening ties with Latin America and the vast Hispanic markets in the United States.
Photo by Roman Kraft on Unsplash
A LITERARY AND CULTURAL BOUQUET T he central theme for Barcelona's program is encapsulated by the beautiful and evocative motto, "Vindran les flors" ("The Flowers Will Come"), a quote borrowed from the Catalan literary icon, Mercè Rodoreda. This slogan not only links Barcelona's tradition to the Mexican city but also hints at the vibrant explosion of culture attendees can expect. A Delegation of Voices: Barcelona is sending an impressive delegation of over 60 authors, including celebrated figures who write in both Catalan and Spanish. The list of participants is expected to feature prominent names such as Eduardo Mendoza, Javier Cercas, Carme Riera, Cristina Fernández Cubas, and poet Mireia Calafell, among others. A "Literary Plaza" Pavilion: The centerpiece of the fair will be the Barcelona pavilion, designed to recreate a large public square—a plaça—complete with porticoed facades. This design aims to represent the city's public space as a vibrant meeting point for literature and dialogue. The space will house a bookstore featuring 10,000 volumes of works from the Barcelona area.
Music and Arts: The program includes a dynamic performing arts lineup, with concerts at the Foro FIL featuring artists across various genres, such as Love of Lesbian, Rigoberta Bandini, and Queralt Lahoz. Gastronomy: A dedicated gastronomy festival and events, curated by chef Gerard Bellver, will bring the flavors of Catalan cuisine to Guadalajara. Science: The "FIL Ciencia" program will feature leading scientific voices from Barcelona, highlighting the city’s strength in research and innovation. CONNECTING CONTINENTS AND COMMUNITIES The presence of Barcelona, a major hub for the global publishing industry, goes beyond a cultural exchange; it represents a key strategic move. The city's delegation will feature a significant representation of editors, literary agents, and translators, aiming to promote new translations from Catalan into Spanish for Latin American readers. As a city that honors its literary past while embracing modern narratives, Barcelona is ready to share its vibrant cultural fabric with the world. The FIL Guadalajara 2025 promises to be a nine-day celebration where the literary and artistic genius of Catalonia will truly blossom.
Beyond the Book: The cultural showcase is expansive, touching on all forms of artistic expression:
A Four-Volume Collection of Reflections, Prayers, Stories, & Inspirational Art
by Dan Paulos
F rom an early age, Dan Paulos wrote, drew, and played the pipe organ at his church in Sioux City. God’s gifts of talent helped him navigate the turbulent years of childhood and adolescence. Although he knew he wasn’t exceptionally skilled at these three activities, he learned that doing one’s best is all that God expects. At just twelve years old, he became pen pals with artist and author Sister Mary Jean Dorcy, a world-renowned paper-cutting artist known for her flowing silhouettes of the Madonna and Child. The nun responded and maintained a unique friendship and partnership with Dan until her death in 1988. Dan promised to keep her silhouette style alive, which contributed to his growing recognition for his work. His writing skills were honed when he was invited to write articles about Christian artists living in America for established magazines and newspapers across the country, including Our Sunday Visitor, St. Anthony Messenger, Ignatius Press, Liguorian Magazine, Vatican Press (Vaticano), Don Bosco Press (Tokyo), Liturgical Press, and Catholic Worker, to name just a few. Dan attributes his preparedness
for his career in sacred art and writing to his relationship with Sister Mary Jean. She not only shared her successes but also her failures, sparing him from experiencing the same hardships she faced. Dan later collaborated with significant figures such as Mother Teresa of Calcutta; Sister Wendy Beckett, art critic; Virginia Broderick, beloved Catholic artist; Brother Placid Stuckenschneider, a revered pioneer of liturgical art; Ade Bethune, a pioneer of sacred art; Dame Felicitas Corrigan of Stanbrook Abbey; and actress Rosemary Harris, among others. He often laughs when interviewed about his career, saying, “It’s not about me. It’s about God. The talents that He lends us are not for keeps. They are on loan. It’s all about God and His Kingdom. We’re all on the same path-we just need to learn how to respect one another, even if we don’t agree. Just respect. The rest is simply, patiently awaiting our final journey Home.”
by Chickie Farella
C iao Giulia is a raw, gutsy verbal performance that captures the reality of rape in ways you can't imagine. Through the writing of a sparkling storyteller, we learn that healing comes from confrontation and psycho-physical penance. The sisterhood that nurtures Giulia back to humanness is a testament to women's power to affect change in unique ways. There's no writer like Chickie Farella. Chickie Farella, S.W.O.P. is a native of Chicago transplanted in the California Desert after a career as singer/dancer/songwriter in the Chicago local
rock scene and recipient of video music awards in the Chicago International and Athens International Film Festivals during the early inception of MTV 1981, 1982. She is an Independent scholar of Women's Spirituality in Adult Education programs at the California Institute of Integral Studies, San Francisco, a receipient of a scholarship from the Italian American Cultural Foundation in 1997 for her work in progress, Ciao Giulia.
HANK AN "ANGEL DOG"
H ank: An "Angel Dog" tells the unforgettable true story of Hank, a shelter dog with soulful eyes and a spirit forged through adversity. Res- cued from an uncertain past, Hank became a source of healing for Herman Dearixon, the author's father-in-law, providing emotional strength, protection, and silent com- panionship after a profound personal loss. But Hank's journey didn't stop there-when Herman could no longer care for him, Hank found a new home and purpose with David and Jan. Over nine and a half more years, he be- came not just a pet, but family: traveling, comforting, and communicating with uncanny sensitivity.
This is more than a dog story-it's a celebration of resil- ience, unconditional love, and the bonds that transcend words. Hank: An "Angel Dog" will speak to anyone who has ever been saved by a dog's loyalty. A timeless reminder that angels sometimes walk on four legs. Now available on major book retailers-go get your copy today and experience the journey of a dog who truly was a gift from above.
by Marcos Cummings Sometimes it's hard to make sense of things. It's hard to understand why certain things happen and why others don't. In X..., author Marcos Cummings brings us a sense of relief, faith, hope, and righteousness in understanding this thing called life.
PROGNOSIS
DISASTER How Climate Change and Disease Will Ruin Your Life UNLESS...
2nd edition
by David Arieti
PROGNOSIS: DISASTER SECOND EDITION is a book about human induced environmental change and disease. Climate change, global warming and deforestation threaten human, animal, and plant populations with diseases more virulent than previously known. Most of this book deals with diseases influenced by climate change and how humans influence their creation and spread. This book will be useful as a reference on disease and environmental science, and as a call to action. Unless we take active measures now to stop pollution and greed, all life on the planet is doomed.
by Col David 0. Scheiding Usaf DON'T FLY TODAY D oes God really exist? If he does, why does he let bad things happen to good people? Is the Bible fiction or nonfiction? After a twenty-five-year military career and eighteen years of running his own businesses, the author became con- cerned about what he observed happening to the American society and the direction that the country appears to be heading. Don't Fly Today provides the author's perspective while answering the above questions and concerns. The author does this by analyzing the path of his life and has compiled very compelling empirical evidence that his life had to have been guided by a higher power. The author then discusses the Bible prophecies as he addresses his concerns about the United States and its future. The author does this by analyzing what has changed during the time period when our gov- ernment leaders were from the "greatest generation" to the present time when our leaders come from the baby boomers and the following generations. If you or if you have heard any of your friends or others ask any of the above questions or express similar concerns, then Don't Fly Today is an extremely compelling story and a must-read. When God Speaks- Listen! Warning to Atheists- God does exist!
Storytelling and Strategy
Focuses on "Actionable Advocacy"
The New York Library Association (NYLA) is set to host its premier annual event, the 2025 NYLA Annual Conference & Trade Show, uniting library professionals from across the state for a program dedicated to professional development, networking, and strategic community engagement. The conference, themed "Actionable Advocacy," will focus on equipping library workers with the skills and strategies necessary to effectively champion their institutions and demonstrate their critical value to stakeholders, legislators, and the communities they serve.
Program and Professional Development
The four-day event is structured to offer diverse learning opportunities for library professionals across all sectors—public, academic, school, and special libraries.
• Diverse Sessions: The program will feature numerous breakout sessions that explore contemporary library issues, including: Strategic use and ethical considerations of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in library services.
Practical strategies for effective legislative and community advocacy. Innovative service models and programming for diverse populations. Developments in collection management and new literary trends.
• Trade Show: The two-day Trade Show (scheduled for November 6th and 7th) will serve as a marketplace for exhibitors, allowing librarians to discover new books, innovative technology services, and the latest resources from publishers and vendors. • Special Events: The conference will include the traditional Author! Author! Luncheon, where attendees have the opportunity to hear from and celebrate prominent authors. Elle Cosimano, an acclaimed author, is confirmed to speak at the 2025 Luncheon. NYLA 2025 is positioned as an essential gathering for those dedicated to the future of New York's libraries, offering a comprehensive look at the industry's landscape and providing tangible tools to drive positive change.
Meeting God Where Rubber Meets the Road VIOLENCE IN HEAVEN by Vincent Brechtel
"THE MASTER CRAFTSMAN IS THE WISDOM OF GOD"
Violence in Heaven describes a broken man's sudden encounter and continued dialogue with God that finds him transformed, tempered, and perfected in mind, strength, and spirit by the Master Craftsman. Through an extraordinary series of encounters, we see that the Master Craftsman is not just working with a man. Rather, in a distinctly tangible manner, He is explicitly teaching and calling each of us to take hold, pull in tightly, and fervently embrace God. Our King of Heaven is expressively offering guidance and preparation for new birth into His Kingdom and the fullest experience of His promise of Abundant Life. In this story, the man called Aspot is so named because he has proven himself to be problematic and blemished. Yet for all practical purposes, Aspot is only a placeholder for all mankind, as God discusses life with you, the Reader. Perhaps you are the kind of person who can satisfy God as He and you work together...fruitfully...building Life.
“When God comes to the world, inequalities are reversed! The foundations are shaken! Nothing is the same again.” — Roland Zimany
The Inspiring Author Behind the Book and the Dedicated Man Behind the Pulpit, Spreading Wisdom and Faith
Sermons with Insight contains sermons that Pastor Zimany delivered while serving as a Lutheran clergyman. The sermons use metaphors to communicate religious terminology. In sermons, the congregation is encouraged to get involved in many causes. His main criteria for admission, however, was to present perspectives and methods that differ from those of fundamentalists and other groups. Examples of how what Jesus says literally can apply to us figuratively are given in a few of the discourses. Some of them deal with what it means to be saved and how we might change, finding transforming power, sometimes via self- sacrifice, and being born again, possibly after singing “I surrender all.” For instance, “yield fruit” signifies “perform good actions.” Other sermons highlight the importance of Jesus’ presence on earth, through which he brought God’s love closer to us and showed the value of faith, particularly among those who needed it most—outcasts, sinners, and scoundrels—giving them a sense of acceptance and self-worth and thereby demonstrating what God is like, how God acts, and what God is concerned about. SERMONS WITH INSIGHT
T he Rev. Dr. Roland Daniel Zimany has been preaching and has been in the pastoral ministry since 1997. He served as interim pastor at Faith Lutheran Church in Jacksonville, Illinois in 1997 and as minister of Luther Memorial Church in Des Moines, Iowa in 1998 to 2003. Presently, he serves as pulpit supply minister at Deerfield Retirement Community and in other churches in the state of Iowa. Pastor Zimany is a native of Irvington, New Jersey of Slovak heritage. In 1956, he went to pursue an education at Princeton University, earning the degree in Public and International Affairs, which later led him to work in business and government in the New York metropolitan area for fourteen years, mostly as a management analyst and as an interviewer. The year 1970 has always been the turning point of his life when a major career change took place. With a strong determination and faith in God, he went to Union Theological Seminary, from which he earned a Master of Divinity (MDiv) degree in 1974. Six years later, he earned a Doctor of Philosophy in Religion degree at Duke University in 1980, after spending a year at the University of Tuebingen, in Germany, which resulted in a book, entitled Vehicle for God: The Metaphorical Theology of Eberhard Juengle. In the same year after earning the doctorate degree, he became professor of Philosophy and Religion at Blackburn College in Carlinville, Illinois up until 1993.
He and his wife, Barbara, have been married since 1976.
An effective communicator of God’s Word, the Rev. Dr. Roland Zimany is known for his practical and dynamic teaching style which helps people apply the timeless truths of Scripture to their everyday lives.
Before considering the important part of the sermon, let's take a look at today's Gospel lesson and ask, what's wrong with this picture? What takes place in our Gospel story that does not reflect the way things usually happen in the world? If were teaching a class, I would now stop talking, and there would be a long period of silence, while you look through the biblical text on your bulletin insert, to try to find something unusual. But to ensure that this sermon ends before it's time for Sunday School to begin, I'll save some time by pointing out that it is highly unusual for two pregnant women to meet and for one to say to the other, "You're going to be the mother of someone whom I'll be calling 'Lord.’” Normally, Elizabeth--or anyone else--would not know such a thing in advance. Right? The reference is to Jesus, of course. Elizabeth calls him "Lord," and that fact provides a clue to what is going on here that you, as an average person-in-the-pew, would not even begin to imagine. At least, I didn't, until I went to seminary.
Upcoming is LONDON BOOK FAIR 2026!
Join us at Olympia London from Tuesday, March 10 to Thursday, March 12, 2026, where the world of publishing meets the future of content creation!
At The Bookwrights House, connect with publishers, literary agents, rights professionals, and media buyers from over 100 countries. Welcome to London!
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