Fifth annual ‘inspirational’ book fair

While many families enjoyed a beautiful Sunday afternoon in October at Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, some decided to spend it with inspirational and multilingual authors.
The Queens Museum of Art held the fifth annual New York Book Fair on Sunday, October 10, which celebrated the talents of many authors who shared their experiences in a written work of art.
Unlike other book fairs, this one showcased the diversity from many cultures and languages, all in one room. Authors from Argentina, Colombia, Ecuador, Spain, Grand Cayman, Greece, India, Israel, Mexico, Panama, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic and Venezuela were present.
On the way to the free admission event, visitors got the privilege to see the beautiful panorama museum has to offer. Guests lined up at every table for one-on-one session with the authors. Book signings, panel discussions and raffle drawings were held throughout the day.
Gema Corrales, a young Nicaraguan native, took the opportunity to express her experiences and advices with her audience. Her first book “His Little Girl,” became her diary to her readers explaining her awful experience as a domestic violence victim. Also translated into Spanish, “El velo de la inocencia,” Corrales tells the story of a young girl who was deceived by the innocent appearance of her first boyfriend and dragged into an abusive relationship.
“Love shouldn’t hurt,” said Corrales, who interned for The Queens Courier in 2008. “You ARE able to get help.”
Karime Demorizi Hernandez, a Columbian native, was also at the book fair. Hernandez shared a similar moral to Corrales in her book “Rompiendo el silencio” (Breaking the Silence).
Her table became a popular spot for the women in the fair, as she lured her guests into observing her book and giving them personal advice. As an Evangelist, Hernandez spoke about her spiritual relationship with God and told them how much it helped her survive the domestic violence.
“It’s good to see how many Latin authors are gathered to share a specific experience to their readers,” said Ana Cecilia, who was at the fair and whose husband was going to discuss the film “Vampire in Union City.”