Dear Colleagues and Fellow Writers from Around the World,
I have some compelling stories of the Arizona Authors Association Contest, what I heard when listening to my “SoftPower” interview and an update on My Saddest Pleasures. A heads up on the impact of financial inequality in the U.S. in Culture Watch a new book and movie review in What We’re Reading and Viewing and Why a few inspirational quotes in What Others Are Saying plus an updated Calendar.
But first, as “Giving Tuesday” which was established to encourage generosity and community giving around the world is upon us, let’s make a generous gift to our top charities. I’ll make a lyrical pitch below for my favorite, Seeds for a Future.
I was honored to speak at and present award certificates to some of the 30 winners at the Arizona Authors Association Literary event. I read the acceptance speech of fellow writer and poet Earl de Berge who was unable to attend for his latest book, Big Ears Jack and Friends. You can find my review of his book here: Big Ears Jack and Friends by Earl Vincent de Berge, Reviewed by Mark D. Walker – Million Mile Walker
I talked about the importance of strategic partnerships like the one we have with PEN American (Michelle Beaver our state director provided an overview of what we’re doing). I also met Lorraine Haataia the founder of Prolific Writers Life and Janelle Molony of the National authors in Grocery Stores Program about expanding our partnerships. I spoke about the importance of book reviews for an author’s success and reviewed the books of two of the winners, Nancy Marshall and Earl de Berge.
Among the surprises, was two-time winner Choi Bi-Gyeol from South Korea who flew in from South Korea for our event and flew out the next day. Seventeen-year-old Ranjit Nair’s book, The Weight of Tomorrow was recognized. He explores the struggles of the teenage mind He’s a senior in High School and he’s donating the proceeds of his book to the “Ending the Silence” program. After the event, I met with Ranjit and his supportive family and provided some advice on how to promote his book best.
The editor of “SoftPower”, Chris Wurtz sent me the first take of my interview on his global podcast. He managed to tie together some of the most compelling stories from all three of my books with some Guatemalan marimba music and it brought me to tears in several segments. I’m pleased to be among the diplomats, overseas development experts, artists and authors who share their stories about the importance of our country’s overseas’ programs. The presentation drops Friday, December 19th on YT or Amazon music in my case or anywhere you get your podcasts. For all of the inspiring interviews go to their website: SoftPower/FulStories
The Expanded Edition of My Saddest Pleasures is moving along. I’ve submitted it to a potential publisher, the manuscript has been edited and I’m compiling the many photos which will give life to my 19 stores which are part of the Yin & Yang of Travel series. I’m just waiting for the interactive Google map to be completed by my talented granddaughter, Mishi.
Culture Watch
In 1983, there were 15 billionaires. Today, there are more than a thousand–with our first Trillionaire on the way. Last year, one poll showed that 70% of Americans believe wealth inequality has become a serious national issue. By 2030 40% of single-family homes will be rentals owned by private equity firms and other investors—and you know what that means—profits first. “The greatest social disruption is driven by households in the top one-tenth of 1%.” One member of the Oscar Mayer fortune explains our options.
Collins says that all wealth is created in community—with nature and people and workers. In his neighborhood, people come together. “Don’t let the national narrative dampen what we know to be true about one another: That we are neighbors and we can rekindle our face-to-face community.” For the entire article click here: Billionaires Are a National Disaster | Sojourners
What We’re Reading and Watching and Why
This book caught my attention as it focuses on two of my favorite cities in South America and fond memories of my own trek through the region in the early 1970s. Buenos Aires always felt like a little piece of Italy and merited the nickname, “The Paris of South America.” The author brings the insights of a veteran writer with over a dozen travel books to his name so far, and his photographs add color and culture to everything he does. The book is not just a guide; it’s an immersive experience combining cultural observations, historical context, and hundreds of original photographs.
The author a fellow Returned Pearce Corps Volunteer/Russia, focuses on three exotic locations: Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, and Iguazu Falls. He knows Rio exceptionally well and wrote a book about its iconic celebration, Carnaval. His photos capture the dramatic natural beauty—its beaches, Sugarloaf Mountain, and the statue recognized worldwide, Christ the Redeemer. He also captures the city’s street life in its vibrant neighborhoods such as Copacabana and Ipanema , samba rhythms, and bustling cafes serving the never-to-be-forgotten bold Brazilian coffee.
Kaffen adhered to Paul Theroux’s philosophy by traveling to maximize spontaneity and cultural immersion. He appreciated solitude as the “great teacher,” echoing Theroux’s ethos that independence fosters authenticity. Evidently, he appreciated the South American Handbook, the legendary guidebook for independent travelers, to plan his travels. It was my favorite companion on the Road as well, and it is celebrating its 100th anniversary. For the entire review click here. My Twin Cities: Rio and Buenos Aires by Steve Kaffen, Reviewed by Mark D. Walker – Million Mile Walker
We loved Night Train to Lisbon with Jeremy Irons —based on the acclaimed novel, it follows a man who saves a young woman from jumping off a bridge, only to see her vanish. His search for her takes him deep into a memoir’s passages, leading him toward a doctor and the mysteries of her past. All of this unfolds against the haunting backdrop of Portugal under Salazar’s violent dictatorship.
What Are Others Saying?
Co-founder of Seeds for a Future, Earle de Berg, poet/author’s poem on the news that the end of year campaign is doing well:
Now we should put on an optimistic face that basically says:
Mark said it could be done
So in our December final run
Let each pledge effort to raise the sum
To reach break-even and ten some
Under a Golden maya sun.
Join me supporting Seed’s campaign to combat malnutrition and childhood stunting in Guatemala where the rainy season has dumped 130 inches of rain wiping out some backyard vegetable gardens. And take advantage of the matching grant to bring more training, seed and nutrition to our families. Seeds for a Future Creates Long-Term Food Security in Guatemala
Calendar
- December 19th: My interview on “SoftPowers” “FulStories” drops SoftPower/FulStories
You can find my 85 book reviews and 28 articles, as well as several videos and photos, on my website, which also offers a reduced price for my new book if you read it and pass it along to your local library:
. “Follow” me on Blue Sky—at (2) @millionmilewalker.bsky.social — Bluesky, Substack- Mark D Walker| Substack – and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/millionmilewalker/ for the latest international affairs and literature. And please share the link to the sign-up page with the Dispatch for any friends you think will enjoy it. Million Mile Walker Newsletter – Million Mile Walker.
And, as always, if you’ve read Different Latitudes: My Life in the Peace Corps and Beyond, My Saddest Pleasures: 50 Years on the Road, the Best Travel Book according to the Peace Corps Writers, and, of course, my most recent book, The Guatemala Reader, please review and rate them on Amazon and Goodreads.
Shalom!
Mark D. Walker