War Memoir Author Is A Readers' Favorite International Award Book Finalist

LOS ANGELES, July 31, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Author Ileana Araguti's heart-wrenching story, SHATTERED PARADISE: MEMOIRS OF A NICARAGUAN WAR CHILD is a non-fiction inspirational finalist in the Readers' Favorite International Award Book Finalist contest. Becoming a finalist was no easy task, as a record number of contestants submitted entries in this year's competition. Medal winners will be announced September 1, 2013 at the 2013 Readers' Favorite Annual International Award Book Finalist award ceremony in Miami, FL. 

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SHATTERED PARADISE tells the lyrical and poignant story of a young girl who manages to break free from a war-infected life, bullying schoolmasters and a womanizing father. Araguti and her determined mother use inner strength and quick adaptation to survive in a war-ravaged country. Against all odds, Araguti carves out an unexpected destiny for herself and her deeply rooted Catholic mother. 

Araguti is one of the first Nicaraguan authors to tell the story of the revolutionary war, which took place in the late 70s and early 80s, from a child's point of view. Her story is an eye-opening look into the effects of war on children. As early as six-years-old, Araguti witnessed the effects of war alongside her mother. Araguti developed an extreme phobia for schools in her hometown because they were used as hospitals to house the injured and the dead.

Araguti brings to light the wonderful world of childhood in all of its innocence and beauty. Her native country, rich in natural resources, suffered an enormous loss of its people. This loss produced tremendous sadness. Araguti thought she could never learn to love again. But Araguti not only survived the war and the many heartbreaks that come with it; she became an inspiration to others.

Over time, Araguti overcame posttraumatic stress disorder and refocused her energy into becoming a role model for others. She became a teacher despite her childhood experience with bullying schoolmasters and all the odds that were against her as an immigrant. Her inspiration came when she realized that she could make a positive difference in the lives of others. "I've learned that in this life there is good and bad, but in order to succeed and truly live life, you must focus on what matters – the positive."

Araguti came to the United States at the age of fourteen and earned a Bachelor's Degree in Art and two additional Master's Degrees, the first in Education and a second in Educational Administration. Araguti resides in Southern California with her husband and two kids. 

Ileana is scheduled for a book signing, August 01, 2013 at the Upstart Crow Bookstore & Coffeehouse in the beautiful Seaport Village, 835 W. Harbor Dr., San Diego, CA 92101.

"Wonderfully evokes Nicaragua's enchanting beauty and the enormity of its loss."-Kirkus

"Descriptive and compelling, Shattered Paradise brings the reader to this magical land, its folkloric culture and its diminishing wildlife." --Maria Beltran, Readers' Favorite

Contact Information:
Publisher, JG Publishing
Agent: Joseph Gutiz
Cell: 951-552-0603
www.newtrendspress.com

http://www.ileanaaraguti.com
https://twitter.com/ileanaguti 
www.ileana4earth.blogspot.com

SOURCE New Trends Press