University of Guam Press to Launch "Always Never Knowing" by Georgiana Quintanilla Tyquiengco
The University of Guam Press is set to unveil "Always Never Knowing," a debut short story collection by Georgiana Quintanilla Tyquiengco, on June 14, from 10 a.m. to noon at Dusit Place in Tumon. The event, open to the public, will feature an author reading, book signing, and interactive displays.
Tyquiengco’s collection centers around Jiavonna “Vonna” Cepeda, a teenager in southern Guam, and delves into universal adolescent experiences through a Pacific Islander perspective. The author identified a gap in local literature for young adults and teens, noting a surplus of war stories and children’s literature while calling attention to the lack of representation for youth.
“During a pandemic writing workshop, my peers encouraged me to explore the youth voice,” Tyquiengco acknowledged, emphasizing that her writing resonates with young readers. The stories encompass themes of first crushes, evolving friendships, and family expectations, while also addressing deeper issues like bicultural identity and belonging.
Publicist Justine De Fant describes the collection as a “mirror” reflecting the diverse experiences of young people growing up in Guam, enriched with local imagery that will resonate with residents. Critics, including award-winning author Kristiana Kahakauwila, have praised the book’s innovative narrative forms.
Advance readers have expressed nostalgia, sharing that the stories remind them of their own experiences and emphasizing the importance of local representation in literature. Tyquiengco hopes to inspire future writers to create similar narratives, offering a platform for the voices of those growing up in Guam.
"Always Never Knowing" is available for pre-order at uogpress.com for $15, increasing to $17 after June 16. For more information, contact Via De Fant at (671) 735-2153.
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