Imagine two cousins, Fernando and Vera, growing up together - close as family can be. But like many young minorities, Fernando is drawn to the dark side. Vera perseveres and earns a Masters Degree. One day, after a Super Bowl party, Fernando is arrested and sentenced to five years in prison for possession of drugs. Through the years, he writes to Vera about his troubles, family life, hardships, regrets, dreams, and forgiveness while growing into the man Vera knew he could be. In the end, he promises to leave the lifestyle that cost him his freedom, but can his best intentions survive his past. This book is a tribute to beloved Nando. It combines childhood memories with Prison Letters that will touch you in a way no book ever has!

WHAT READERS SAY ABOUT THE BOOK!

“I just finished this book after starting it a few hours ago. I laughed in parts and now cry with mixed emotions. This is one of the most ‘real and beautiful’ tribute to a family member, the much loved Nando.” -Elizabeth Navarro, Medical Field

“This is the first book from a talented new writer. Vera’s tribute to Nando will give her family closure and allow his voice to be heard to all that read this book.” -Mark Weidhaas, Pilot for Red Eagle Formation Team, Business Owner, and Purdue University Graduate

 ”Like Nando, I too was in Prison. Praying we are both free now.” -Peyton Goddard, Author of “I am Intelligent” and Valedictorian at Cuyamaca College

“Norman Mailer created what he called the “non-fiction novel” where the novelist takes real life and using his skills weaves a novel around such events. This enjoyable new book by Veracruz Sanchez takes this “non-fiction novel” concept and delves deeply into the lives, both good and bad, of two San Diego kids. The book is not a glamorous tome about how wonderful it is to live as one lives but a no-holds barred view of lives that can go this way and that. It is not short of joy, nor is it short of sorrow. This was an excellent first effort by a new and gifted novelist.” -Frank Scoblete, #1 Gambling Author in America and Author of “The Virgin Kiss and Other Adventures.”

“Vera’s story is everyone’s story: growing up poor, alcoholism, the incarceration of our youth, but most importantly about our resilience, for we deny to lose ourselves in powerless victimhood. An absolute honest depiction of our current mental state, a necessary addition to Chican@ Literature beyond the stories of mangos and piñatas…thank you Vera for having the courage to release these memories that honor us beyond the clichés.” -Rosi Escamilla, Professor at San Diego City College and UCSD

“The rich use of Chicana expression, colloquialisms, slang was certainly one of 

the redeeming features that made for an easy read. These are real people 

in real times, caught in real conflicts and celebrating rituals like real 

Chicanos, not just cardboard characters in a story.” -Joe Medina, Professor at Grossmont College

“I first read excerpts of this book on Amazon and from those excerpts; I knew that this book would have an impact on me. This book also helped inspire me in telling my own life story; especially when it comes to pulling no punches when it concerns the good and bad of family life. In one line of the book, Nando says ‘Maybe one day I might be able to inspire.’ He definitely inspired me in more than one way, and this book will do the same for you.” -Rudy Gonzales, San Diego Padres Organization

“I am not Hispanic. However, Vera’s vivacious writing leaves me enviably aware of the incredible talent, humor, sense of family, tight-knitted loyalty, and rich traditions that persist despite daunting challenges. My friend is socially labeled and discarded. My hope is words such as hardship, redemption, mistakes, forgiveness, and change are taken to heart and given consideration to others. There is more to every story. I hope minds are opened.” -Lisa Plavan, Dental Field

“The writer made me feel like I had known this person all my life. Thanks for lifting my heart.”-Galinda Cain, Business Owner and President of the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary, La Mesa Post 282

“Vera Sanchez hit a home run with her first novel. She is a talented storyteller. This book is refreshingly honest and humorous.” -Bea Guillen, Retired Educator

“This book is clearly a tribute to a talented young man who at times, found himself whether by choice or circumstance, in an underdog position. Nando’s letters have the ability to inspire many people.” – Milton Sanchez III, Principal, former History Teacher, and Master’s Degree at University of California San Diego Graduate

“Vera is a role model for my 12 year old. She wants to be a writer!” -Felicia Patino, Spanish Teacher, Folklorico Ballet Dancer, and Master’s of Arts in Education at Cal State Bakersfield

“Nando’s letters reads as though he is co-author, keeping his spirit alive in our hearts.” -Bea Zamora, Educator, Organizer of the Cesar Chavez Commemorative Committee, Azteca Dancer, and Master’s in Counseling at San Diego State University

“I highly recommend to readers who have a loved one incarcerated.” -Jason Gigliotti, Head Wrestling Coach, Business Owner, and Menlo College Graduate

“Through self-deprecating humorous family banter and raw revelations, the author helps us understand that all families have flaws and weaknesses, but they can still be there to support, love, and share with one another Thank you Nando, the Sanchez family, and Vera Sanchez for helping all families.” -Peter Pedroza, Retired Educator

 ”Vera has opened a window to my own life. As a second generation Mexican, I can identify with what she has written. Familiar with the smell of Tia’s beans cooking on the stove, fresh tortillas browning on an old cast iron stove lid and meat sizzling in a pan, brings the memories of all those smells to life.” -Donald Garcia, Navy Corpsman with 1st Marine Division

“Prison Letters: Walking to Honor is a touching and heartwarming tribute to Nando and was a page-turner from beginning to end. I could not put the book down as the author, through her writing style, does an excellent job keeping the reader wondering what will happen next.” -Tim Cornell, Business Owner and University of Minnesota Graduate

“ Vera’s voice is strong through to the end. The text of the prison letters is remarkably profound and insightful, giving the reader a rare view into the life of Fernando.” -Frances Reeder, Retired Teacher at Rowland Unified School District

AMAZON BESTSELLER!

FROM THE AUTHOR:

Nando’s troubles began in junior high when he started to disappear for days at a time. Nobody took the time to search for him. When I was at my Uncle Chunky’s house, Nando was walking down the street. He had been gone for a few days. Monchi, his oldest brother, was upset. He grabbed Nando by the back of his shirt and dragged him in the house. I don’t know what happened or the talk they had. The door was shut, and I was standing outside. I do not know where he went or who he had been with. I am not sure if anyone knew because when he was questioned, he did not answer. Nando was in and out of jail, and then jail eventually became prison. Many family members expected this from him, expected him to go back in once he came out. And he did. He was not stupid. He knew the consequences of his actions. I often wondered if he purposely chose to go back to prison. 

His last time out, as a free man, the cops surrounded Uncle Chunky’s truck, pointed their guns and had everyone come out and lie on the street. Nando was on parole at the time, and that is when he was sentenced to five years in prison for possession of drugs. The last time we were together, we went bar hopping at local dive bars in downtown with his sisters, brothers, and Uncle Chunky. We had a lot of fun, laughing, sharing stories, clinging our beer mugs, and tequila shots, salud. At the end of the night, I took Nando’s hand and danced with him in the streets, showing him some ballet folklorico steps my dad taught me when I was a little girl.