Ileana GutierrezIleana Araguti is a Nicaraguan American author and an award-winning memoirist, soon to release her new novel. Her debut memoir, "Shattered Paradise: Memoirs of a Nicaraguan War Child," has earned her multiple recognitions from The International Latin Book Awards Foundation. This inspiring and heart-wrenching testimony of survival guides readers through a poetic odyssey, weaving a narrative that transcends the mystical City of Mist to the harsh realities etched into the cobblestone of a nation wounded by war and conflict.In the embrace of Nicaraguan folklore under the wisdom of her mother and grandfather, Ileana's carefree innocence contrasts poignantly with the traumas of war. Her father's infidelity and her mother's sanctuary in religion unfold against the tumultuous political backdrop following the fall of the Somoza regime. From an early age, Ileana was exposed to experiences far beyond what any child should endure. She quickly learned resilience and ingenuity, stepping up to shoulder the monumental task of protecting her family, including preventing the potential loss of her terrified and concealed brothers.Ileana left her homeland hand in hand with her mother, severely scarred physically and emotionally, and deeply wounded by post-traumatic stress and survivor's guilt. Together, they boarded a plane bound for the United States. Two decades after leaving Nicaragua, Ileana's return as an adult unveiled an unrecognizable land, transformed from the enchanting cloud forests of her youth.Her new historical novel, "A Pedal Away," soon to be released in the Fall of 2024, debuted in an early draft form in 2010, initially published by Instituto Franklin, Spain. The discovery of La Chureca, a firsthand encounter with the forsaken corners of humanity, bore witness to another fracture in her already broken heart. True to a promise made, she embarked on a journey to illuminate a world distant yet uncomfortably close, a world stripped of the essentials often taken for granted amid the clamor of daily life.Ileana Araguti, also known as Dr. Ileana Gutierrez, is the youngest of eight children. She grew up alongside her beloved mother, who never parted ways despite the perils of war they encountered together. Navigating the labyrinth of childhood post-traumatic stress and debilitating anxiety, Ileana emerges not just as a storyteller but as a purveyor of life's lessons, finding hope and happiness amid adversity. She imparts profound insights into love, freedom, and gratitude.Currently, she is an educator and a school principal in California. She writes under her pseudonym to separate both of her careers. Against all odds, she earned the highest education, inspired by the will and determination instilled by her mother and her unrelenting persistence. She holds a doctorate in Educational Administration, a master's degree in education, a master's in administration, and a bachelor's in the Arts from the University of California, Riverside, and National University. She lives in Southern California with her husband and two children. Visit IleanaAraguti.com for more information. Read More Read Less