Happy Father's Day
And Happy Summer Solstice Day
Exactly one year ago today, I posted on the summer solstice day to reflect on the Hot and the Calm. The Hot was about my first historical fiction, Mother of Red Mountains, which had won several national and international awards by then. The book continues to gain more attention, and I’ll be attending the ceremony of one of the biggest awards in July. The Calm was finding grounding force to stay vibrant in the hot summer days (for me, it was lavender).
In this long-overdue newsletter, I’m revisiting those themes and some more.
#1. Happy Father’s Day
With my father absent from my life for more than 50 years, I was never big on Father’s Day for myself or for my father, although I celebrated it for my children’s father over the decades.
Things have changed since I finished Mother of Red Mountains. The book is based on my mother’s life, and yet the stories based on my father‘s life take a substantial amount of space. Writing the book forced me to examine his situations and decisions within particular socio-political contexts. Doing that made me forgive him completely. I wish I had a chance to learn more about him in person and establish our relationship.
If your father is still around, do your best to learn and understand him. If you are a father, know that your children may take time to understand and love you if they have not already.
#2. (Hot) Daughter of Blue City
My 2nd historical fiction is a standalone book, although it continues the lives of the main characters in Mother of Red Mountains. It has been doing very well since its publication in August 2025. Here is some news.
Awards
Two award agencies made their announcements a few days ago. Daughter of Blue City received the above recognition. Altogether, the book has received recognition from five different award agencies.
Goodreads Giveaway
To celebrate the awards and the upcoming anniversary, I am giving away free copies.
For the hardcover books, I am giving away 5 signed copies through Goodreads. The giveaway duration is 30 days, from June 23 to July 22, 2026.
If you are interested but don’t win the giveaway or are not on Goodreads, you can buy an autographed copy here on my website.
Free ebook at Amazon
For 5 days from June 23 to June 27, 2026, you can get the ebook at Amazon.com for free. Here is the direct link to order. I hope you post a review to help others decide if they may want to read the book.
#3. The Calm (Force)
I still love lavender and have several bushes in my backyard. They flowered in the winter and are sleeping now on such three-digit temperature days. Looking around, I found the calm force not in any outside object but within myself.
#4. What about the Centennial Route 66 Journey?
The physical travel is done! 31 days on Route 66 (not counting days getting to Chicago, resting, or getting home from Santa Monica). The two certificates are proudly framed and hung on my wall.
The emotional and intellectual journey continues. There are so many things I want to continue to learn, reflect on, and share. You can find more on my Route 66 Travelog.
Until next time, my friend!