News Summary
Jonny Garza Villa, a local author from San Antonio, has released their new book ‘Futbolista,’ marking their entry into the New Adult Romance genre. Set against the backdrop of college soccer, the story follows Gabriel Piña’s journey of identity and love. Villa’s transition reflects a deeper exploration of queer identities intertwined with Mexican-American culture. The author will embark on a Texas book tour to celebrate the launch, with multiple events planned across cities including Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio.
San Antonio Welcomes New Adult Romance with Jonny Garza Villa’s ‘Futbolista’
Hey there, San Antonio! Big news is hitting the shelves as local author Jonny Garza Villa has just released their exciting new book, Futbolista. This recent addition to the literary world marks Villa’s first foray into the New Adult Romance genre, and fans couldn’t be more thrilled.
For those who might not know, Villa has already made waves with a collection of queer and Tejano-centric young adult novels, including Fifteen Hundred Miles from the Sun, Ander & Santi Were Here, and Canto Contigo. But now, Villa is stepping into new territory with Futbolista, which was officially released on April 15.
What’s the Story?
So, what’s this new book all about? Futbolista dives into a breathtaking classmates-to-friends-to-lovers romance set against the backdrop of college football (or, as we call it here, soccer!). It follows the journey of Gabriel Piña, a college goalkeeper who’s navigating the ups and downs of his freshman year while exploring his identity and sexuality. This nuanced narrative is packed with relatable experiences for anyone who has ever felt a little out of place.
Interestingly, Villa initially started this as a Young Adult title but decided to tweak it into a story aimed at college-aged readers after encouragement from their editor. The book is not just about love; it also uncovers the beautiful intersection of queer identities and Mexican-American culture, reflecting a rich tapestry of experiences that many readers can connect with.
A Texas Tale
One of the things that makes Villa’s storytelling so compelling is their knack for showcasing life in Texas. Each story, including Futbolista, represents the diverse experiences of the queer and brown community right here in the Lone Star State. It’s about time these stories get their moment in the spotlight, filled with heartwarming, meaningful, and yes—spicy themes!
Mark Your Calendars for Book Tour Events
To celebrate this new release, Villa is hitting the road for a fantastic Texas book tour! Heads up, Dallas! You’re getting not one, but two special events. On Saturday, April 26, come join the conversation with the author at Whose Books in Oak Cliff at 11 a.m. You’ll also have the chance to catch Villa in Plano, where they’ll be speaking and signing books at the opening of Bibliobar at 6 p.m.
The tour doesn’t end there! Villa will also make stops in Houston, San Antonio, and McAllen, where they’re already receiving a warm welcome from attendees across the board. It truly feels like a new beginning as Villa transitions from young adult to adult storytelling, and the excitement is palpable.
More About the Book and Events
Villa delights in presenting a wide array of queer experiences with every story, emphasizing that every story has value. If you want to dive into the world of Futbolista and see what all the buzz is about, check out the Independent Bookstore Day events happening across Texas. For more information about the events and Villa’s tour, be sure to visit Whose Books and Bibliobar’s websites.
So, gather your friends, grab a book, and get ready to support a local author whose stories are just getting started. This is an exciting time for San Antonio and for everyone who loves a good story that dives deep into love and identity.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Dallas Voice: Queer Reads – Texas Author Pens Their First Queer Adult Romance Novel ‘Futbolista’
- Dallas Voice: Queer San Antonio Author Heads to Dallas for Independent Bookstore Day
- Wikipedia: New Adult
- Google Search: Jonny Garza Villa
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Love in Literature
Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER
DALLAS STAFF WRITER The DALLAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDallas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Dallas, Dallas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the State Fair of Texas, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas International Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, aviation, and semiconductors that power the local economy such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
