President Dilma Rousseff visits the Bienal do Livro as Brazil celebrates the “Year of the Woman.” Anne Rice, Hilary Duff, Steven Carter, and Scott Turow highlight the book fair, but Carter is in the spotlight, having sold more than two million books thus far. In a country still wrestling with old machismo ways, the focus is now on women’s self-esteem and empowerment.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, October 05, 2011 — The 2011 Bienal do Livro ended last month with Anne Rice, Hilary Duff, Steven Carter and Scott Turow highlighting America’s presence at the fair. But the spotlight this year at Brazil’s national book fair was clearly on Steven Carter, the author most well known for introducing the world to the word “commitmentphobia” in his classic New York Times Bestseller “Men Who Can’t Love.”
This year’s Bienal was a celebration of women, and on September 1st Carter was included in a handful of dignitaries invited to meet Brazil’s new President Dilma Rousseff. Carter’s books became wildly popular in Brazil in 2007, starting with the release of “What Smart Women Know” (O Que Toda Mulher Inteligente Deve Saber). Five more titles have followed. His visit to the Bienal included many book signings, parties, and a standing-room-only presentation at the televised forum “Mulher e Ponto.”
Steven Carter’s presence could be felt everywhere at the 2011 Bienal. The official website of the Bienal do Livro announced Carter’s upcoming appearance for months, featuring his photos on the splash page of their website. Jumbotron screens inside the Riocentro convention center announced Carter’s presence at the book fair. Newspaper, magazine, and web articles highlighted Carter’s appearance.
For Carter, the experience was nothing short of dizzying. “Every time I visit Brazil I am overwhelmed by the reception,”confesses Carter, who has now sold more than two million copies of his books in Brazil. “I go from my very quiet ‘Clark Kent’ life in the USA to thrilling weeks of celebration in Brazil. Every year I expect things to calm down but they just get more and more exciting and intense!”
Carter, who has been compared to Brazilian icon Chico Buarque, clearly seems to have struck a serious nerve in Brazil. His publisher,Marcos Pereira of Editora Sextante explains: “The role of women in the Brazilian culture and economy has evolved dramatically. If you think of the U.S. 20 years ago, I think this is happening now in Brazil. Women are rethinking their roles, enjoying their independence, embracing their success.” Carter adds, “Self-esteem is the greatest struggle as women emerge—negative, discouraging voices from the past still have a powerful influence on women’s progress. I know that my work speaks directly to that conflict…Now Brazil has its first woman President,” continues Carter, “A sea-change is clearly underway but women need support for that change. I’d like to think that my work offers support for that change.”
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Contact :
Richard Friedel
Bienal do Livro
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
323-571-8376
[email protected]
http://www.bienaldolivro.com.br/
