Julio Lucero, author of Abuelita, I am your Grandson

Spotlight on Austinite, Julio Lucero, author of Abuelita, I Am Your Grandson

Sarah Ambrus • February 1, 2025

SA: Can you start by telling us about yourself and your background?

JL: My name is Julio Lucero. For the longest time, I worked in a restaurant my family owned here in Austin, Julio’s Café. If you’re not familiar, the restaurant is located in Hyde Park, just north of the University of Texas. I consider myself both a second-gen immigrant and an Austinite. Like other folks who have lived here for a long time, I am still proud to say that I’m from here. As much as the city has changed, I still adore Austin, to the point that everytime I contemplate leaving, I simply can’t.

Man with curly hair, smiling, wearing an apron, holding an accordion, standing in a pink doorway.

SA: Tell us more about the inspiration for your book, Abuelita, I Am Your Grandson.

JL: The inspiration for my book came mostly by accident. My mother and I worked together in the restaurant for many years. One day, after a rough spell, my mother confesses to me that she was ready to hang her apron and sell the business. Her words were heavy.

I began journaling about work. I needed to speak, but for no one to hear. A cathartic process, really.

After about two / three years of documenting my experience, I noticed that if I combined certain elements together, I would have wonderful pieces. I wrote about grackles and catholic prayer cards and caldo and big scary dogs, everything! In the end, after five-ish years of writing, I had over fifty pieces, enough for a book.

SA: Tell us more about the inspiration for your book, Abuelita, I Am Your Grandson.

I began journaling about work. I needed to speak, but for no one to hear. A cathartic process, really.

SA: Tell us more about the inspiration for your book, Abuelita, I Am Your Grandson.

I began journaling about work. I needed to speak, but for no one to hear. A cathartic process, really.

SA: Do you have a favorite moment from the book you can share with us? Why is it meaningful to you?

JL: Gosh, it’s hard to single out a moment. One thing about the book that I’m particularly fond of are the individuals I worked with. Most of them are immigrants. Hands down, some of the best teachers I’ve ever had.

Four people pose outdoors: a woman holding flowers, a man in a suit, a woman in a red dress, and a man in a sweater.

Person signing an autograph for children outside a building. Other people observe nearby.

SA: What feelings or inspiration do you want to cultivate for your readers?

JL: If I could cultivate one thing into readers, it would be how to get small. How to see details. Those tiny, nearly insignificant instances are the magic of life. Listen, pay attention. It’s in the mundane, in the monotonous, magic is everywhere.

SA: What feelings or inspiration do you want to cultivate for your readers?

SA: What are some ways customers can support local authors like you?

JL: Supporting the local economy, authors and businesses included, is a challenge. Asking for patronage or financial support is often beyond others’ means. However, if there is a local restaurant, or business, or author you adore, talk about them. Share it with friends, make a post. Write a sincere review. Tell the world why you like what you like.

To order Julio’s book, click the link below:

https://bookshop.org/p/books/abuelita-i-am-your-grandson-julio-a-lucero/21725062?ean=9798990602205