FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Patrick Quinn
414-213-4818 (cell)
qsports@yahoo.com
Chicago, IL, June 2, 2004 – Although he's no stranger to world class
competition Olympic Gold Medalist Derek Parra was in unfamiliar territory
last night in the literary world of the 2004 Benjamin Franklin Book
Awards. Nevertheless, by evening's end he had made a name for himself
amidst a ballroom full of hundreds of book industry professionals, authors
and publishers. Parra's autobiography 'Reflections in the Ice - Inside
the Heart and Mind of an Olympic Champion' took home top honors as winner
of both the year's best 'Biography/Memoir' and 'Outstanding Cover Design'.
"It's difficult for me to describe how honored I am by these awards. I
tried to write this book from the heart, keeping my fingers crossed that
people would enjoy it, but to be recognized among all of these outstanding
authors and industry leaders is beyond anything I had ever dreamed. If
only my high school English teacher could see me now...!'
About the Benjamin Franklin Awards:
Named in honor of America's most cherished publisher and printer, the
Benjamin Franklin Award is considered one of the book industry's most
prestigious honors. Sponsored by the Publishers Marketing Association,
each year thousands of books are submitted for the awards, recognizing
excellence in publishing and marketing in 54 categories. A shortlist of
over 150 books are selected by a panel of over 100 judges active in all
phases of the book publishing industry. Finally they select the best of
the best, naming three category finalists. Winners were announced at a
gala awards dinner ceremony last night at Chicago's downtown Marriott
Hotel, coinciding with the start of the industry's top trade show and
convention, Book Expo America.
About the Book:
View photos, excerpts, reviews at: www.DEREKPARRA.com
‘Reflections in the Ice’ is a look inside the heart and mind of a man who
had no business succeeding where he did. From the Mexican barrio in
Southern California, around the world, through the aisles of Home Depot to
the top step of the Olympic podium, Derek Parra struggled for seventeen
years to become the first Latino ever to bring home Winter Olympic Gold.
Through ‘Reflections in the Ice’ he delivers a collection of emotional,
soul bearing life lessons on poverty and Olympic glory, the 9/11 tragedy,
new born life, fatherhood and more. Parra pours forth a gamut of emotions
and delivers a story of unusual depth and insight well beyond the typical
sport biography.
Online book orders: http://www.derekparra.com
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