One Story One City Shines a Light on Latina Storytelling

Imagine a month-long celebration that creates community connections centered around one story. That’s exactly what One Story One City (OSOC) is all about. It’s a dynamic, month-long program that revolves around one special book. But it’s not just about reading—OSOC is an experience. Each week, residents can enjoy a variety of events that range from arts and crafts to intimate book club discussions at some of our favorite local hotspots. The goal is to introduce Santa Clarita to a new world of literature, featuring diverse authors and thought-provoking narratives. Whether you’re a casual reader or a book lover looking for your next obsession, OSOC is a wonderful opportunity to connect with your community, discover fresh stories and fall in love with reading all over again.
This year, the spotlight is on The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina, a spellbinding novel by acclaimed author Zoraida Córdova. A master of magical realism and fantasy, Córdova invites us into a mystical world full of family secrets, magical inheritances and ancestral legacies. Born in Guayaquil, Ecuador, and raised in Queens, New York, Córdova is the author of more than a dozen novels, including the Brooklyn Brujas series and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge: A Crash of Fate. At the heart of this tale is the Montoya family, whose seemingly ordinary lives in Ecuador are anything but ordinary. When their matriarch, Orquídea Divina, passes away, the family is summoned to her funeral, only to discover that what lies ahead is much more than they bargained for. Orquídea’s death sets off a journey filled with mystical gifts, self-discovery and a search for truth. It’s a story of empowerment, rooted in the author’s own family history and the larger LatinX community’s tradition of passing down stories through generations. “I want to remind women, especially in the LatinX community, that we are worth dignity, love and safety,” says Córdova. Her hope is for readers to explore their histories, preserving them for future generations. “We have a lot of work to do,” she adds, urging us all to empathize and reflect on our shared human experience.
The fun doesn’t stop with reading. OSOC offers a variety of exciting events that will engage the whole family. From hands-on crafts to immersive experiences, there’s something for everyone. The month kicks off with a Meet the Author event at Santa Clarita’s Mitchell River House on Saturday, March 1, from 7:00-8:30 p.m. This is your chance to meet Zoraida Córdova in person, ask questions and hear firsthand about the inspiration behind The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina. Throughout the month, there will be several creative activities to participate in, including crafting a copper tree or rock pendant, enjoying a mentalist or magician’s performance, making constellation coasters and taking part in a rose reading session. For those interested in connecting with fellow members of the Spanish-speaking community, the Santa Clarita Library’s Spanish Book Club will offer a vibrant discussion and there will be a chance to create shadow boxes inspired by scenes from the book. The popular Books & Brews club will also meet at a local brewery, where you can enjoy a drink while discussing the novel. For anyone with an interest in genealogy, there will be an introductory class on tracing your roots. For a creative keepsake, participants can decorate a trinket dish and to keep the energy up, Lionel Araya will be hosting a fun salsa and cumbia dance class for anyone looking to learn new moves.
At the core of The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina is the character of Orquídea herself, a flower that can grow on trees, representing the search for roots—a theme that resonates deeply with all of us. In Córdova’s words, “My wish is for us to learn our histories and preserve them. My wish is for us to have more than one story and more empathy.” This is a message not just for the LatinX community but for all of us as we look to understand our own histories and our place in the world. As Santa Clarita embraces this literary journey, we invite you to take part in this community-wide exploration. For more information on events, book discussions and everything One Story One City has to offer, visit OneStoryOneCity.SantaClarita.gov or stop by any of the three Santa Clarita Public Library Branches in Canyon Country, Valencia or Newhall.

Comments