Interview with YA nonfiction author Talia Aikens-Nunez

Today’s special guest is YA non-fiction author Talia Aikens-Nuñez. We’re chatting about Men of the 65^th: The Borinqueneers of the Korean War.

During her virtual book tour, Talia will be giving away a $25 Amazon or Barnes and Noble (winner’s choice) gift card to a lucky randomly drawn winner. To be entered for a chance to win, use the form below. To increase your chances of winning, feel free to visit her other tour stops and enter there, too!

Bio:
Talia Aikens-Nuñez wanted to be a meteorologist, a politician and a lawyer. She never thought she would be an author. It was the birth of her daughter that caused her to start writing. Raising her children inspired Talia to write children’s books. Talia’s family loves nature so much that she and her husband vowed that they will always try to live close to water. She and her family live in Connecticut with a little pond.

Welcome, Talia. Please tell us about your current release.
The Men of the 65^Th is about the only Latino segregated unit in the Army. The book starts with their inception, it gives some detail about Puerto Rico, where most of the men hail from, and goes into the Korean War. The Korean War was the war that the unit was able to experience combat. Prior to the Korean War, typically segregated units were not allowed in combat. During the Korean War, the unit played an integral role in what many call the greatest evacuation movement by sea. They maintained cover for other soldiers and Marines who were trapped by enemy soldiers, North Koreans and Chinese. And, toward the end of the Korean War, men from the unit were involved in the largest court-martial of the Korean War. The book walks the reader through military policy changes, segregation practices and unfair treatment that led to the court-martial.

What inspired you to write this book?
About ten years ago, during a family gathering at my in-laws, my husband’s grandfather told me that he served in the military during the Korean War. He proudly explained that he served with the 65^th Infantry Regiment, the Borinqueneers. I felt ashamed because I had never heard of this unit and, if I am being truly honest, I didn’t know how to spell Borinqueneer. After he explained some of their history to me, I wanted to know more about the only Latino segregated unit in United States Army history. Sadly, I could not find many books available on them. What angered me the most was that I could not find one book appropriate for my kids to read about them. So, I decided to write one.

Excerpt from The Men of the 65^Th:
“The Borinqueneers successfully defended the 1st Marine Division’s retreat, but they soon realized this was only part of a much larger withdrawal of UNC [United Nations Command] troops. As the retreat continued into mid-December, news came that the enemy buildup had accelerated. Chinese and North Korean forces were gathering and converging on Hungnam. The UNC’s worst fears were coming true: they were losing ground in the war.

They had to accelerate their plans in response to protect their troops and evacuate the Korean refugees that had fled to Hungnam. They ordered troops to board ships, division by division, and sail south to Pusan… Meanwhile, the 65th and the 3rd Infantry Divisions would hold the main line of resistance, providing enough cover for everyone to make it safely out of Hungnam…With each withdrawal, the enemy continued to push the Borinqueneers and the 3rd Infantry Division.

…They were exhausted from several days of fighting…The soldiers of the 65th were some of the last to leave Hungnam. They were hurried and squeezed tightly onto the final boats. Finally, they could rest and relax. Once they left, the military would destroy the port so the enemy could not use the equipment and facilities against them.

…After they loaded onto the final ship and set sail, the dynamite detonated. The soldiers looked back and watched the port explode…everything – erupted in smoke and flame.

What exciting project are you working on next?
I really enjoy writing nonfiction young adult books. At this time, I am still looking for the next story that I want to research more. I am looking for a little-known story in history that deserves more attention. In particular, I like shining a light on people and stories in history that for whatever reason were ignored. If you know of a story, please let me know.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?
After my first book, Escucha Means Listen was published. I received several great reviews and tons of positive feedback from readers. So, it encouraged me to keep writing.

Do you write full-time? If so, what’s your workday like? If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?
I do not write books full time. I have a day job as an administrator in the Judicial Branch in Connecticut.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I am not sure if it is a quirk but, I only write books that I think my kids and other people’s kids would enjoy.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I desperately wanted to be a meteorologist. After the meteorologists, incorrectly forecasted my birthday one year (I think I was 8 or 9), I wanted to be a meteorologist so no other kid had to experience that type of disappointment. They forecasted a bright and sunny warm day but it was cloudy and cold all day long! I still love the weather and the study of the weather.

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?
I truly hope they enjoy the book and learn about the rich history of the 65^th Infantry Regiment.

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