Exclusive Signed Edition + First Access Reader Experience

When Rodney Eric López was a child growing up in the Bronx, he overheard his mother say, "Hable en español para que él no entienda" — "Speak in Spanish so he won't understand."

The words stayed with him.

They opened a lifelong search for belonging, identity, and connection to a culture he loved but often felt separated from by language.

In this powerful social memoir, López gives voice to an experience many Latinos know but do not always name: the ache of feeling "not Latino enough." With honesty, cultural insight, and deep reflection, he examines language, race, assimilation, family, and the pressure to perform identity perfectly.

But this book does not stay in shame. It moves toward reclamation.

For López, that movement came through salsa — a language of rhythm, memory, and resilience born from the Caribbean diaspora. Through dance, he found another way to connect with his ancestors, his community, and himself.

This is a book for anyone who has ever felt caught between languages, cultures, expectations, or versions of themselves.

Culture is not only what we speak. It is what we carry. It is what we remember. It is how we move.

H.O.L.A. Books Exclusive Signed Edition

This signed edition includes exclusive extras created for our readers:

• An author-signed copy
• A custom bookmark
• A postcard featuring a curated playlist inspired by the book

A meaningful edition for readers reclaiming identity, rhythm, language, and belonging.

H.O.L.A. Books Launch Experience

As part of this special H.O.L.A. Books launch, only 25 readers will be the first to receive access to Belonging Beyond Words. A companion workbook created to help readers go deeper into the themes of language, identity, culture, rhythm, and belonging.

This is the first time H.O.L.A. Books is offering an experience like this.

Readers will be invited to join a 60-Day Read & Reflect Challenge, share feedback on the worksheets, and take part in a live virtual gathering with Rodney in July.

This is more than a signed edition. It is an invitation to read, reflect, connect, and help shape a new reader experience rooted in story, identity, and belonging.