by Linda Castillo
On November 24, 2014, President Barack Obama presented the Presidential Medal of Freedom to nineteen bold and inspiring Americans including Isabel Allende, the world renown Chilean American novelist.
“From activists who fought for change to artists who explored the furthest reaches of our imagination; from scientists who kept America on the cutting edge to public servants who help write new chapters in our American story, these citizens have made extraordinary contributions to our country and the world,” said President Obama regarding the recipients.
Isabel Allende is a highly acclaimed author of 21 books that have sold 65 million copies in 35 languages. She has been recognized with numerous awards internationally. She received the prestigious National Literary Award in Chile, her country of origin, and is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters.
After reading “The House of Spirits” back in the early nineties, Isabel Allende became one of my favorite authors. And she continues to write novels that move me and take my imagination to new places. Congratulations to Isabel Allende for receiving the nation’s highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom!
Linda Castillo is the Founder and Executive Editor of www.ModernLatina.com. She writes on topics that empower and inspire Latinas including art, motherhood, green living, culture, travel, and issues transforming the Latino community. Linda has earned a B.S. in Business and a M.S. in Mass Communications from San Jose State University.