Ana Castillo awarded the 2024 Richard Harris Award

​The New Mexico Book Association is thrilled to announce that Ana Castillo is the recipient of the 2024 Richard Harris Award for her book So Far From God and her significant contributions to literature and her deep connection to the Southwest.

The award was presented at the Association’s Winter Fiesta at The Club at Las Campanas in Santa Fe on January 18th.

Ana Castillo is a renowned Chicana writer, poet, and essayist. She is widely recognized for her contributions to Chicana/o literature and her exploration of themes such as identity, feminism, social justice, and spirituality. So Far From God is considered a seminal work in Chicana/o literature, telling the story of the Esperanza family, four sisters living in a small, isolated town in New Mexico. The book delves into the intricate relationships between the family’s mother and four sisters, examines traditional gender roles and experiences of women in a patriarchal society, as well as explores the intersection of Catholicism and indigenous spirituality.

“The New Mexico Book Association is proud to recognize Ana Castillo for her literary achievements and her impact on our community,” said Anna Sochocky, NMBA President. “So Far From God is a powerful and moving work that has resonated with readers for decades. We are honored to present her with this award.”
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The Richard Harris Award is presented annually to a book whose outstanding excellence—in authorship, editorial preparation, design, and production—makes it a lasting contribution to the literature of New Mexico or the Southwest. The award is named in honor of Richard Harris, a founding member of the New Mexico Book Association, an author of many highly regarded books, and a mentor to publishers.

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