Alejandro Varela (He/Him)

Allison Michael Orenstein

Based in NYC, Alejandro Varela's work has appeared in the Boston, Yale, and Georgia Reviews, Harper’s, and the Offing. His debut novel, "The Town of Babylon," was a finalist for the National Book Award and his short story collection, "The People Who Report More Stress," was a finalist for the International Latino Book Award, and longlisted for the Aspen Literary Prize, the Story Prize, and the Jean Stein Award. His latest novel is "Middle Spoon." Varela holds a master's in public health from the University of Washington.

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Awards: National Book Award Finalist

Communities: LGBTQ+, Hispanic or Latinx

Queer Love, Loss, and Representation

Representation matters. From the lives we see reflected on the page to the stories that challenge dominant narratives, queer storytelling has the power to validate experience, foster empathy, and expand our understanding of love and identity.

Student Union Santa Rita (Seats 110)  
Sat, Mar 14, 1:00 pm - 1:55 pm
Fiction / Literature
Signing area: UA Campus Store Book Sales (Mall) (following presentation)  

Panelists: Michelle Tea, Thrity Umrigar, Alejandro Varela
Moderator: Scott St. Marie
Sponsors: Session made possible courtesy of Joi and Bianca Bowen, Roberta and Bill Witchger, Jack and Katrina McNerney

¡Ay, Amor!: Latinxs in Love

Love comes in all shapes, sizes and colors, just like the books by these panelists! Love is messy, love is beautiful, love is funny, love is daring, and these writers capture love in all its full, chaotic glory. Get ready to fall head over heels for their compelling stories and characters.

Nuestras Raíces Stage (Seats 150)  
Sat, Mar 14, 4:00 pm - 4:55 pm
Multigenre
Signing area: Pima County Public Library/Nuestras Raíces/Craft Tent & Signing Area (following presentation)  

Panelists: Jaclyn Rodriguez, Jonny Garza Villa, Alejandro Varela
Moderator: Liana De La Rosa
Sponsor: Session made possible courtesy of Pima County Public Library

Love and the Stories We Tell

What drives our desire to connect? How do love and longing reveal who we really are? In this panel, our three authors will explore the exhilaration, confusion, and vulnerability of intimacy. They will reflect on the humor, tenderness, and heartbreak that define our closest relationships.

Student Union Sabino (Seats 87)  
Sun, Mar 15, 2:30 pm - 3:25 pm
Fiction / Literature
Signing area: UA Campus Store Book Sales (Mall) (following presentation)  

Panelists: Naeem Murr, Helen Schulman, Alejandro Varela
Moderator: Rae Goodnight
Sponsors: Session made possible courtesy of Joan and Adrian Van Loozenoord, Chuck and Carol Otto

Books:

Middle Spoon

A Novel
Fiction / Literature
Penguin Group
September 2025
ISBN 9780593835173
336 pages
Buy now

The People Who Report More Stress

Stories
Fiction / Literature
Astra Publishing House
August 2025
ISBN 9781662603396
256 pages
Buy now