Books by Joan

An Accidental Cuban

THE DILEMMA

Harry Cisneros faces doubts and frustrations in a conflicted and moribund Cuban society. As part of the last generation of lost youth in Cuba, Harry desperately wants to get off the island, but he is trapped by a lack of money and family responsibilities.

THE BACKSTORY

Harry is a hustler and a translator in the Cuban city of Cienfuegos. He fantasizes that he is an accidental Cuban living in a post-Fidel nightmare of hypocrisy – a dense underground market that operates like the mafia, disregarding the hardships and struggles of the Cuban people and its long history of poverty.

THE BEGINNING

Harry decides to travel to Havana on information that pertains to the underground money-exchange business. He leaves his wife and daughter behind, hoping to reunite with them when he has made enough money to take them off the island.

He is introduced to the major players. Their cover is a restaurant that oversees a business operation of changing dollars for CUCS, the Cuban currency used by tourists. The owners are also buying their way into government circles to develop infrastructure partnerships with the Cuban government.

THE STRINGS OF CRIME

Harry is recognized for his loyalty and keen instincts as he moves deeper into a web of intrigue and deception. He gets involved the underground economy and Russian subterfuge.

His dreams begin to crumble when he discovers the people he is working for are using him to advance their own corrupt agenda and not helping him get off the island.

Harry has to be smarter and more mentally agile to move through the treacherous land mines by men who understand the hierarchical system of crime.

DOWN IN THE RABBIT HOLE

Ironically, the rabbit hole Harry goes down enables him to raise to the top of the ranks, and in the end, he becomes the extension of his mentor’s hopes and dreams, even daring to assume his identity.

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Sixty, Sex & Tango:
Confessions of A Beatnik Boomer

An insightful, humorous, and joyful memoir about a beatnik baby boomer and her pursuits and passions. This book should resonate with any 60-something baby boomer, yoga enthusiasts and those in love with Argentine tango.

Look Inside!

I’m The Boss of Me!
Stay Sexy, Smart & Strong at Any Age

Joan Moran is a former actress, theater and film producer, screenwriter and author turned yoga teacher who, through her own personal experiences, knows it is possible to age gracefully, find an authentic voice, pursue a passion or two and discover a spiritual balance­—all while living with joy and positive energy.

In her memoir, 60, Sex & Tango, Confessions of a Beatnik Boomer, Joan shared how she found the courage to keep moving forward during her 60s with change being a constant companion. She learned to embrace life with an open heart and face her fears with gratitude.

Joan continues her journey into her 70th decade as a self-proclaimed manic and voracious blogger. I’m The Boss of Me! Stay Sexy, Smart & Strong At Any Age, is a book of her favorite blogs that are filled with honesty and wisdom about living life to its fullest and deepest. Joan’s mantra: Be wise about your choices, be physically active and be aware of amazing possibilities. This mantra has given her the strength and courage to live her journey – her dharma – her true path in life.

As a keynote speaker, Joan commands the stage with her delightful humor, raw energy and a wealth of life experiences. Joan also combines 25 years of theater experience as well as over 13 years of experience as a yoga and meditation instructor at ucla. She spreads her knowledge and energy as a writer and blogger for The Huffington Post, Women of Power, and Sixty and Me. Joan’s idea of a happy life is to roam the world dancing Argentine tango.

Look Inside!

Women Obsessed

A story about the psychological and emotional decline of two intelligent upper middle class professional women who are drawn together by their personalities, beauty and an underlying desire to probe the secretive, darkest nature of their passions.

I READ YOUR BOOK NON-STOP.
I could relate so well to almost every subject you wrote about: men with daughters = red flags. Sexual issues and how shocked I was to first encounter it and the denial/unconsciousness that is apparent. Your solution is obvious and brilliant – to have women satisfied first.

Economics! Money issues! Oh, the sheer brilliance to mention our children’s audacity to parent us. I have a 35 year old daughter and a 27 year old son – same words came out of their mouths as did your sons. Shocking. Aging parents/now you are orphaned. Loved your therapist’s response: re: you can’t possibly think you are responsible for their behavior at the wedding. And on and on.

Mostly though I so loved your deeply spiritual side bars about men and women, women alone, loving yourself and the path found by moving away from yourself. Also I loved your continued growth, curiosity, enthusiasm and realistic appraisal of the situations you face. I loved your witty style with the screenplay dialogue in the middle of chapters. I loved your honesty. I could relate about your significant other and who he was to you and your boys in your life. Many thanks for your courage and ability to express yourself.

– Brigid Barrett