Brian Naranjo was born in Houston, TX. After spending his formative years in Cut ‘N Shoot and Conroe, he joined the Navy in 1990, at the age of 18. He was trained to be a military journalist, and served in Japan and Guam, working as a writer, disc jockey, television producer and public affairs representative. He left the Navy in 2000, and eventually started work for the U.S. Government, in public affairs. Today, Brian lives in Kansas with his wife, two children, a dog and two cats. He’s the author of two novels – Childish Things and The Tamale List.

There goes the neighborhood!

What happens when a Hispanic family moves onto a well-established white Midwestern cul-de-sac, dropping their language and culture into the vacated house of a popular widow? The answer will surprise you, and is found in The Tamale List, a light-hearted look at friendship, family, racial stereotypes and the way these elements can make or break a neighborhood.

The residents of Hacienda Court have their own little comfortable existence. They’ve raised their children, worked, and enjoyed their lives, talking, laughing and playing together. But their utopian street changes forever – for worse and for better - when a new family lays claim to The Widow’s house, and the amusing and mildly tragic events which follow will take you on a fun ride that leads to a surprising finale.

The Tamale List Video Trailer...Click Here to Open in New Window!

“The city could be Anytown, USA or the world. The setting is Indianapolis, Indiana. Families, neighbors, friends--the Carlsons and Kelleys are long term residents. New comers, interlopers, those unfamiliar---Grandma, Maria and Jose arrive in a pickup, loaded to the gills, to take up residence in the Widow's long vacant house at the end of the street. Oddity is not an acceptable diversion which many, on the street of "normalcy", can get their arms around. Respectability takes a beating. Marital disharmony surfaces. Friendships falter. Racism seems to be the angst factor.

         As a reader, I was caught up in the story, the relationships, the reality, the values, and the mystery. The pace meanders up and down Hacienda Ct.---moving just quickly enough. The book offers serious food for thought as our neighborhoods experience change. It is, finally, hopeful. A personal guide to preserving tradition and values.” -- Margi Marsett

“This book brought back so many memories. Having grown up making tamales with my Grandmother, this book captured the love and warmth that is found not only making tamales with your family, but also when they are given away as gifts. It is a tradition that is forever preserved in these pages.” – Laura Yambrick

              “The Tamale List resonates throughout suburban America, as family traditions compete with the faceless cul de sac neighborhoods sprawling across the country. Naranjo’s engaging story puts faith back into the American dream of owning a home in a true community- one where the word neighbor means more than just living next door.” – J.D. Cooper II