Dance Before Dawn

The Dance Before Dawn collection grips readers with 15 captivating chapters (fiction & non-fiction) that boldly present some of life’s toughest, universal conflicts alongside the joys of love, family, and human connection. The people you pass on the street or ride with on the train—each of these vignettes investigates the lives and energies of everyday people. Villalpando breathes life into their stories by weaving powerful narratives, capturing what it’s like to be alive while sparing none of the messy details. Readers will witness a sincere depiction of life’s darkest and happiest moments, written with compelling emotion and a stark brevity that keep you thinking long after turning the last page.