On Thursday, Ulises Toirac revealed that his latest book, "Neighborhood Crazies: Second Round," is now available for purchase on Amazon, following a Wednesday afternoon release. This launch came after navigating through a legal quagmire that could have amused Kafka himself.
The peculiar snag involved an objection to the book's title, which was allegedly too similar to an existing work by an "established author." The twist? That established author was none other than Toirac himself, who penned the original "Neighborhood Crazies" back in 2024. "It's quite a first—being accused of plagiarizing my own work," Toirac humorously remarked on Facebook, adding with a touch of Cuban resignation, "But you know how the laws and everyone's fuss over these things are."
With the bureaucratic nonsense finally behind him—something not unfamiliar in Cuban offices—the book is now available, featuring a black-and-white cover complete with a caricature of the author. The subtitle sums it up perfectly: "From Darkness to Laughter. Never more aptly said."
Insights and Anecdotes in Toirac's Unique Style
This collection consists of fifty short stories, blending personal tales, borrowed anecdotes, and fictional narratives, all told in the distinctively Cuban vernacular that marks Toirac’s writing. "In this book [...] I continue to share stories—some mine, some borrowed, and some entirely made up—always in the style that betrays my origins on this beautiful, albeit cursed, island," the author explained.
The book tackles various themes, including a satirical take on the chikungunya outbreak that afflicted Cuba in 2025. With the disease sweeping through all 15 provinces and officially claiming 44 lives—28 from chikungunya and 16 from dengue—Toirac’s ability to find humor in such adversity speaks volumes about both his talent and the resilience of everyday Cubans.
A Book with International Touches
Featuring a foreword by Cuban writer Amir Valle, now residing in Berlin since 2006, the book benefits from the insights of an author with approximately 40 titles to his name and a recipient of the Mario Vargas Llosa International Novel Prize. The editing was overseen by Jorge Fernández Era, a Cuban writer and editor who settled in Spain in 2026 after a two-year travel restriction. Toirac, with his trademark irony, couldn’t help but comment: "Amir Valle is an old resident of Germany... and it annoys me that the only fool living in Cuba wrote it."
This statement inadvertently highlights a stark reality: the prologue writer is in Berlin, the editor in Spain, and the author—the so-called "fool"—remains in Cuba. Toirac, who on July 31st lamented that "each day the wear and tear is greater" in reference to Cuba's ongoing crisis, writes in a nation where, on July 29th, the National Electric System recorded a deficit of 2,380 MW, leaving 74% of the country without power simultaneously.
Promotion with a Comedic Twist
To promote his book, Toirac resorted to his usual repertoire of humor-laden warnings reminiscent of pharmaceutical advisories: "May cause addiction, use cautiously, and store in a cool, room-temperature place." He concluded with a veiled threat no Cuban would ignore: "Thousands will say the book is enthralling, and if you don’t buy it or have someone buy it for you, you’ll be more out of touch than a penguin in a blackout."
Toirac's first literary venture, the original "Neighborhood Crazies," published in December 2024, remains accessible on Amazon. It was initially announced with his signature humor: "I am pleased, nearly to the point of ecstasy, to inform you that my book is now available online." With such a debut, the "Second Round" has high expectations to meet.
Announcing this second installment in June 2026, Toirac, who boasts a 45-year career in the arts, concluded with a humorous blend of culture and phonetic wit: "Reading is culture, but in this case, it’s also laughter and roots. Words that challenge me because I struggle with the 'r.' Educate yourself and see a speech therapist to avoid further issues."
Frequently Asked Questions about Ulises Toirac's New Book
What is the theme of "Neighborhood Crazies: Second Round"?
The book features a collection of fifty short stories, blending personal, borrowed, and fictional tales, with a satirical take on various themes, including the chikungunya outbreak in Cuba.
Who contributed to the making of the book?
The book includes a foreword by Amir Valle, a Cuban writer based in Berlin, and was edited by Jorge Fernández Era, a Cuban editor now residing in Spain.
How does Ulises Toirac promote his book?
Toirac uses humor-driven promotional tactics, including playful warnings like "May cause addiction" and humorous threats about being "out of touch" if the book isn't read.