President Dilma Rousseff Celebrates Books at Brazil's Bienal do Livro. 2011 Book Fair Draws Record Crowds.

American Authors Shine. President Dilma Rousseff visits the Bienal do Livro as Brazil celebrates the "Ye ar of the Woman." Anne Rice, Hilary Duff, Steven Carter, and Scott Turow highlig ht the book fair, but Carter is in the spotlight, having sold more than two mill ion books thus far. In a country still wrestling with old machismo ways, the foc us is now on women's self-esteem and empowerment. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, October 05, 2011 -- The 2011 Bienal do Livro ended last month with Anne Rice, Hilary Duff, Steven Carter and Scott Turow highlighting Am ericas presence at the fair. But the spotlight this year at Brazil s national boo k fair was clearly on Steven Carter, the author most well known for introducing the world to the word "commitmentphobia" in his classic New York Times Bestselle r Men Who Cant Love. This years Bienal was a celebration of women, and on September 1st Carter was inc luded in a handful of dignitaries invited to meet Brazils new President Dilma Rou sseff. Carters books became wildly popular in Brazil in 2007, starting with the r elease of "What Smart Women Know" (O Que Toda Mulher Inteligente Deve Saber). Fi ve more titles have followed. His visit to the Bienal included many book signing s, parties, and a standing-room-only presentation at the televised forum "Mulher e Ponto." Steven Carters presence could be felt everywhere at the 2011 Bienal. The official website of the Bienal do Livro announced Carters upcoming appearance for months, featuring his photos on the splash page of their website. Jumbotron screens ins ide the Riocentro convention center announced Carters presence at the book fair. Newspaper, magazine, and web articles highlighted Carters appearance. For Carter, the experience was nothing short of dizzying. Every time I visit Braz il I am overwhelmed by the reception,confesses Carter, who has now sold more than two million copies of his books in Brazil. I go from my very quiet Clark Kent life in the USA to thrilling weeks of celebration in Brazil. Every year I expect thi ngs to calm down but they just get more and more exciting and intense! Carter, who has been compared to Brazilian icon Chico Buarque, clearly seems to have struck a serious nerve in Brazil. His publisher,Marcos Pereira of Editora S extante explains: "The role of women in the Brazilian culture and economy has ev olved dramatically. If you think of the U.S. 20 years ago, I think this is happe ning now in Brazil. Women are rethinking their roles, enjoying their independenc e, embracing their success." Carter adds, Self-esteem is the greatest struggle as women emergenegative, discouraging voices from the past still have a powerful in fluence on womens progress. I know that my work speaks directly to that conflict. ..Now Brazil has its first woman President, continues Carter, A sea-change is clea rly underway but women need support for that change. Id like to think that my wor k offers support for that change. Contact : Richard Friedel Bienal do Livro Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 323-571-8376 caspublic@aol.com http://www.bienaldolivro.com.br/