Without a Quarter in My Pocket

Dr. Secundino E. Rubio’s life is a series of inspirational stories. From his childhood in pre-Castro Cuba, to delivering his family safely to America, to his success as a physician in both countries, Rubio has repeatedly overcome obstacles, endured heartache and triumphed to realize his dreams. His new book, “Without a Quarter in My Pocket: The Memoirs of Dr. Secundino E. Rubio” (published by AuthorHouse - http://www.authorhouse.com), is a testament to an indomitable spirit.

Written with Barbara Elliott Carpenter, “Without a Quarter in My Pocket” chronicles Rubio’s life beginning in Cuba, which he called home for his first 39 years, and continuing to south-central Illinois, where he has lived for most of the years since fleeing communist Cuba. It is a life of hard work and courage, of extended family devotion, of love and laughter, interrupted by violence, imprisonment and terror.

From the age of 11, Rubio knew that he wanted to become a physician, and he allowed nothing to stand in the way of his dreams. He succeeded, and his life with his wife and young children on the beautiful island of Cuba was all any man could desire … until Fidel Castro and his band of guerilla soldiers took control.

With sheer determination Rubio managed to follow his wife and four small children - one only a baby - from Cuba to Florida “without a quarter in my pocket,” he says. Like many other Cubans, he gave up every thing he had worked for to obtain safety and freedom. “I have never been one to look back,” Rubio says. “I have always set my mind to a course and then followed it to the best of my ability.”

“Without a Quarter in My Pocket” is filled with stories and photographs of real people, some dating back to the 19th century, that lend intimacy and poignancy to Rubio’s journey, driven by a belief that he could do what needed to be done, and do it well.

About the Author: Barbara Elliott Carpenter’s works have appeared in national magazines and anthologies, including two “Chicken Soup for the Soul” books. In 2007 she completed the final book of the “Starlight” trilogy, a family saga that stretches from the post-World War II era to the present day. She is currently working on a mainstream novel, “Winterkill,” and she has three other novels in progress.