An Evening with J.J. Valdés

Explore the pivotal moments and untold stories behind one of the Cold War’s most infamous episodes at Books & Books in Coral Gables. On Tuesday, January 21, author J.J. Valdés presents Besieged Beachhead: The Cold War Battle for Cuba at the Bay of Pigs, an in-depth account of the failed 1961 invasion that shaped decades of U.S.-Cuba relations. Drawing on English and Spanish sources from both the United States and Cuba, this meticulously researched book unveils details long obscured by secrecy and propaganda.

In this free event, Valdés will discuss the Bay of Pigs invasion and its far-reaching implications, from the CIA-trained Brigade 2506's ill-fated mission to the geopolitical ripple effects that culminated in the Cuban Missile Crisis. A writer and historian with over 30 years of experience in historical research for government agencies, Valdés brings a nuanced perspective to this complex and dramatic chapter of history. Books will be available for purchase on-site.