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12 Random Words / 12 Palabras al Azar: A Bilingual Collection - English / Spanish
Peter Pan helps Rita solve the mystery of a stray puzzle piece. Aldo looks at the clouds and decides to quit. A little girl insists on making everything in her coloring book orange. Eve defies darkness turning past dreams into future memories.
12 Random Words / 12 Palabras al Azar is a bilingual collection of interior vignettes told in both English and Spanish. Each story is a tale of yearning, a fragment of discovery, a treasure.
Set in New York, Lima, Buenos Aires, and other cities, these short stories take unexpected turns along the path of remembrance, disappointment, and hope.
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Peter Pan ayuda a Rita a resolver el misterio de una pieza de rompecabezas extraviada. Aldo mira las nubes y decide renunciar. Una niña insiste en que todo debe ser naranja en su libro para colorear. Eva desafía la oscuridad para transformar sus sueños del pasado en recuerdos del futuro.
12 Random Words / 12 Palabras al Azar es una colección de estampas interiores narradas en inglés y en español. Cada cuento es una historia de anhelos, un atisbo de descubrimiento, un tesoro.
Ambientadas en New York, Lima, Buenos Aires y otras ciudades, estas narraciones siguen un derrotero inesperado en su camino hacia la memoria, la desilusión y la esperanza.
12 Random Words / 12 Palabras al Azar is a bilingual piece of literature initially being released in English and Spanish. As a linguist and translator, Fabiana Elisa Martínez has created a collection of short stories, which is not only an original piece of literature but also a literary tool for language learning.
174 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 28, 2016
About the author
Fabiana Elisa Martinez
7 books20 followersFabiana Elisa Martínez is the multi-award winning author of 12 Random Words and Conquered by Fog. She was born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina. From a very young age she showed a special interest in books and “words in other languages.” Fabiana graduated with Honors from the UCA University in Buenos Aires with a degree of Profesora en Letras (Linguistics and World Literature). She soon started teaching Spanish as a second language and perfected her method which she has used to teach in preeminent international companies as well as to professionals from various countries. Fabiana speaks five languages: Spanish, English, French, Portuguese, and Italian, and has degrees in Ancient Greek and Latin. She lives and works in Dallas, Texas.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
December 12, 2017
This collection of short stories is very entertaining on the surface and yet hidden in the cleverly structured paragraphs there are deeper meanings which resonate and make you stop and think about the story and its implications on a greater level.
Fabiana’s writing style is tight and descriptive, often focusing on a single detail, invoking concrete images and emotions. This economy of speech is a sign to me of a writer who is also not afraid to be an editor -- fine tuning each sentence so that it becomes an art form.
My favorite story was 'smoking' mainly because of the boy’s description of the doctor’s mole and his disgust of it and yet we discover that even though the kid is very judgmental on the surface he is also fiercely protective of those he loves.
Fabiana’s writing style is tight and descriptive, often focusing on a single detail, invoking concrete images and emotions. This economy of speech is a sign to me of a writer who is also not afraid to be an editor -- fine tuning each sentence so that it becomes an art form.
My favorite story was 'smoking' mainly because of the boy’s description of the doctor’s mole and his disgust of it and yet we discover that even though the kid is very judgmental on the surface he is also fiercely protective of those he loves.
September 4, 2016
Short stories in English and Spanish. Short but pack a lot into them. Fun way to practice Spanish.
May 27, 2019
¡Amo este librito! Los cuentos son diversos y interesantes, y tambien es una buena manera de mejorar mi español. Gracias a la autora para esta estructura literaria creativa.
October 5, 2016
This very well written book changed the way I learn English through reading. I used several novels and short story books to complement text books in my never-ending path to be as good an English speaker as I am a Spanish speaker. All stories in 12 Radom Words are heart-touching and moving. This is the first time in my many years as an English student that I not only enjoy incorporating useful words and expressions in my vocabulary, but also enjoy being driven to deep thought and reflection about life events that make the human journey a true gift from God. Having the chance to read each story in English first and then in my mother tongue was an amazingly effective way to consolidate every piece of learning 12 Random Words offered to me. English and Spanish students, as well as literature lovers, should keep track on Fabiana Elisa Martinez since her first book promises a rich writing career that will probably bring us hours of enjoyment as well as pleasure and tons of language learning of the highest quality.
October 5, 2016
This very well written book changed the way I learn English through reading. I used several novels and short story books to complement text books in my never-ending path to be as good an English speaker as I am a Spanish speaker. All stories in 12 Radom Words are heart-touching and moving. This is the first time in my many years as an English student that I not only enjoy incorporating useful words and expressions in my vocabulary, but also enjoy being driven to deep thought and reflection about life events that make the human journey a true gift from God. Having the chance to read each story in English first and then in my mother tongue was an amazingly effective way to consolidate every piece of learning 12 Random Words offered to me. English and Spanish students, as well as literature lovers, should keep track on Fabiana Elisa Martinez since her first book promises a rich writing career that will probably bring us hours of enjoyment as well as pleasure and tons of language learning of the highest quality.
April 14, 2016
This is a fantastic book which is really two books in one. Comprised of 13 short stories, the first half of the book are the short story versions in English and the second half are the same 13 short stories written in Spanish. Fabiana Martinez, the book’s author, is completely bilingual and has beautifully written her short stories in both languages. As a reader who speaks both English and Spanish, I enjoyed reading the short stories first in English and then in Spanish. Reading the each story in each language allows the reader to appreciate unique nuances of expression which render different impressions depending on the language in which you read it. Also, for students learning English or Spanish, reading these short stories is a wonderful strategy to move your language skills to the next level. 12 Random Words is a great concept and a fun to read book.
December 31, 2017
Esoteric, interesting stories about the uncommon meanings of 12 words. I really enjoyed reading and re-reading each story. They make you think!
March 25, 2022
Read this for a book club and thoroughly enjoyed the discussion around the different themes and underlying threads. Love how the stories aren’t really straight forward and can be interpreted differently based on the reader. Great book to read with friends so you can talk about what you read and how the story made them feel.
April 19, 2026
A beautifully written book of short stories. How such short chapters can pack so much meaning and manage to surprise you at the end? Waiting to read more from this author. Also a very nice resource for either Spanish, or English language learners.
A mi que no me suelen gustar los libros de relatos cortos, porque siento que quedan inconclusos, este libro me ha encantado. Después de leer los dos primeros relatos estaba esperando que cada relato tuviese un final sorpréndete, y así ha sido. Aunque parecía que llegaba el final rápidamente sin tiempo para la sorpresa porque los capítulos son muy cortos, ahí estaba justo al final! Bonita prosa. Buen material para los que están aprendiendo tanto lengua inglesa como español.
A mi que no me suelen gustar los libros de relatos cortos, porque siento que quedan inconclusos, este libro me ha encantado. Después de leer los dos primeros relatos estaba esperando que cada relato tuviese un final sorpréndete, y así ha sido. Aunque parecía que llegaba el final rápidamente sin tiempo para la sorpresa porque los capítulos son muy cortos, ahí estaba justo al final! Bonita prosa. Buen material para los que están aprendiendo tanto lengua inglesa como español.
November 2, 2026
Somehow I had the impression that this book would be suitable to read with your children, I don't know why. It is not. Most stories involve adult situations I would not want to explain to a child, such as affairs and infidelity.
Good short stories and nicely linked for language comparison.
Good short stories and nicely linked for language comparison.
July 2, 2017
12 Random words is well written and stories that you will enjoy. I have my favorites and you will have yours too. Dont miss this honor worthy book.
October 11, 2018
This book is a treasure! The writing is simply gorgeous, and the stories are cool and clever. Definitely recommend this for both a fantastic read and an excellent gift!
January 7, 2020
Super short stories but good twists.
June 4, 2020
12 Random Words is a beautiful collection of stories, characters, and emotions. Each passage is insightful and poetic. It will be fun to see what Ms. Martinez writes next.
March 26, 2022
I loved this book! Each story takes little time to read, but provides a lot to ponder and/or discuss.
December 23, 2024
A fun and smart read.
December 4, 2025
I wish I knew why I loved these short stories/ vignettes so much. I’ll need to re read at some point but.. damn did I really enjoy these.
February 20, 2017
Reviewed by Juliana Leal For Reader Views (02/17)
In “12 Random Words/12 Palabras al Azar” by Fabiana Elisa Martinez, you will find a beautiful collection of very short stories in which the author describes every character and every place in a unique way.
It is very easy to get immersed in such an excellent way of writing. Your imagination will fly and will transport you to the place she is describing and you will feel what she wants the reader to perceive.
Each story is full of so many feelings, wanting to continue knowing more about the characters. I enjoyed every story but especially Door/Puerta, in which she writes:
“He’ll be here soon. Breathe. Smile. Relax. You will never live this waiting again. Steal this moment. Feel a window opening your chest, much bigger and wider than the three sad windows that only look at a gray wall. Listen! That is the elevator. Those are his steps. Lay your head on the pillow, close your eyes. The key is clicking easily and the hinges are singing. He is opening the door. He is in.”
And the story, Highs/Alturas:
“The sun of her hair and the sea of her eyes are the posthumous presents from my friend to me. My heart leaps high inside my chest, and I know that I am not dead and will not be for a long time to come.”
I love how she describes every moment with so much detail. So human, with a beautiful touch and surprising endings.
“12 Random Words/12 Palabras al Azar” by Fabiana Elisa Martinez is truly a piece of art that you will enjoy as well as the contrast in reading in two languages. Where it can be a great instrument of learning on how to write and read in English and in Spanish.
In “12 Random Words/12 Palabras al Azar” by Fabiana Elisa Martinez, you will find a beautiful collection of very short stories in which the author describes every character and every place in a unique way.
It is very easy to get immersed in such an excellent way of writing. Your imagination will fly and will transport you to the place she is describing and you will feel what she wants the reader to perceive.
Each story is full of so many feelings, wanting to continue knowing more about the characters. I enjoyed every story but especially Door/Puerta, in which she writes:
“He’ll be here soon. Breathe. Smile. Relax. You will never live this waiting again. Steal this moment. Feel a window opening your chest, much bigger and wider than the three sad windows that only look at a gray wall. Listen! That is the elevator. Those are his steps. Lay your head on the pillow, close your eyes. The key is clicking easily and the hinges are singing. He is opening the door. He is in.”
And the story, Highs/Alturas:
“The sun of her hair and the sea of her eyes are the posthumous presents from my friend to me. My heart leaps high inside my chest, and I know that I am not dead and will not be for a long time to come.”
I love how she describes every moment with so much detail. So human, with a beautiful touch and surprising endings.
“12 Random Words/12 Palabras al Azar” by Fabiana Elisa Martinez is truly a piece of art that you will enjoy as well as the contrast in reading in two languages. Where it can be a great instrument of learning on how to write and read in English and in Spanish.
October 7, 2016
12 Random Words - a wonderful collection of short stories worthy of The New Yorker - is to be read slowly and savored. The title of each story is truly a "random word" given in a series of creative writing assignments to this amazing first time author. Presented in a highly original format, each story can be read both in English and in Spanish. The stories will take you to places, familiar and unknown, places in her country and ours, places of the heart and of the mind. As you read, you physically feel the anticipation of new love and the depths of profound loss. This is one not to be missed!
October 5, 2016
These short stories are like poetry. Once you get the meaning, it remains in your mind and heart. And they are beautifully written in both languages.
October 5, 2016
These short stories are like poetry. Once you get the meaning, it remains in your mind and heart. And they are beautifully written in both languages.
April 18, 2017
Reviewed by Rachel McGrath of Readers Favorite
12 Random Words/12 Palabras al Azar: A Bilingual Collection written by Fabiana Elisa Martinez is a wonderful collection of short stories. The author cleverly takes twelve random words and from this she builds a story around them. It is the concept of this book that appealed to me initially, but upon finishing the collection it is the writing that completely drew me in. Every story is built with very strong characters, descriptive surroundings and a storyline that is unique and appealing. Very quickly, I found comfort and poise in the author’s style of writing, the way she brings you into the stories and keeps you turning pages with every twist of the plot. The author also writes all the stories in both English and Spanish so the collection will certainly engage and reach a much broader audience.
What I enjoyed most about 12 Random Words/12 Palabras al Azar: A Bilingual Collection is that it can be read in one sitting, or you can pick it up and read a story, and put it down. The stories each have their own uniqueness, and some I found that I was tagging as a favourite. The complex human emotions and the intrigue of each story will keep readers wanting to turn to the next story, and wanting more. Fabiana Elisa Martinez has a gift for storytelling, and I highly recommend this interesting and unique collection of short stories that are structured in a bilingual format that gave this book a unique edge to it.
12 Random Words/12 Palabras al Azar: A Bilingual Collection written by Fabiana Elisa Martinez is a wonderful collection of short stories. The author cleverly takes twelve random words and from this she builds a story around them. It is the concept of this book that appealed to me initially, but upon finishing the collection it is the writing that completely drew me in. Every story is built with very strong characters, descriptive surroundings and a storyline that is unique and appealing. Very quickly, I found comfort and poise in the author’s style of writing, the way she brings you into the stories and keeps you turning pages with every twist of the plot. The author also writes all the stories in both English and Spanish so the collection will certainly engage and reach a much broader audience.
What I enjoyed most about 12 Random Words/12 Palabras al Azar: A Bilingual Collection is that it can be read in one sitting, or you can pick it up and read a story, and put it down. The stories each have their own uniqueness, and some I found that I was tagging as a favourite. The complex human emotions and the intrigue of each story will keep readers wanting to turn to the next story, and wanting more. Fabiana Elisa Martinez has a gift for storytelling, and I highly recommend this interesting and unique collection of short stories that are structured in a bilingual format that gave this book a unique edge to it.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews