Hello hello! I want to open this post acknowledging that as a white woman living in the United States, I in no way am a representative of the Latinx culture that Latinx Heritage Month/Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15th-October 15th) is intended to represent. That being said, I think it is important as an ally to elevate stories that do celebrate Latinx Heritage. In this post I plan to share some of my favorite books written by Latinx authors as well as books that are on my tbr.
recommendations
Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel García Marquez | I read this my senior year of high school for our capstone project. For my project I focused on reading traditional “magical realism” texts and examining from an academic standpoint the evolution and use of that term. This was a gorgeous read and I completely recommend it for those who enjoy a good love story.
The House of Spirits by Isabel Allende | I also read this text my senior year of high school for the same capstone project. Allende has a capacity to write multi-generational family stories with just vigor that she is the standard to which I hold other texts in that vein. Spectacular.
The Murmur of Bees by Sofía Segovia | I listened to this book on audio and it is absolutely breathtaking. Particularly a poignant read during COVID-19, as the book is set in Mexico during the 1918 Spanish Flu. I think that Segovia has a grasp of human connection unlike many others.
Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan| I read this middle grade book as summer reading before starting sixth grade, and despite the years that have passed I think of it often. Ryan’s world building and careful characterizations stand out to me when I think back to this title.
Under the Feet of Jesus by Helena María Viramontes | I read this title this spring during my quarantine semester. I was struck by the poetic descriptions of migrant framework, but also the dreamlike sequences and unreliable narration. This is a quick novel that packs a lot of beautiful prose into it. Fantastic.
How the García Girls Lost Their Accents by Julia Alvaréz | I read this title for a class my first semester of college, and I chose it because I needed to analyze a text in which sociolinguistic elements were present. Because Alvaréz writes in a blend of English and Spanish, as her character’s speak, this was the perfect example for what I needed to study. I didn’t expect, however, to fall in love with the story. The García sisters are fantastic characters, and this book of interconnected stories is beautiful.
Bright Dead Things by Ada Limón | I read this poetry collection in high school and did several in depth analyses of her poems. Academics aside, Limón has an ability to manipulate language poetically unlike many other’s I have read. If you are looking for a shorter, but lush poetry collection, this is one for you.
on my tbr
One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Marquez | Every since reading Love in the Time of Cholera Marquez’ other work has been on my list. I actually own a copy of this one as well. Marquez’s writing deserves dedication, so I can’t wait to carve out time to read this one.
other works by Isabel Allende | I’ve picked up many of Allende’s other novels over the years, especially at used bookstores, but despite adoring The House of Spirits I haven’t made my way towards one of her other novels yet! It is certainly a priority, because man those multi-generational family stories are seriously my favorite.
Afterlife by Julia Alvarez | After reading When the García Girls Lost their Accents I knew I wanted to read more from Alvarez. Imagine my excitement when I realized that Afterlife was published this year and is Alvarez’ first adult novel in over a decade! On my wishlist for sure.
Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia | I have been so invested in this title since even before it came out; I tried to buy it multiple times at the beginning of quarantine because I knew that this title is RIGHT up my ally…but kept forgetting when it was released lol. I mean, gothic suspense set in the 1950s and it’s in Mexico?? I’m so excited to dive into this one; I have my copy already.
The Undocumented Americans by Karla Cornejo Villavicenico| It’s no question that being a college student during an era in which DACA has become so precarious due to the current administration causes the topic of undocumented immigrants to be on the forefront of my mind. I also think that because this is written about the experiences at Harvard I’m intrigued by the experiences of undocumented students at elite institutions like my own. This is also a National Book Award 2020 finalist so I’m certain that the writing and research will be spectacular.
What are some of your favorite books written by Latinx authors? What are some on your tbr?
