September 15 marked the first day of Latinx Heritage Month, and of course everyone is celebrating all these histories and heritages! As a bookworm, I focused a lot of my attention towards books written by incredible Latinx authors this month, so I decided to compile a small list of the books I’m most excited to read in the next few days, weeks, and months. (Because obviously, Latinx books don’t disappear after October 15).
Here are a few books I can’t wait to read, and hopefully you feel the same way.
Big Chicas Don’t Cry – Annette Chavez Macias
“Four cousins navigate love, loss, and the meaning of family over the course of one memorable year in this heartfelt family drama.”
This adult contemporary novel feels like it’ll break my heart and mend it at the same time. The concept of following the lives of these four cousins and their family crises is enough for me to be on board, but to know that they used to be inseparable, got separated for fifteen years, only to come back into each other’s lives as everything unravels promises to be a heart-wrenching read of family and love.
This one is easily one of my most anticipated reads from this list.
Velorio – Xavier Navarro Aquino
“Set in the wake of Hurricane Maria, Xavier Navarro Aquino’s unforgettable debut novel follows a remarkable group of survivors searching for hope on an island torn apart by both natural disaster and human violence.”
When I learned that this book existed, I knew I had to keep an eye out for it. I did not go through Hurricane Maria, I escaped it by a month because I moved away for college, but I have a feeling that this book will help me further understand what my family and the rest of Puerto Rico went through in 2017 while also providing gritty, horror vibes from a religious cult situation. Reading the blurb makes me think of complete disaster and how far chaos can go, so I’m excited to read this one soon enough.
Ballad & Dagger (Outlaw Saints, #1) – Daniel José Older
“Best-selling author Rick Riordan Presents Daniel Jose Older’s extraordinary YA urban fantasy about two teens who discover each other while fighting for their diaspora community.”
Ever since the news about this book came out, I’ve been waiting to get my hands on it. (Spoiler alert: I already have a copy. I just need to read it). Who doesn’t love a good magical fantasy story with islands, oceans, and evil? The adventure starts when the evil that sank San Madrigal to the bottom of the ocean comes back for the survivors that settled in New York. Those immediate high stakes and the promise of lots of magic have me excited to crack open this book. (Plus, that map is to die for).
Blazewrath Games – Amparo Ortiz
“A fantasy, set in an alternate contemporary world, in which dragons and their riders compete in an international sports tournament.”
I found out about this book through a tweet, and I’ve never been more in love with an idea since. The fact that it’s dragon riding and Puerto Rico mixed together had me jumping for excitement. However, dragon riding isn’t just it. There’s also an international conspiracy surrounding this dragon riding tournament, and it might just be jeopardizing the whole thing. It sounds like a fun ride with Puerto Rican representation. I know this book will be a great one.
Never Look Back – Lilliam Rivera
A retelling of the Greek myth of Eurydice and Orpheus.
This is another book that features the effects of Hurricane Maria on the main character, but with the added element of fantasy and magical realism. The fact that the main character is haunted by both Hurricane Maria and an evil spirit is enough to throw me for a loop. Add in that this is a romance and a retelling already makes me feel like this book is going to be a favorite read of mine.
Dear Haiti, Love Alaine – Maika Moulite and Maritza Moulite
“Co-written by sisters Maika and Maritza Moulite, and told in epistolary style through letters, articles, emails, and diary entries, this exceptional debut novel captures a sparkling new voice and irrepressible heroine in a celebration of storytelling sure to thrill fans of Nicola Yoon, Ibi Zoboi and Jenna Evans Welch!”
It’s so cool when a book is told through different means and not just the usual prose, so when I heard about this particular story, I was so intrigued. Not only that, but the concept screams so much heart, soul, and drama. I can tell this is a book of discovering one’s roots with a family curse twist weaved into it. You can imagine I’m excited to read this one.
Furia – Yamile Saied Méndez
“An #ownvoices contemporary YA set in Argentina, about a rising soccer star who must put everything on the line—even her blooming love story—to follow her dreams.”
I don’t know why I haven’t read this one yet when it sounds so good and so heart-wrenching. This is a young adult contemporary novel that centers around feminism, soccer, and romance. Reading the blurb gets me all worked up because I can tell it’s also going to be frustrating for the main character. A lot of the conflict seems to come through the fact that she’s a girl, and a girl shouldn’t do certain things according to her family, so already there’s a lot of tension.
The Hacienda – Isabel Cañas
“Mexican Gothic meets Rebecca in this debut supernatural suspense novel, set in the aftermath of the Mexican War of Independence, about a remote house, a sinister haunting, and the woman pulled into their clutches…”
This one I just know will also be a favorite. A mix of horror, suspense, and paranormal, this story really looks like it’ll pack a punch. This is the kind of book I’ll want to read this October. It sounds so chilling and dark, and I can’t wait to get my hands on it.
And there you have it! This is a tiny glimpse at my Latinx book TBR list. As of right now, there are 125 titles on the list, and it’ll only keep growing. I’m so excited to discover more amazing Latinx authors and their wonderful Latinx books, and hopefully you are too.
Happy Latinx Heritage Month!
A's Corner 