In The Community
Mamá Didn’t Raise a Pendeja by Carolina Acosta and Aralis Mejia
Image Credit: Aralis Mehia and Carolina Acosta
We all need some no-nonsense advice to close out your year with confidence. “Mamá Didn’t Raise a Pendeja” is the blunt, funny, and refreshingly real self-help book you didn’t know you needed. First-gen Latinas Carolina Acosta and Aralis Mejia have channeled the wisdom of abuelitas everywhere into this collection of “anti-affirmations.” This isn’t about fluffy mantras—it’s real talk for real challenges. From relationship drama to career hurdles, every page is packed with sharp humor, tough love, and cultural pride. Whether you need a reminder to stay grounded or a push to tackle life head-on, this book can be your personal pep talk.
The Volcano Daughters by Isabel Cañas
Image Credit: Gina Maria Balibrera
This book will transport you to 1920s El Salvador, where beauty and devastation mark Graciela and Consuelo’s lives. When nine-year-old Graciela is taken from her volcano-side home to serve as an oracle for a rising dictator, her world is forever changed. Years later, as genocide threatens their homeland, the sisters are forced to flee, carrying their traumas and secrets with them. In “The Volcano Daughters,” Salvadoran-American Gina María Balibrera creates a heart-wrenching story that combines history, mythology, and survival. It’s the perfect book if you love stories of resilience, sisterhood, and the fight for justice.
Isabel and the Rogue by Liana De la Rosa
Image Credit: Liana De la Rosa
Isabel Luna Valdés is the wallflower-turned-secret-agent we didn’t know we needed. Using her connections in London’s high society, Isabel gathers intelligence to support Mexico during the French Occupation. But when her covert missions put her in the path of Sirius Dawson, a charming but infuriating British spy, sparks—and secrets—fly. “Isabel and the Rogue” is a historical romance full of political intrigue and fun banter that will have you kicking your feet. Of Mexican and Puerto Rican heritage, Liana De la Rosa wrote a page-turner that will take you to another era. If you’re in the mood for romance with high stakes, this one is for you.
Wild Tongues Can’t Be Tamed edited by Saraciea Fennell
Image Credit: Saraciea Fennell
This anthology of 15 voices from the Latinx diaspora is, simply put, impactful. From Elizabeth Acevedo to Ibi Zoboi, the contributors tackle topics like identity, anti-Blackness, and the complexities of love and family. The stories, essays, and poems are as diverse as the authors themselves, offering a good mix of emotions and unflinching truth. Whether you’re in the mood for a ghost story or a heartfelt reflection, this collection has something for everyone. “Wild Tongues Can’t Be Tamed” is a great option if you want to read outside of your usual genre, but don’t know where to start. So put this celebration of Latine voices on your holiday reading list.
Of Women and Salt by Gabriela Garcia
Image Credit: Gabriela Garcia
This haunting multigenerational novel takes you from 19th-century Cuba to present-day Miami, following the lives of extraordinary women bound by love, trauma, and resilience. Jeanette, battling addiction, is looking for answers about her family’s past, while her mother, Carmen, wrestles with the pain of displacement. Of Cuban and Mexican descent, Gabriela Garcia explores themes like immigration, betrayal, and survival through poetic writing. “Of Women and Salt” is a meditation on the legacies we carry and the strength it takes to confront them. Thought-provoking and perfect for a quiet night in.
The Worst Best Man by Mia Sosa
Image Credit: Mia Sosa
Imagine being left at the altar and then having to work with the very man who encouraged your ex to do it. That’s Lina’s reality in this hilarious enemies-to-lovers romance by Puerto Rican-Brazilian author Mia Sosa. Sparks fly as Lina, a whip-smart Brazilian wedding planner, and Max, her ex’s brother, are forced to collaborate on a big project. “The Worst Best Man” is a rom-com that will get you laughing and swooning. Rivals-to-lovers is always a fun trope and this story will be an effective antidote to holiday stress. Plus, you’ll learn about Brazilian culture in a very refreshing way.
Self-Care for Latinas by Raquel Reichard
Image Credit: Raquel Reichard
This debut by Puerto Rican author Raquel Reichard is exactly what you’re looking for if you need a little help staying grounded this time of year. We all know how hectic and overwhelming the holidays can be, so this could be a lifesaver. “Self-Care for Latinas” is a guide that offers over 100 practical exercises to help you recharge, reset, and reclaim your joy. Reichard is a mental health advocate and she addresses the unique challenges Latinas face while offering actionable steps to navigate them healthily. From quick pick-me-ups to deeper self-reflection, this book is a must-have for starting the new year with a renewed sense of purpose.
We Need No Wings by Ann Dávila Cardinal
Image Credit: Ann Davila Cardinal
After the sudden death of her husband, Teresa Sanchez is consumed by grief—until she starts levitating. That surreal experience leads Teresa on a trip to Spain, where she uncovers her family’s mystical connection to Saint Teresa of Ávila. Puerto Rican-American Ann Dávila Cardinal wrote a beautiful story of healing, faith, and self-discovery in “We Need No Wings.” She leaned on her Puerto Rican heritage to deliver a book that feels deeply personal and universally relatable at the same time, and the magical realism elements make it very dynamic. Be ready to go on an emotional and spiritual journey with Teresa!
Every single one of these stories offers a different window into the Latine experience and opens the door to themes we can all relate to, from resilience and love to identity and self-care. Whenever you feel the need to disconnect from what’s happening around you and connect with yourself or just have a good time, any of these books will serve as a vehicle. Get yourself a cafecito, curl up on the couch, and happy reading!
Brickmakers by Selva Almada (108 pages)
This haunting novella from Argentine author Selva Almada starts with a bang—literally, as two boys lie dying from a fatal fight. From there, Almada weaves a raw, emotional tale about cycles of abuse, masculinity, and generational trauma. It’s a story about anger, love, and everything in between, written with the kind of precision that makes every sentence hit like a gut punch.
The Premonition by Banana Yoshimoto (128 pages)
Banana Yoshimoto’s novella is a quiet, contemplative masterpiece. It follows a teenager uncovering long-buried truths about her childhood and family, told in Yoshimoto’s trademark minimalist style. This isn’t just a story; it’s an experience—one that feels like having an intimate conversation with an old friend about the secrets that shaped you.
Boulder by Eva Baltasar (112 pages)
This sapphic literary gem from Catalan author Eva Baltasar follows a nameless protagonist who uproots her life to move to Reykjavik with her lover, Samsa. It’s a sensual, introspective exploration of love, loneliness, and identity, written with lyrical prose that makes you feel every longing glance and whispered word.
Itzá by Rios de La Luz (under 200 pages)
If you love magical realism with a fierce emotional core, “Itzá” is for you. Rios de La Luz’s debut novella tells the story of a young girl reclaiming her body and identity after trauma, blending dreamlike imagery with powerful themes of resilience and empowerment. This book will break your heart and put it back together.
Peluda by Melissa Lozada-Oliva (96 pages)
Okay, technically this one’s poetry, but “Peluda” reads like an intimate diary you can’t put down. Salvadoran-American poet Melissa Lozada-Oliva delves into femininity, identity, and the immigrant experience with sharp wit and unflinching honesty. It’s funny, it’s poignant, and it’s the kind of book that feels like it was written just for you.
Foster by Claire Keegan (88 pages)
In this tender, perfectly crafted novella, a young girl is sent to live with distant relatives in rural Ireland. Over the course of the story, she experiences unexpected kindness and care, shedding light on the transformative power of love and attention. Keegan’s writing is spare but deeply affecting, making every word count.
The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman (64 pages)
A classic for a reason, “The Yellow Wallpaper” is a chilling look at mental health, societal expectations, and the suffocating confines of gender roles. As the narrator’s reality unravels, so does the wallpaper in her room—a creeping, gothic symbol of her descent into madness. It’s unsettling, unforgettable, and way ahead of its time.
Giovanni’s Room by James Baldwin (160 pages)
James Baldwin’s “Giovanni’s Room” is an intimate exploration of identity, love, and shame. It follows David, an American expat in Paris, as he grapples with his relationship with Giovanni, an Italian bartender. With its lush prose and devastating honesty, this novella will stay with you long after you close the final page.
Short books don’t waste a single word, and that’s part of their magic. They’re perfect for when you want to be transported but don’t have the time (or attention span) for a lengthy epic. So grab a cozy blanket, make yourself a cup of tea, and lose yourself in one of these books for a few hours.- 6 Must-Read Fiction Books by Latina Authors: Fantasy, Romance, and More ›
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“Solis” by Paola Mendoza and Abby Sher
Image Credit: Paola Mendoza and Abby Sher.
This is the only book on the list that isn’t out yet, but you won’t have to wait long to get your hands on it. “Solis” by Colombian Paola Mendoza, writer, award-winning film director, activist, and co-founder of the Women’s March, and Abby Sher, writer and performer, is a dystopian young adult sci-fi novel that explores the sacrifices of standing up and fighting for freedom.
Set in a near-future America where undocumented immigrants are trapped in labor camps, forced to dig for a mineral that could change the world, and experimented on, our heroine, Rania, is ready to start a revolution. This Lebanese teenager and 3 brave fellow prisoners are set to fight against the corrupt, xenophobic government keeping its boot on their necks. Will they succeed, or is it too late for change? “Solis” feels more current than ever and it provides important, empowering social commentary wrapped in an action-packed story that will keep you turning the pages.
“Solis” will be out on October 8, 2024. Pre-order it here.“Defectors: The Rise of the Latino Far Right and What It Means for America” by Paola Ramos
Image Credit: Paola Ramos.
Paola Ramos, of Cuban and Mexican descent, is an Emmy Award-winning journalist and a political force to be reckoned with. As a contributor for Telemundo News and MSNBC, and a former correspondent for Vice News, Ramos knows her stuff. She’s worked on campaigns for both President Obama and Hillary Clinton and is also the author of “Finding Latin-X,” making her one of the most important voices in contemporary Latino issues.
In her latest nonfiction book, “Defectors: The Rise of the Latino Far Right and What It Means for America,” Ramos dives into the rise of far-right sentiment among Latinos and provides insightful political analysis. This book also explores Latino identity and how it intersects with politics today, making it an essential read to understand how race and identity shape American politics—and how Latinos, one of the most misunderstood electorates, could help reshape the future.
“Burnt Out to Lit Up: How to Reignite the Joy of Leading People” by Daisy Auger-Domínguez
Image Credit: Daisy Auger-Domínguez.
Feeling burnt out from work is something most people are very familiar with. Especially if they’re in leadership positions, where so much is riding on their shoulders. If you can relate to that, “Burnt Out to Lit Up: How to Reignite the Joy of Leading People,” by Daisy Auger-Domínguez can help rekindle your leadership fire and find joy in your work again. Whether you’re managing a small team or an entire organization, this book offers practical tools to overcome burnout and inspire your employees.
Using her own personal stories, research, and actionable strategies, Dominican-Puerto Rican Aguer-Domínguez offers an invaluable guide to lead with passion, even when you feel like you’re being tested on all fronts. As a global leader and expert on the future of work, inclusion, and leadership burnout, Auger-Domínguez is one of the most qualified Latinas to offer this guidance. With experience at global giants like Google, Disney, and Vice Media, she knows how to create thriving work cultures, and isn’t gatekeeping her secrets.
“Thank You, Gracias” by Susie Jaramillos
Image Credit: Susie Jaramillo.
If you’re sharing your love of reading with little ones, whether that’s your own children, younger siblings, nieces and nephews, etc., “Thank You, Gracias,” is a lovely book to introduce them to. Venezuelan-American Susie Jaramillo is an Emmy-nominated creator and you might already know her as the creator of the successful bilingual preschool brand, Canticos. Her award-winning work has helped millions of kids around the world embrace bilingual education through songs, books, and apps, and she’s known for her creativity, which expands from storytelling to entrepreneurship.
Jaramillo’s “Thank You, Gracias” is a lift-the-flap board book full of playful rhymes in English and Spanish, and cheerful illustrations. It’s a charming read that will help children learn about giving thanks while having fun and interacting with a beautiful book. It’s an essential one if you’re raising bilingual kids or want to introduce children to a new language in a way that makes it truly interesting and engaging for them.
“The Daggers of Ire” by J.C. Cervantes
Image Credit: J.C. Cervantes.
In “The Daggers of Ire,” Esmerelda Santos, a rare bruja with Chaos magic, faces the biggest challenge of her life. After a mysterious curse wipes out all the magic in her town, Esme and her best friend Tiago must go on a dangerous journey to save their families. With a witch hunter hot on their trail, they race against time to unlock the secrets of an ancient legend. This middle-grade Latine fantasy is full of magic, humor, and heart, exploring courage and sisterhood in a heartwarming adventure.
J.C. Cervantes, of Mexican and Anglo descent, is a New York Times bestselling author known for blending Latino culture with fantasy elements to create vibrant worlds for children, young adults, and adults. She’s known for her “Storm Runner” series, which is a worldwide success, and her books have earned her multiple awards, including the New Mexico Book Award. She’s all about finding magic in everyday life, and this latest book from her offers exactly that.
With these recent releases, Latina authors are bringing powerful, diverse, and educational stories to the forefront. Whether you’re in the mood for fiction or nonfiction, these books should have a spot on your to-be-read list. Happy reading!
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