In The Community
Jefa in Training by Ashley K Stoyanov
Ashley K Stoyanov Ojeda, better known as the business madrina, brings us a straightforward guide to becoming a successful entrepreneur. Upon realizing that despite Latinas having become one of the fastest-growing entrepreneurial segments in the U.S., resources for success are still very limited.
The space is limited in guides for Latinas, making this first "Spanglish" business book by Latinas, and for Latinas, even more special and needed. Endorsed by actress Eva Longoria, Cafe con Libros owner Kalima DeSuze, angel investor Beatriz Acevedo, and Daytime Emmy award-winner Gaby Natale, "Jefa in Training" is a must-have in your 2022 reading list. The book also features Latina founders who share lessons, anecdotes, etc. This is a must-have for anyone curious about making it as a Latina in a heavily white male-dominated industry. The book is now available for pre-oder, and will be out in the world on February 22nd 2022.
Infinite Country by Patricia Engel
"Infinite Country" is a story of a Colombian family who faces the harsh realities of deportation. The book narrates the story of Elena and Mauro, a couple who experience the joy of falling in love while also experiencing the violent truth of life in Bogotá at a time when Colombia was devastated by violence. Like many people in these circumstances, the family is forced to flee the country after their first child is born, forcing them to deal with the extreme burden of being undocumented. After Mauro is deported, the story takes a turn. "Infinite Country" is a moving story that many readers will relate to that will keep you on your toes.
Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas
"Cemetery Boys" is a beautiful story that narrates the struggles of being transgender in a Latinx family, while diving into a fun out-of-this-world narrative. Described by Entertainment Weekly as "groundbreaking," if paranormal stories are your jam, this one's for you. After wanting to prove his true gender to his unaccepting Latinx family, our protagonist Yadriel, summons a ghost that won't leave his side. It seems the ghost has some unfinished business here on earth. Teen Vogue adds, "The novel perfectly balances the vibrant, energetic Latinx culture while delving into heavy topics like LGBTQ+ acceptance, deportation, colonization, and racism within authoritative establishments."
Wild Tongues Can't Be Tamed: 15 Voices from the Latinx Diaspora edited by Saraciea J. Fennell
This innovative anthology features the voices of 14 Latinx writers, who challenge myths and stereotypes that we often hear about in the Latinx community. This collection is a beautiful retelling of what it means to be Latinx. Fennel says, "These writers don’t hold back their opinions, their experiences, or their truths—there’s no biting of the tongue or performative niceties here. Instead, we are letting our truths run wild, and pushing against whatever it is you think is the ideal Latinx individual.” With seasoned award-winning authors and up-and-coming voices featured throughout, "Wild Tongues..." is sure to be a page-turner.
Null States by Malka Older
Malka Older, who's mother is Cuban, is known for writing the most intriguing, edge-of-your-seat sci-fi novels. Her trilogy "Cental Cycle" is everything any sci-fan could dream of. The second installment, "Null States," takes place in a dystopia where democracy is about to implode. Given that it's a trilogy, it's recommended you start from the 1st book, "Infomocracy," to logically follow the story of a world where politics has been revolutionized in order to maintain world peace. But as always, the threat of power aiming to topple the system looms. The trilogy by chronological order is, "Infomocracy,” followed by "Null States," and then "State Tectonics."