Approximately 95% of American novels published between 1950 and 2018 were written by white authors, even though whites make up only 60% of the population. And in the publishing industry itself, only 6% identify as Latinx in various fields including executive-level positions, editorial staff, sales, and literary agents. the numbers are even lower for people of Black, Native American, and Middle Eastern descent.
Even with the push toward more inclusive hiring practices and concerted efforts in the publishing industry to buy more manuscripts from authors of color, those same writers have been told that publishers don’t know how to market their novels. So this Latinx Heritage Month, Glamor urges you to make a concerted effort to support books written by Latinx authors. They’re all available through large commercial retailers like Amazon, but if you can go one step further, you can also shop at an independent Black or Latino-owned bookstore.
You are reading: Books by latinx authors
Classic readings of Latino authors include One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez, The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros, any of Elizabeth Acevedo’s best-selling books, and The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, to name a few. If you’re a fan of comics, consider reading Edgardo Miranda-Rodriguez’s La Boriqueña. Anthology fans can enjoy Wild Tongues That Can’t Be Tamed Edited by Saraciea J. fennel.
Below, we’ve rounded up 15 more must-read books from Latino authors, from harrowing memoirs to gripping romances. this is a non-exhaustive list, and more latinx recommendations can be found at latinx reads, an instagram dedicated to books written by, for, and about latinxs.
1. sabrina & corina by kali fajardo-anstine
sabrina & Corina is an award-winning collection of stories about indigenous Latinas in Colorado that delves into hard truths about race, femininity, friendship, and violence against women.
2. Dominican by angie cruz
Inspired by the story of the author’s own mother, Dominican follows 15-year-old Ana Cancion as she marries a man twice her age and moves from the Dominican Republic to New York City, exploring the emotional turmoil that follows. Amazon touted the book as a “vital portrait of the immigrant experience and the timeless coming-of-age story of a young woman finding her voice in the world.”
3. in the time of the butterflies by julia alvarez
Nearly 30 years after its publication, In the Time of the Butterflies remains a must-read thanks to its poignant political commentary and unfiltered look at life in the Dominican Republic under the dictatorship of General Rafael Leónidas Trujillo. the novel follows four sisters, delving into their lives as daughters, lovers, and rebels to reveal “the human costs of political oppression.” Álvarez’s fans are also getting excited about his long-awaited afterlife novel.
4. the inheritance of the divine orchid by zoraida córdova
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The newest novel from Brooklyn Witch series author Zoraida Cordova, Inheritance of the Divine Orchid follows the story of a family seeking the truth behind their secret heritage before it destroys them. According to the new york times book review, contemporary fantasy is great for fans of alice hoffman, isabel allende, and sarah addison allen.
5. The Catholic School Guide for Lesbians by Sonora Reyes
Scheduled for release in 2022, Sonora Reyes’ debut novel, The Catholic School Lesbian Guide, is already generating a lot of buzz, even earning a five-star rating for Good Reads thanks to Arc readers. the contemporary novel already follows a teenage girl who changes schools after her ex-best friend denounces her as queer. At Ella’s new school, Yamilet Flores pretends to be straight and navigates the complexities of pretending to be someone you’re not, all while trying to uphold her parents’ unrealistic expectations of her as a perfect student and daughter. you can preorder now.
6. in the country we love by diane Guerrero
In the Country We Love is a harrowing, unfiltered memoir that delves into the life of Orange as new black star Diane Guerrero. While the memoir is ultimately a story of triumph and resilience, it also focuses on the harsh truths of what it’s like for a child of undocumented immigrants living in the United States and the failings of the US. uu. immigration system. the memoir is written with michelle burford.
7. You had me at hello by alexis daria
Fans of telenovelas and romantic comedies will fall in love with Alexis Daria’s novel You Had Me at Hello. The New York Times Editor’s Choice and O Magazine’s Best Romance Choice, is a smart and sexy read that puts Latinx joy (and love!) at the forefront. It’s a must read for all fans of Jane the Virgin.
8. graveyard children by aiden thomas
The Graveyard Boys is the first novel by bestselling author Aiden Thomas. The paranormal novel for young adults follows the story of Yadriel, a trans Brujx who wants to prove himself to his family. After summoning a ghost, he is forced to help put the spirit to rest in a fast-paced adventure.
9. the house of the spirits of isabel allende
Touted as one of the most important novels of the 20th century, The House of the Spirits was an instant bestseller when it was published in 1982. In Isabel Allende’s debut novel, the intergenerational narrative weaves intricate political commentary with love. and destiny to create an unforgettable story.
10. Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
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Calling all gothic horror fans: Silvia Moreno-Garcia must be included in your next book collection. Hulu’s soon-to-be-selling hit series follows the story of Mexican socialite Noemí Taboada as she is sent into the countryside to investigate her cousin’s outlandish but perhaps truthful claims about her new husband.
11. I’m not your perfect Mexican daughter by erika l. sanchez
a coming of age story that delves into death, grief and what it means to be the “perfect” mexican daughter, erika l. Sanchez’s best-selling novel tackles stereotypes, unrealistic pressures, and an emphasis, above all, on telling the truth in this gripping story.
12. curse of the night witch by alex aster
Famous tiktok author alex aster’s #booktok favorite, The Night Witch’s Curse, is the first in a mid-grade duology that’s full of edge-of-your-seat bets and intricately woven myths based on in Colombian mythology.
13. fury by yamile saied méndez
A selection from Reese Witherspoon’s Book Club, this contemporary novel follows a young Argentine soccer star as he strives to realize his athletic dreams. the novel is full of romance, passion, and a harsh reminder that you live life for yourself, for no one else, not even your parents.
14. dealing with dreams by lilliam rivera
A dystopian novel already described by Amazon as “outsiders meet mad max,” lilliam rivera’s action-packed story follows nalah and her crew of girls as they explore the meaning of sisterhood, chosen family, and the survival.
15. halsey street by naima coster
In her debut novel, Naima Coster tackles massive issues like gentrification and immigration while delving into the life of her main character, an Afro-Latina who returns to her almost unrecognizable Brooklyn neighborhood after a few years of absence. is a captivating adult novel with family and what it means to be human, at the center of it all.
marilyn la jeunesse is a writer in new york city. follow her on instagram @mtlajeunesse.
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