We’ve rounded up some of our favorite books by Latinx authors, spanning a variety of genres – from beautifully-told romance and delightful beach reads, to historical fiction that will leave an impact. We know you’ll get hooked on these books by Latinx authors just like we did!
Books by Latinx authors
Fruit of the Drunken Tree by Ingrid Rojas Contreras
Seven-year-old Chula lives in Bogotá within the safety of her gated community, amidst criminal chaos that occurs just outside where drug lord Pablo Escobar rules the streets. Chula is then introduced to Petrona, a young woman from the city’s slums who is hired as a live-in maid. Petrona faces her own responsibilities of providing for the family, while being forced to ignore her desires of love. While both Chula and Petrona’s families struggle to maintain stability, the two girls form a bond with one another over kept secrets, and they must each make choices that are essential to the with-standings of their households. Based on Ingrid Rojas Contreras’ experiences from her own childhood, Fruit of the Drunken Tree is a powerful coming-of-age novel that expresses the difficult decisions young women must make in a city that threatens their livelihoods.
A Long Petal of the Sea by Isabel Allende
In this powerful historical fiction book by Latinx author Isabel Allende about hope, exile and belonging, we meet Roser, a young pregnant widow as she flees her war-torn country of Spain along with thousands of fellow refugees. Among them is Victor Dalmau, an army doctor and the brother of her lost love. To survive, the pair must unite – and it’s a path neither would choose willingly. But in their new life as exiles, time gently reveals hope, loyalty, and love in a way they never thought possible.
We love Allende’s signature way of bring mystery, magic, and hope in most desperate of circumstances.
Afterlife by Julia Alvarez
Antonio Vega is an author and newly-retired English professor, beginning the next chapter of her life when her world suddenly flips upside-down. Her husband dies, her sister goes missing, and a pregnant teenager appears at her doorstep. Literature has always been her refuge, but in these dire circumstances, she needs something stronger than words.
As this novel meanders through themes of faith, devotion, family and hope, you’ll find yourself cheering on Antonio as she tries to find herself again.
Island Affair: A Fun Summer Love Story by Priscilla Oliveras
Sara Vance is a social media influencer, fresh out of recovery from an eating disorder and with a promising career opportunity in her grips. A family vacation is weeks away and it’s the opportunity she needs to shine among her picture-perfect siblings. But when her fiancé bails, she’s left in a panic. Luis Navarro is a local firefighter and Sara ropes him into playing the role of her fiancé… a role that he excels at as the pair enjoy beach life, lazy days and long kisses. But when vacation is over, can their lives return back to normal?
This is the perfect summer book by a Latinx author, whether you’re beachside like Sara, or tucked away in your favorite reading nook at home.
It Is Wood, It Is Stone Gabriella Burnham
Linda has just moved to São Paulo, with her husband, Dennis, who has accepted a yearlong professorship. Embracing her new city and culture has not come easily, and she finds herself in a constant state of unrest. To make matters worse, their maid Marta seems to have more control of their lives than she does. But when Linda suddenly finds herself on an unexpected escapade with a local artist, things change dramatically for everyone.
If you’re searching for a fresh read by a Latinx author that’s relatable, raw, and filled with hope, look no further.
The Wrong Mr. Darcy by Evelyn Lozada and Holly Lorincz
Hara Isari has been dreaming of her big break in sports writing, which will be her ticket out of her small town and away from her mother who keeps nagging her to find a man. And that day finally comes when she has the chance for an exclusive baseball interview. But when she crosses paths with rookie Derek Darcy, his arrogance stops her in her tracks. As fate continues to bring them together, Hara finds herself doing all she can to resist… but how long can she keep it up?
This book by Latinx author Evelyn Lozada will keep you hooked until the end – it’s lighthearted and bursting with life’s little obstacles with which we can all relate. It’s the perfect summer read!
Little Eyes by Samanta Schweblin
In this masterfully told tale about our increasingly linked world, Schweblin gives us horror and humanity, all in one.
All across the world people are connecting, interlacing their lives via ever-evolving technology and it’s the thing that’s bring us all together – closer and closer each day. But how close is too close? How about playful encounters at the grocery store? How about your neighborhood streets? How about your living room?
This story hits a little too close to home with our interconnected lives… you won’t be able to put it down.
Looking for more books by Latinx authors? Click for more picks.
The Book of Anna by Carmen Boullosa
Inspired by Tolstoy’s most beloved work, Latinx author Boullosa takes readers through the Russian revolution – Saint Petersburg, 1905 – when Sergei, son of Anna Karenina meets Tolstoy in his dreams. It’s in those dreams that he sees visions of manuscripts his mother wrote just before her death, and the fairy tale that could tip the fate of the revolution.
Extremely clever and inventive. You’ll love this twist on Russian history.
More books by Latinx authors
Living Color: Angie Rubio Stories by Donna Miscolta
Set against the backdrop of the Cold War and civil rights eras, historic moments are happening all around – the Cuban missile crisis, JFK’s assassination, the free speech movement, and more. But for Angie Rubio, her world is all about living life on the fringes of white society as she strives to find her place amid slumber parties, beauty pageants, popularity and boys. Writing for the school paper is her outlet, and through Angie we see uncertain adolescence blossom to belonging.
It’s easy to lose yourself as we read the story of Angie coming of age. You’ll laugh and cry with her, and feel all the feels in this emotional book by a Latinx author.
A Taste of Sage by Yaffa S. Santos
Lumi Santana has always had a plan and a gift. The plan: to open a Dominican infusion restaurant in Manhattan; the gift: to sense people’s emotions through their cooking. But when her restaurant fails, she finds herself working as a sous chef at an uninspired traditional French restaurant in midtown owned by Julien Dax. Dax is smug and Lumi vows to never taste his cooking… but will the aromas – and the chef – become too much to resist?
Readers will love this romantic book by a Latinx author that so cleverly brings together food, love, and self-discovery.
Subduction by Kristen Millares Young
A culture’s stories can both preserve and heal, but when remembered without their most important details, they can disrupt and distract. Young vividly brings the Pacific Northwest alive through geography and geology while simultaneously telling the tale of Latina anthropologist, Claudia, as she seeks a new life after a devastated marriage and her sister’s betrayal. As she seeks a new future in a Native whaling village, her life intersects with Maggie and her son Peter, who are picking up the pieces of their past.
This novel is an exploration of both geography and the human heart, told so elegantly that you won’t be able to put it down.
Cantoras by Carolina De Robertis
It’s the 1970s in Uruguay and tensions are high from a brutal government that’s threatening freedom and limiting options at every turn. Homosexuality is a dangerous offense, and in an unlikely turn of events, five desperate women find one another along with an isolated cape where they are safe. In the span of 35 years, these women return to their sanctuary, some with partners, some with success, and others alone and seeking comfort.
We love this powerful story for the community these women create for themselves and their determination to persevere.
Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Recently optioned for TV by Hulu, Mexican Gothic brings the reader into the sultry world of 1950s Mexico as Noemi settles in to High Place, the storied home with a violent history. Noemi has been summoned by her cousin, Catalina, who doesn’t seem to be herself. The longer Noemi stays at High Place, the more she begins to wonder if Catalina’s dark visions and confusing rants are actually a warning about the long-told dangers of this place.
