September 15 marks the beginning of National Hispanic Heritage Month, which recognizes the contributions and culture of Hispanic people. It's also a great opportunity to discover a new author. At AAPLD, we're proud to highlight the Latinx authors in our collections. You'll find their work in every genre, with books for every age group. For adult readers, we suggest one of these books, or browse our special online catalog for more selections.
Historical Fiction
Daughter of Fortune by Isabel Allende - The first book in the sweeping saga of the Del Valle family begins as Eliza, a young Chilean woman, arrives in 1840s California to search for her lover in the goldfields. Arriving as a stowaway, she finances her search with various jobs, including playing the piano in a brothel.
The Mambo Kings Play Songs of Love by Oscar Hijuelos - In 1949, two young Cuban musicians make their way up from Havana to the big arena of New York, where they are workers by day, stars of dance halls by night. Hijuelos's portrait of the Castillo brothers, re-creates the sights and sounds of an era in music and an unsung moment in American life.
A Long Petal of the Sea by Isabel Allende - In the late 1930s, amid the Spanish civil war, a pregnant young widow flees the country in a treacherous journey over the mountains to France. Along the way, she meets and marries an army doctor, in order to emigrate with him to Canada. Over the course of their lives, the unlikely couple face test after test, as they search for a place to belong.
Romance
The Worst Best Man by Mia Sosa- A wedding planner left at the altar? Yeah, the irony isn't lost on Carolina Santos, either. But despite that embarrassing blip from her past, Lina's offered an opportunity that could change her life. There's just one hitch... she has to collaborate with the best (make that worst) man from her own failed nuptials, her ex-fiance's whip-smart, stunning and absolutely off-limits brother.
A Lot Like Adios by Alexis Daria- Michelle Amato has built a thriving freelance business as a graphic designer. So what if her love life is nonexistent, as her marriage-minded family keeps pointing out. Gabriel Aguilar left the Bronx to escape his parents' demanding expectations, and broke Michelle's heart. Now, he's the successful co-owner of LA's hottest celebrity gym, with an investor who insists on opening a New York City location. When Michelle is hired to spearhead the new marketing campaign, everything Gabe's been running from catches up with him. As old feelings resurface, and facing mounting pressure from their families--who think they're dating--can they resolve their past mistakes?
Thrillers
Velvet Was the Night by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
- A riveting noir set in 1970s Mexico City. Maite, a lonely secretary, envies the exciting life of her beautiful neighbor, Leonora. When Leonora disappears under suspicious circumstances, Maite finds herself searching for the missing woman. Elvis is an eccentric criminal who loathes violence and loves old movies and rock 'n' roll, and is searching for Leonora at the order of his boss. As Maite and Elvis come closer to discovering the truth behind Leonora's disappearance, they can no longer escape the danger that threatens to consume their lives.
Biography and Memoir
Trejo: My Life of Crime, Redemption and Hollywood by Danny Trejo - The full, fascinating, and inspirational true story of Danny Trejo's journey from crime, prison, addiction, and loss to unexpected fame as Hollywood's favorite bad guy with a heart of gold.
In the Dream House by Carmen Maria Machado - An engrossing and wildly innovative account of a relationship gone bad, and a bold dissection of the mechanisms and cultural representations of psychological abuse. Tracing the full arc of a harrowing relationship with a charismatic but volatile woman, Machado struggles to make sense of how what happened to her shaped the person she was becoming.