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This February, take a glimpse into the rich and diverse narratives of new releases from Latino authors, including Elba Iris Pérez, Jeferson Tenório, Elizabeth Camarillo Gutierrez, Natasha S. Alford, and more.
We’ve curated a list of fiction and nonfiction February 2024 releases to pre-order and add to your bookshelves.
Fiction
Each of these fiction books offers a unique exploration of complex themes, ranging from belonging and identity to resistance against oppression, through richly crafted narratives and diverse settings.
When Trying to Return Home
By Jennifer Maritza McCauley
This collection by Jennifer Maritza McCauley spans a century of Black American and Afro-Latino life across various locations, including Puerto Rico, Pittsburgh, Louisiana, Miami, and more. It is an evocative exploration of belonging, the concept of home, and the pursuit of freedom on one’s terms. Through its stories, When Trying to Return Home delves into complex characters and situations, like a young woman torn between her love for her mother and the need to escape her harmful influence, and a woman in the 1930s Louisiana seeking a place to call her own.
The Things We Didn’t Know
By Elba Iris Pérez
The Things We Didn’t Know is a lyrical and cross-cultural coming-of-age story that explores the childhood of Andrea Rodríguez, navigating between the 1950s Puerto Rico and a small Massachusetts factory town. After moving back to Massachusetts, Andrea and her brother, Pablo, face the challenges of reconciling their family’s values with American culture, dealing with the complexities of growing up, and experiencing both the joys and pains of maturing. Elba Iris Pérez’s narrative beautifully contrasts the environments of Puerto Rico and Massachusetts, presenting a heartfelt portrait of a different side of 1960s America, marked by cultural nuances, familial uncertainties, and the search for identity and belonging.
The Dark Side of Skin
By Jeferson Tenório, Translated by Bruna Dantas Lobato
Out February 20, 2024
The Dark Side of Skin delves into Brazil’s “cordial racism” through the story of Pedro, who embarks on a journey to understand his life after the murder of his father by the police. By examining the objects his father left behind, Pedro navigates the complex terrains of family history, pervasive racism, and societal breakdowns in Brazil. The narrative intertwines reflections on father-son relationships, the literary legacies of Shakespeare and Cervantes, and the deep-seated family and historical bonds.
Sun of Blood and Ruin
By Mariely Lares
Out February 20, 2024
This debut adult historical fantasy, inspired by Zorro and the rich tapestry of Mexican history and mythology, introduces Pantera, a masked vigilante and sorceress in 16th-century Mexico under Spanish occupation. With a blend of magic, mythology, political intrigue, and swordfights, the story explores themes of identity, fear, family, loyalty, love, and destiny against the backdrop of 1550’s Mexico. Mariely Lares weaves together a tale of war, corruption, oppression, and the quest for freedom, featuring a diverse LGBTQ+ character cast and a world built on mythical and real Mexican locations.
Nonfiction
Each nonfiction book offers unique insights into personal, historical, and cultural experiences, reflecting the complexities of identity, memory, and human connections.
Latinoland: A Portrait of America’s Largest and Least Understood Minority
By Marie Arana
Out February 20, 2024
This comprehensive work dives into the rich and complex tapestry of the Latino population in the United States, drawing from a wealth of interviews, research, and the author’s personal experiences. Marie Arana showcases the diversity within the Latino community, from racial and religious backgrounds to varying political affiliations and socio-economic statuses. The book aims to broaden the understanding of Latino identity, emphasizing its significant impact on American culture and society.
My Side of the River
By Elizabeth Camarillo Gutierrez
This memoir explores Elizabeth Camarillo Gutierrez’s life as the US-born daughter of immigrants, detailing the profound changes and challenges she faced when her parents were deported to Mexico when she was fifteen. The narrative delves into her experiences straddling two cultures, the impact of immigration policies on her family, and her journey towards understanding and activism.
American Negra
By Natasha S. Alford
Out February 27, 2024
This memoir offers a deep dive into Natasha S. Alford’s journey of self-discovery, growing up as a daughter of an African American father and Puerto Rican mother. Alford, an award-winning journalist, explores the multifaceted nature of Black identity through her personal story, from her upbringing in upstate New York to her educational pursuits at prestigious institutions like Northwestern University and Harvard, and her professional achievements. The narrative presents a rich tapestry of her life experiences, showcasing the complexities of navigating racial and ethnic identities within America. It’s a compelling exploration of what it means to embody the American dream while staying true to themselves.
The Absent Moon
By Luiz Schwarcz
Out February 27, 2024
This memoir is a poignant exploration of Luiz Schwarcz’s struggles with bipolar disorder against the backdrop of a family history marked by the Holocaust. Schwarcz shares the deeply personal story of his grandfather, a Hungarian Jew who defied Nazi occupiers, and his father, an emigrant to Brazil, whose silence and unhappiness deeply affected him. As Schwarcz navigates his own life, he finds solace in books and reading, eventually becoming a significant figure in the literary world of São Paulo. However, a mental breakdown challenges him to confront his mind, his family’s past, and their collective silence. The book is described as a brave and tender memoir that not only deals with personal and familial trauma but also offers a story of redemption and the power of storytelling.
My Documents: Stories
By Alejandro Zambra, Translated by Megan McDowell
Out February 27, 2024
This collection features eleven quirky and introspective tales that delve into the intricacies of human relationships and the peculiar ways we seek connection. The stories navigate through various facets of life, including love, loneliness, and the complexities of familial bonds, against the backdrop of political and personal turmoil. Zambra’s characters often find themselves entangled with technology, symbolizing both alienation and the quest for intimacy in the digital age. The narrative is marked by its exploration of childhood memories, the impact of Pinochet’s dictatorship, and the subtle yet profound moments that shape our existence. With a blend of humor, melancholy, and a keen eye for the minutiae of everyday life, Zambra invites readers into a reflective journey through contemporary Chilean life, offering a nuanced commentary on the country’s socio-political landscape.
Want to add more books by Latino authors to your TBR?
Check out our list of 24 books to read in 2024.
