CHICAGO — Latin America is filled with great writers and great books. Writers like Isabel Allende and Gabriel Garcia Marques are known globally and are even credited with kick-starting Latin America's obsession with magical realism. Today, legendary Latin writers are still publishing, and there are also several up-and-comers who are already making an impact on the scene. Below are the Latin Times' picks for the best Latin books of 2023.
The Wind Knows My Name, Isabel Allende
Known for her epic masterpieces like House of the Spirits, Isabel Allende is one of the biggest names in Latin American literature, and this year, her new novel, The Wind Knows My Name, gained massive popularity among readers. The Wind Knows My Name tells the story of two migrants, one in 1940s Europe and the other in modern-day America. Allende's novel, like much of her previous work, touches on themes of loss, family and self-discovery.
'Ligereza,' Yung Pueblo
Poet and motivational speaker Yung Pueblo, also known as Diego Perez, came into prominence with the release of Ligereza. His book helps guide readers through a healing journey by using meditation and intuition. Pueblo's book follows a similar journey that he underwent when battling drug addiction.
'First Gen: A Memoir,' Alejandra Campoverdi
First Gen is the captivating memoir of Alejandra Campoverdi, a first-generation Latina raised by an immigrant single mother who rose to be an aide to President Obama. Campoverdi's book tells her story of growing up in Los Angeles and gives insight into the lives of Hispanic American youth. First Gen is Campoverdi's first published book.
'Our Migrant Souls: A Meditation on Race and the Meanings and Myths of "Latino,"' Héctor Tobar
The son of Guatemalan immigrants, Héctor Tobar is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and novelist. His latest book, Our Migrant Souls, is an exploration of Latinos in the U.S. Tobar uses his journalistic experience to depict how modern-day Latinos are depicted in the media and how they are treated by the U.S. Government. Our Migrant Souls won the Kirkus Prize for nonfiction and was included in the New York Times' 100 notable books of 2023.
'Silver Nitrate,' Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Mexican author Silvia Moreno-Garcia is quickly becoming a well-known name in literature thanks to her wildly popular titles such as Mexican Gothic and Gods of Jade and Shadow. Moreno-Garcia's latest book, Silver Nitrate, is an exhilarating read that takes place in the 1990s Mexico City and involves cults, Mexican cinema and witchcraft.
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