Mexico North America Reading Lists

Read Around the World: Mexico

As you may already know, I like to read. A lot. So for this trip, I thought it would enhance my experience to read books set in the countries I’m visiting (or books by authors from those countries). Today, I’m sharing a list of recommended reads set in Mexico and/or written by Mexican authors.

Note: I haven’t personally read all these books yet, but I’ve noted below which books are still on my TBR.

Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel

Like Water for Chocolate

One of my all-time favorite books, this slim modern classic incorporates recipes in its magical story of forbidden love in a tension-filled, traditional family ranch in Mexico.

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Gods of Jade and Shadow by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

Gods of Jade and Shadow

This was the first book I read on our RTW trip, and just as I had hoped, being in Mexico and learning about the country’s history and culture really enhanced my reading experience. Inspired by Mexican folklore, this novel follows Casiopea Tun, the unhappy granddaughter of a rich man on the Yucutan peninsula, who goes on the adventure of a lifetime (literally!) with the Mayan god of death. This one doesn’t come out until August 6, 2019, but you can pre-order it now (links below).

Buy on Bookshop | Buy on IndieBound | Buy on Amazon

The Hummingbird's Daughter by Luis Alberto Urrea

The Hummingbird’s Daughter

This was another book I had downloaded to read in Mexico, but I downloaded it to Jonathan’s Kindle. So, I haven’t gotten to it yet, but it’s described as an “epic mystical drama of a young woman’s sudden sainthood in late 19th-century Mexico,” so it’s definitely staying on my TBR. I’m also very interested in reading Urrea’s newest novel, The House of Broken Angels, which features a Mexican-American family in San Diego.

Buy on Bookshop | Buy on IndieBound | Buy on Amazon

Tell Me How It Ends by Valeria Luiselli

Tell Me How It Ends: An Essay in Forty Questions

I read Luiselli’s recent novel, Lost Children Archive, while in Mexico on this trip, but I’m so glad I had already read her nonfiction essay: Tell Me How It Ends. This book chronicles Luiselli’s experience as a translator working with minors at the southern U.S. border, and as the title promises, it is told in 40 questions: the 40 questions asked of children facing deportation. I also have Luiselli’s novel The Story of My Teeth on my TBR.

Buy on Bookshop | Buy on IndieBound | Buy on Amazon

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe

A modern classic in young adult literature, this novel chronicles the contemporary friendship of two Mexican-American teenage boys, Aristotle and Dante. I highly recommend the audiobook, which is narrated by Lin-Manuel Miranda.

Buy on Bookshop | Buy on IndieBound | Buy on Amazon

The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros

The House on Mango Street

A classic book of short stories by Mexican-American author Sandra Cisneros. If you missed this one in school, read it now!

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Bless Me, Ultima by Rudolfo Anaya

Bless Me, Ultima

Another classic Bildungsroman by an author of Mexican heritage, but this is one I haven’t read yet. It’s on my very long list. 😉

Buy on Bookshop | Buy on IndieBound | Buy on Amazon

The Lacuna by Barbara Kingsolver

The Lacuna

I really wanted to focus on authors of Mexican heritage in this list, but I’ve such good things about The Lacuna, I didn’t want to leave it off. Described as Kingsolver’s “most accomplished novel,” this book promises “an epic journey from the Mexico City of artists Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo to the America of Pearl Harbor, FDR, and J. Edgar Hoover.” I love books with multiple settings and storylines and a large cast of characters, so this sounds right up my alley.

Buy on Bookshop | Buy on IndieBound | Buy on Amazon

What are you favorite books set in Mexico and/or by Mexican authors? Leave your recommendations in the comments!

Purchasing books through Bookshop or IndieBound allows you to support your local independent bookstore (or another indie of your choice). If you purchase books on Bookshop or Amazon through our links, we will receive a small percentage at no additional cost to you.


Mexico Reading List at TristaoTravels.com
Megan

Megan is a librarian by training, currently on a journey around the world with her husband, Jonathan. She enjoys visiting bookstores, libraries and coffeeshops while traveling.

2 thoughts on “Read Around the World: Mexico

  1. I can always count on you to add good titles to my reading list! Thank you and happy travels!

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