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
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
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).
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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. 😉
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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.
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What are you favorite books set in Mexico and/or by Mexican authors? Leave your recommendations in the comments!
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I can always count on you to add good titles to my reading list! Thank you and happy travels!