National Hispanic Heritage Month is upon us once again in the USA, and as has become my custom, I plan to devote quite a bit of my reading time to literature by people of Hispanic heritage this month.
I think it’s important to appreciate, learn from, and celebrate the contributions of cultures beyond our mainstream American culture. I agree with the words of actress, director, and producer America Ferrera, who writes in her introduction to America Like Me: Reflections on Life Between Cultures, “culture shapes identity and defines possibility” and “teaches us who we are, what to believe, and how to dream. We should all be able to look at the world around us and see a reflection of our true lived experiences. Until then, the American story will never be complete.”
The beauty of Hispanic culture is that it is so far-reaching and inclusive. The stories of Hispanic culture can be distinctive and universal all at once, and I’ve found that no matter how unfamiliar the subject matter of a story may be, I can always find a connection with my own life and circumstances.
The beauty of Hispanic/Latinx literature is that its voices embrace the far-reaching experiences of the culture.
For my own little contribution to completing the American story, I extend to you the invitation to join me in reading some excellent literature by Hispanic/Latinx authors. Here’s what’s on my to-be-read list for the month, which begins today (Monday, September 15) and extends through October 15:
- All and Then None of You, the debut short story collection from Melissa Flores Anderson, which was published earlier this month by Cowboy Jamboree Press. I’ve already started reading this collection–described as a road trip across California with a gang of misfits–and am enjoying it immensely. From Amazon: “From a run down motel in Lake County to a fast food parking lot off I-5 just north of Los Angeles to a stopover for Monarch butterflies on the California Coast, these stories showcase the beauty and isolation that inhabit the quiet corners of the state.”
- Bad Mexican, Bad American: Poems, a collection from Jose Hernandez Diaz (X/Twitter link) published in March 2024. I’ve started reading this one, too, toggling between it and Flores Anderson’s collection. This collection is described on Amazon as “the minimalist, working-class aesthetic of a ‘disadvantaged Brown kid'”–a kid who puts ketchup on his breakfast burritos, according to the opening poem, “Ballad of the West Coast Mexican American/Chicanx,” which also includes the line that pertains to many Americans of Mexican descent: “My American friends think I’m too Mexican./My Mexican friends think I’m too American.” Note to self: I’m already behind on Hernandez Diaz’s writing; his latest collection, Portrait of the Artist as a Brown Man: Poems, came out in May.
- Latine Lit, a literary magazine dedicated to publishing the work of Latinx writers. From the litmag’s mission statement: “LatineLit publishes short stories written by and about Latinx people. By promoting our authors, as well as other Latinx writers, we aim to create opportunities to showcase new works and celebrate the diverse experiences and perspectives of our community.” Check out the latest issue, Summer 2025, Vol. 4, Issue 3, and immerse yourself in some astounding writing and strong voices you might not otherwise know about. Be sure to also look at LatineLit‘s list of recommended reading.
If longer works are more in line with your interests, check out my Hispanic Heritage Month post from last year, in which I offer five great classic Hispanic novels, or from the year before that, when I listed five contemporary Hispanic authors you should read.
Andy writes! 