I’ve teamed up with Penguin Random House to showcase Latinx & Hispanic authors for Latinx & Hispanic Heritage Month.
The best way to learn about someone else’s culture is to listen, or rather in this case, read. The Latinx experience is vast and unique to everyone. I cannot speak for other Latinos but I can give you some insight on what I’ve gone through and what I believe.
The word “Latinx” has been very polarizing, but I don’t think it should be. One of my recommendations is “Finding Latinx” : In Search of the Voices Redefining Latino Identity , by Paola Ramos. While I am a cis Latino man, I use Latinx as a term of respect and solidarity. I see you and your story is just as valid. Being Latino is not just one thing and Paola covers how “Latinx” has given rise to a sense of collectivity and solidarity among Latinos unseen in this country for decades.
You can also learn about a culture through it’s humor. That is why I also recommend God-Level Knowledge Darts: Life Lessons from the Bronx by Desus and Mero. I didn’t realize my humor was a little off until I left The Bronx 😂 But that humor was born from the community and culture I grew up with. A humor born from the struggles of marginalized people.
Why do we laugh about certain things? It is a great way to understand where we came from.
BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS FOR LATINX & HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH
“Finding Latinx” : In Search of the Voices Redefining Latino Identity by Paola Ramos
God-Level Knowledge Darts: Life Lessons from the Bronx by Desus and Mero
Bodega Dreams by Ernesto Quinonez
Decoding “Despacito”: An Oral History of Latin Music by Leila Cobo
Horizontal Vertigo: A City Called Mexico by Juan Villoro
What Can You Do with a Paleta? by Carmen Tafolla
Check out all the other books on my stack as well, all from @penguinrandomhouse!
Bodega Dreams has a special place in my heart as well, I had to read Bodega Dreams in high school! 😂
Thanks for reading and y’all stay dandy.
-Diego
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