Category: Events

This year, Las Comadres & Friends National Latino Book Club celebrates its 20^th Anniversary of reading and promoting Latine culture and literature.  They’ve created a community of authors, readers and industry professionals.  Today, June 22, they announce the release of their 12th annual Summer Reading List on this the first day of the summer.

“Reading is most rewarding when it creates a connection—whether to a character, a culture, an idea, or a shared human experience,” says Teresa M. Tobin, Project Manager. “Our Summer Reading List offers something special for everyone because it celebrates the richness and diversity of Latine storytelling. These books bring together a wide range of voices and experiences that explore culture, identity, family, and community. Whether you’re seeking entertainment, inspiration, or a deeper understanding of the world around you, you’ll find a story that speaks to you. Enjoy the journey!”

For more information on the 2026 Summer Reading List, email Teresa M. Tobin, Project Manager, at tmtobin.lcbookclub@gmail.com.

1. Bless Me, Ultima by Rudolfo Anaya (Grand Central Publishing) — Classical
2. Calladita No More: My Latina Journey and the Lessons that Shaped Me by Hady Mendez (Publish Your Purpose) — Biography 
3. Convent Wisdom: How 16^th Century Nuns Could Save Your 21^st Century Life by Ana Garriga and Carmen Urbita (Avid Reader Press) — Nonfiction, history
4. Dreaming of Home by Cristina Jimínez (St. Martin’s Press) — Biography
5. El Vaquero by Emiliano Trujillo (self-published) — Fiction, thriller
6. Guatemalan Rhapsody by Jared Lemus (Ecco) — Short stories
7. Hear Ye Mortals by Yamile Saied Méndez (Levine Querido) — Fiction, YA
8. Kinds of Grace: Poetry (Flowersong Press) by Jennifer Martiza McCauley — Poetry
9. P FKN R: How Bad Bunny Became the Global Voice of Puerto Rican Resistance by Vanessa Díaz and Petra R. Rivera-Rideau (Duke University Press Books) — Ethnomusicology, Latin American Studies
10. Pretend You’re Dead and I Carry You by Julián Delgado Lopera (Liveright) —  Fiction, LGBTQ+
11. Run Home: A Graphic Memoir by Alyssa Bermudez (Roaring Brook Press) — Graphic novel, YA 
12. Still, We Are Sacred by Emanuel Xavier (Rebel Satori Press) — Poetry, LGBTQ+
13. Talking with Rudy: Platicando con Rudolfo Anaya by Dr. Irene Blea (self-published) — Biography
14. The Game at the End of the World: Villainous Referees, Communist Bakers, the Secret Women’s World Cup, and a Goalkeeper’s Last Stand by Juan Villoro (Restless Books) — Nonfiction, sports
15. The Other Moctezuma Girls by Sofia Robleda (Amazon Crossing) — Fiction
16. The Pecan Sheller by Lupe Ruiz-Flores (Carol Rhoda Books) — Fiction, middle grade
17. The Possession of Alba Diaz by Isabel Cañas (Berkley) — Fiction
18. The Sun and All the Other Stars by Karla Montalván (Elizabeth & Minnie Publishing) — Fiction
19. This Is The Only Kingdom by Jaquira Díaz (Algonquin Books) — Fiction
20. We Are Green and Trembling by Gabriela Cabezón Camara (New Directions) — Historical fiction

Happy Reading and Always Read Latino Lit!

The Las Comadres & Friends National Latino Book Club celebrated its 20th Anniversary on Tuesday, May 19, in New York City, bringing together Comadres, authors, editors, and publishing industry professionals for an evening of celebration and reflection.  Nora Comstock, National / International Founder of Las Comadres Para Las Americas joined the celebration

The anniversary honored both the Book Club’s Leadership Team and the many Friends and Supporters who helped sustain and grow the organization over the past two decades.

HONOREES

Leadership Team
• Teresa M. Tobin
• Maria Ferrer
• Nora Comstock
• Dora Maria Abreu
• Karen Gonzales
• Nydia Marsella

Friends & Supporters
• Atria Books (Michelle Herrera Mulligan)
• Julia Abrantes
• Johanna Castillo
• Adriana Dominguez
• Reyna Grande
• Tina Jordan, formerly with the Association of American Publishers
• Marcela Landres
• Esmeralda Santiago
• Kirk Whisler, International Latino Book Awards

THANK YOU!   Special thanks to Las Comadres & Friends Book Club Project Manager Teresa Tobin, along with Comadres Maria Ferrer and Nydia Marsella, for their dedication and hard work in producing this memorable celebration.

The Book Club also extends heartfelt thanks to hostess Jeannie Diaz; caterers Mirta Rinaldi and Paola Garcia; and photographer Linda Caycedo. Additional appreciation goes to Gladys Ayala-Borjas and Velia LaGarda for their help with decorations, Egli Colon Stephens for her delicious biscochitos, and printer Evelyn Escamilla for creating the anniversary tote bags and t-shirts, which are still available for purchase here:
https://avocado-street-design.square.site/shop/las-comadres/6VK6FAM76YHCFZBTUOCK43A3

JOIN US!  Join the Las Comadres & Friends National Latino Book Club at www.LatinoLit.com, and explore its Books of the Month and Summer Reading List.

Happy Reading — and Always Read Latino Lit.