Have you ever wondered why National Hispanic Heritage Month starts in the middle of September?
Many Latin American countries observe their Independence Day in mid-September. President Johnson introduced the holiday as a week-long recognition to honor the rich Hispanic culture and contributions of Latinos in the Unites States.
Eventually, President Reagan expanded it into a month-long observance to include Columbus Day or Día de la Raza in October. Now, National Hispanic Heritage month is celebrated from September 15 through October 15.
In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month, Victoria Gisondi from our Perkasie branch wanted to honor her own Cuban American roots by featuring six noteworthy books by Latino authors. You’ll find these titles and more at your local branch or the National Hispanic Heritage Month shelves on cloudLibrary.
When We Left Cuba by Chanel Cleeton
“My own parents fled Cuba in the 60s to escape Castro’s communism. I grew up hearing stories from my parents about how they left their homes and sometimes families behind. Cleeton’s book, When We Left Cuba, touches on this time in history.”
Of Women and Salt by Gabriela Garcia
Gabriela Garcia also touches on the aftermath of the Cuban Revolution in her book, Of Women and Salt. It is the story of a daughter who travels to Cuba to find answers about her complicated family.
Violeta by Isabel Allende
Chilean author Isabel Allende’s latest novel, Violeta, starts during an epidemic in 1920 and spans one hundred years. It is a lyrical saga inspired by the death of her mother.
The Daughter of Doctor Moreau by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Mexican-born author Silvia Moreno-Garcia just published her latest novel, The Daughter of Doctor Moreau, which is a magical revision of the Island of Doctor Moreau set in 19th century Mexico.
Martita, I Remember You by Sandra Cisneros
Sandra Cisneros is known mostly for her popular book, The House on Mango Street. But she has also written another gem of a story. In Martita, I Remember You, a Mexican-American girl from Chicago travels to Paris to fulfill her dream of writing and, in the process, forms deep bonds with unexpected people.
Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone by Diana Gabaldon
Although she is known for her time-travel Scottish series, Outlander, few people know that Diana Gabaldon is Mexican American! Her latest in the series is called Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone.
Victoria, Perkasie branch
