Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with Great Books

It’s Hispanic Heritage Month, and what better way to celebrate than with a great book?

Each year, from September 15 to October 15, we take time to recognize and honor the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic and Latine communities.

If you're anything like me, you might be wondering: Why does it start in the middle of September?

Let’s have a little history lesson.

In 1968, President Lyndon B. Johnson, authorized by Congress, established National Hispanic Heritage Week. The date was chosen because September 15 marks the independence anniversaries of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Not far behind, Mexico celebrates on September 16, and Chile on September 18.

Then, in 1988, President Ronald Reagan signed a law expanding the celebration to a full month, recognizing that a week just wasn’t enough to honor the lasting impact of Hispanic Americans on our country.

Now that we know the “why,” let’s get to the fun part: Books that celebrate Hispanic heritage, history, and voices.

Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

“After receiving a frantic letter from her newly-wed cousin begging for someone to save her from a mysterious doom, Noemí Taboada heads to High Place, a distant house in the Mexican countryside. She’s not sure what she will find—her cousin’s husband, a handsome Englishman, is a stranger, and Noemí knows little about the region.”

The Bewitching by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

“Three women in three different eras encounter danger and witchcraft in this eerie multigenerational horror saga from the New York Times bestselling author of Mexican Gothic.”

My Name is Emiia Del Valle by Isabel Allende

“In this “stunning” (People), “riveting” (Entertainment Weekly) historical novel, a young writer journeys to South America to uncover the truth about her father—and herself.”

Vampires of El Norte by Isabel Canas

“Vampires, vaqueros, and star-crossed lovers face off on the Texas–Mexico border in this supernatural Western from the author of The Hacienda.”

And if history is more your speed, check out these local history books that dive into the history, culture, and shared heritage of the people that helped build our country. Be sure to use coupon code BOOKISHTAILOR for 20% off!