Hispanic Heritage month first began in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson. It was expanded to cover a 30-day period by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 and now officially runs September 15–October 15. Mid-September was chosen because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September 18, respectively.
In celebration of Latinx Heritage Month, we are spotlighting history, individuals, and places that tie into Scribd's mission as a company. Here are a few recommendations from Venezuela, Colombia, Mexico, and Chile.
VENEZUELA
Andrea Briceño Ortega, Editorial Assistant
Many ask Venezuelans abroad how it is to live in a war-like enclave, to them I'd recommend Karina Sainz Borgo's first novel. It Would Be Night in Caracas deals with the feeling of orphanhood of those whose motherland has been taken away. I also picked Variations on the Body by up-and-coming Colombian author Maria Ospina. She's part of the new generation of women currently dominating short-story writing in Spanish. Her book immerses the reader in Colombia's present, as it struggles to make sense of the recent past.
Author: Karina Sainz Borgo
Book: It Would Be Night in Caracas and Variations on the Body
Podcast: Hyphenated with Joanna Hausmann and Jenny Lorenzo
MEXICO
Victor Villa Ramos, Mobile QA Manager
Born and raised in Mexico, I have always been drawn to Mexican authors like Carlos Fuentes, as well as Octavio Paz, Juan Rulfo, and Jaime Sabines.
Aura was the first of the Fuentes’ books I read, and I was instantly hooked. Between the unusual way it was written (in second person) and its plot full of mystery and supernatural, it's an instant classic of Mexican literature that everyone should read.
Author: Carlos Fuentes
Book: Aura
Podcast: Latino USA - Executive producer: MexAmerican Maria Hinojosa
CHILE
Juan Pumarino Rodríguez, Developer
Author: Roberto Bolaño
Book/Audiobook: Nancy by Bruno Lloret
Podcast (single episode): Capitalism on Trial in Chile in NYT's The Daily
For more reading inspiration celebrating Latinx authors and culture, check out the Celebrating Hispanic Authors list from our Scribd editors.
About the Author: Sarah Sung
Sarah is the Editorial Director at Scribd who obsesses over content strategy and brand building, and has written lifestyle content for AFAR, San Francisco Chronicle, and Under Armour. In her spare time she teaches indoor cycling and consumes podcasts, audiobooks, and ebooks at all times of the day and night. Traveling and dining out are always high on her to-do list
