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Latinidad – Winter 2025: Best Books of the Year
Contents:
1. Saludos
2. The Latinidad List
3. Resources: Witness Magazine
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BEFORE YOU SEND IT OUT
“Thank you again for your instructive and candid feedback. It has motivated and inspired me to become a better writer. Your insights were invaluable!”
—Jackie Rice, author of Make Way for Winged Eros”
Ready to work with a professional editor? Visit https://marcelalandres.com.
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1. Saludos
Not everyone has the good fortune to live near an indie bookstore. That’s why this year I’m suggesting my readers buy online at a specific one: Cafe con Libros, owned by Afro-Latinx Kalima DeSuze. Physical books, ebooks, and audiobooks can be purchased via their web site https://www.cafeconlibrosbk.com/. Below are some of my fave reads of the year which would make excellent gifts. Happy holiday shopping!
Helping Latinos get published,
Marcela Landres
marcelalandres@yahoo.com
https://marcelalandres.com
2. The Latinidad List
Novel – My Train Leaves at Three by Natalie Guerrero
Propulsive portrayal of the liminal spaces between inertia and force, and destruction and transformation.
Debut Novel – Afia in the Land of Wonders by Mia Araujo
Thrilling interpretation of Alice in Wonderland and the inherent tension intertwining fear and curiosity.
Short Stories – Guatemalan Rhapsody by Jared Lemus
Bloody beautiful stories as raw as burnt skin about hubris, penance, and grace.
Narrative Nonfiction – Art Above Everything by Stephanie Elizondo Griest
Celebratory examination of the exaltations and sacrifices integral to being a female artist.
Poetry – Dream of the Bird Tattoo by Juan J. Morales
Delicate poems that probe the borders of dreams and memories, fear and fury, and grief and gratitude.
Cookbook – My (Half) Latinx Kitchen by Kiera Wright-Ruiz
Guatita? Check. Caldo de Bolas? Check. Caldo de Pata? Check. Eternal thanks to Kiera Wright-Ruiz for capturing the best memories of my childhood in an absolutely unputdownable cookbook.
Self-Help – I Am Worthy by Christine Gutierrez
Real talk that should be required reading for every woman who finds herself prioritizing success over joy and others over herself.
Young Adult – When We Ride by Rex Ogle
Gut-wrenching rendering of the ride-or-die friendship between two boys whose circumstances collide with their ambitions.
Middle Grade – Graciela in the Abyss by Meg Medina
Transporting voyage to an otherworldly ocean populated by winsome spirits who navigate a complicated relationship with land dwellers.
Children’s Picture Book – Fix-It Familia by Lucky Diaz
Inspiring reminder that no person or idea is too small to be helpful, and that our imagination is often our most powerful tool.
3. Resources
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WITNESS MAGAZINE
Submission Period: January
Witness seeks original fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. They seek to amplify extraordinary voices from every part of the globe and are proud to feature the work of emerging voices alongside that of established writers. Contributors are paid. For more information, visit https://witness.blackmountaininstitute.org/.
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ZERO STREET FICTION
Submission Period: January 1 – April 30
A series of the University of Nebraska Press, Zero Street seeks LGBTQ+ literary fiction of all kinds, from stories of modern life to innovations on traditions of genre and are particularly interested in BIPOC authors, trans authors, and queer authors over 50. For more information, visit https://universityofnebraskapress.submittable.com/submit.
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ANDERSON CENTER ARTIST RESIDENCIES
Deadline: January 13
The Anderson Center offers residencies to those working in visual, literary, and performing arts, including those whose work doesn’t fit neatly into categories and genres. There is no charge for the residency, and all food is provided. For more information, visit https://www.andersoncenter.org/.
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$5000 FOR BEST PROPOSAL FROM A FIRST-TIME BIOGRAPHER
Deadline: March 1
The Hazel Rowley Prize rewards a first-time biographer with: $5,000; a careful reading from an established agent; a year’s membership in the Biographers International Organization (BIO); and publicity for the author and project through the BIO website. For more information, visit https://biographersinternational.org/.
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KNOWLEDGE IS POWER ONLY WHEN SHARED
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“Not all readers become leaders. But all leaders must be readers.”
—Harry S. Truman
Latinidad® © 2003 by Marcela Landres
Marcela Landres 