Bookseller-Recommended Audiobooks by Latine Authors

Last Night in Brooklyn

By Xochitl Gonzalez, narrated by Elizabeth Rodriguez

“A love letter to Brooklyn and her people in the early 2000s, this is a heartbreaking and heartwarming story of love, friendship, found family, loss, and hope. Gonzalez captures the soul of a New York borough with deep cultural roots and ferocious fidelity and pride. Her characters are richly developed and wonderfully nuanced, and her story soars.”

— Nancy, Raven Book Store

The Bewitching

By Silvia Moreno-Garcia, narrated by Gisela Chipe

“The Bewitching is an ensnaring multi-timeline gothic novel full of little haunts and dread. A little bit of an academia vibe + creepy things happening = an intriguing story. If you like dark gothic novels, horror, or witchy things, give this a listen!”

— Claire, Mostly Books

The Possession of Alba Díaz

By Isabel Cañas, narrated by Carolina Hoyos & Anthony Rey Perez

“A beautifully written narrative with both historical fiction elements and the gothic undertones of a city plagued with disease and a mine threatening to swallow up souls. This book is thrilling without being overly gory, and the romance adds to the plot instead of distracting from it. I adored these characters and loved the narrators who performed the audiobook.”

— Annie, Country Bookshelf

Clap When You Land

By Elizabeth Acevedo, narrated by Elizabeth Acevedo & Melania Luisa Marte

“Lyrically written with precise clarity and beautiful turn of phrase, National Book Award-winner Elizabeth Acevedo shares a poignant story of loss, identity, and family. I highly recommend the audio version because of the poetic cadence that begs to be read aloud and the voice of two women (including the author) who narrate the two points of view in the book, adding an extra dimension to the story.”

— Tina, Leaves Bakery and Books

You Should Have Been Nicer to My Mom

By Vincent Tirado, narrated by Vincent Tirado

“An excellent slow-burn horror of a relatable main character stuck in a house with her unpleasant extended family just long enough to hear their grandfather’s will read. A supernatural Knives Out or Westing Game for grownups. Tirado gets better with every book, and this one especially felt like a nostalgic wink to the horror classics.”

— Emily, Main Street Books Monroe

Decomposition Book

By Sara van Os, narrated by Jess Nahikian & Gail Shalan

“Hey so are you looking for a book that is going to take you on one of the wildest emotional rollercoasters ever? Good, then read this book. From some of the best representation of OCD I’ve ever seen to excellent and heartbreaking discussions of mental health, grief, sexual identity, and trauma, Savannah is such a relatable character.”

— Maggie, Bones & Brooms Bookshop

Muñeca

By Cynthia Gómez, narrated by Elena Rey & Frankie Corzo

“Natalie, a witch, agrees to be a companion to an heiress who has been left paralyzed. When Natalie gets to the house, she finds out something far more sinister is going on. A stunning queer Gothic horror that will have you itching for revenge and ready to pitchfork a man.”

— Anna, The Underground Bookshop

Futbolista

By Jonny Garza Villa, narrated by Robb Moreira

“Rising futbol player who thought he was just being The Best Ally to his cute philosophy tutor, turns out he’s bisexual and falling in love. There is a bit of a slow burn, friends-to-lovers arc that is to die for and has great representation for Queer, Latine folks. This book is absolutely one of the best romances that I have read, it is sexy yet vulnerable and I couldn’t stop reading.”

— Adriana, Schuler Books

The Palace of Eros

By Caro De Robertis, narrated by Caro De Robertis

“This book was amazing. The writing was lyrical and poetic, and the narrator (who is also the author!) did an excellent job bringing the characters to life and telling the story. I love Greek retellings, and this queer retelling of Eros and Psyche is a must read for any fans of Greek mythology.”

— Laura, Fable Book Parlour

You Had Me at Hola

By Alexis Daria, narrated by Seraphine Valentine

“I don’t have enough superlatives to do this book justice. Everything is spot on, from the chemistry between the main characters to the telenovela drama to the meddling but supportive cousins. I love all the Spanish, the backstage glimpses into the making of a TV show (especially the inclusion of the intimacy coordinator), and the way the telenovela tropes, like a secret child, are woven into the grounded romance. Now I just hope Michelle and Ava get their own books soon!”

— Cecilia Cackley, East City Bookshop

The Worst Best Man

By Mia Sosa, narrated by Rebecca Mozo & Wayne Mitchell

“There’s nothing better than a good enemies-to-lovers trope, and The Worst Best Man delivers a great wedding-themed twist. I loved the representation of Brazilian American culture in this book; Lina’s family provides an excellent supporting cast filled with personality. I can only hope this isn’t the last we’ll see of them!”

— Kate, Bookmarks

A Vow in Vengeance

By Jaclyn Rodriguez, narrated by Raquel Beattie & Gregory Salinas

“A debut romantasy that I devoured, didn’t want to end and crave more now. Political intrigue, found family, vengeance and a slow burn that had me DYING.”

— Teresa, Old Firehouse Books

Estela, Undrowning

By René Peña-Govea, narrated by Victoria Villareal

“Estela, Undrowning by René Peña-Govea is perfect for fans of The Poet X. It’s YA fiction set in modern San Francisco, focused on prejudice within the school system as well as those biases we don’t even see in ourselves. It’s heavy, but beautifully and poetically written. ”

— Anna, Katy Budget Books

Every Version of You

By Natalie Messier, narrated by Alejandra Reynoso & Timothy Andrés Pabon

“An amazing debut! I am in awe of the beautiful and poignant story that Messier delivers with this book. I absolutely love how relatable Joey, our main character, was from the start. A Latina woman who buries her feelings in order to placate everyone around her and doesn’t truly invest in her own passions or dreams in order to make her parents proud – wow Messier, did you take a glimpse into my life or something? That twist at the end I genuinely did not see coming, but I’m so glad that it happened because it made me realize just how in tune Alex and Joey were. Some people, and pets, are genuinely meant to be in other people’s lives and I absolutely love that. You don’t want to miss this one!”

— Itzy M., M. Judson Booksellers

Freedom Is a Feast

By Alejandro Puyana, narrated by Luis Selgas, Blas Kisic, Graciela Valderrama & Ana Osorio

“A propulsive story of love and politics, courage and hope in Venezuela, this decade-spanning story portrays power and wealth as well as life in the poor barrios, harsh prisons and in the jungles. Gripping and fast-paced.”

— Anne, Newtonville Books

The Great Divide

By Cristina Henriquez, narrated by Robin Miles

“One of the most beautifully narrated books I have ever listened to! The Great Divide takes place in Panama, around the building of the canal. Featuring several characters with different story lines, this is a fascinating look at the building of the canal from the points of view of the Panamanian people, and the people that traveled there to find work on the canal.”

— Mary, Skylark Bookshop

Blackouts

By Justin Torres, narrated by Ozzie Rodriguez & Torian Brackett

“This stunning novel explores the intimacies of queer life across generations through storytelling. Torres weaves in and out of linear time to express the rippling effects of redacting personal histories. Even though it is written as if you are hearing an old story, it feels like poetry. I felt like I was in a haze while reading and had trouble tearing myself away. Every word is given the weight it deserves, resonating with the audience as the author presents a narrative in the intersection of heartfelt fiction and heartbreaking truth. Prepare to feel the full range of human emotion as you walk away in awed catharsis.”

— Maggie, Quail Ridge Books

Detained

By David Esperanza & Gerardo Iván Morales, narrated by Christian Barillas & Gerardo Iván Morales

“Detained is an incredibly heartbreaking memoir of what it is like at the border between Mexico and the USA. D. Esperanza should never have gone through what he did, but his story is powerful and brings to light the realities of the situation at the border. What I find most upsetting is that, most likely, no one who needs to read this (to see/understand the ‘other side’) will read it. We need more stories like this one.”

— Ally, Little Charity Book Truck

My Broken Language

By Quiara Alegría Hudes, narrated by Quiara Alegría Hudes

“This memoir is a masterpiece! Hudes is a gifted storyteller and I was struck by the richness of her language, especially in a book ostensibly dedicated to its ‘brokenness.’ She seamlessly intertwines cultures, dialects, and slang across seemingly disparate groups — a skill honed as she grew into a Pulitzer-winning composer and playwright. Hudes commits to telling her story honestly but not tragically. She doesn’t dwell on the hardest parts of her life. Instead, she acknowledges them plainly but spends much more energy celebrating the Perez women in all their diverse, indefatigable glory. I turned the last page with enlivened understanding and fresh hope. Read it!”

— Holly, WORD Bookstores

Somebody Is Walking on Your Grave

By Mariana Enriquez, narrated by Annette Amelia Oliveira

“This is my version of a cozy book to curl up with in the colder seasons. It has the right amount of heart and humor, enough new information to keep me engaged, and it gives a peek into the personal life of an author I am now much more interested in. I also feel less alone as a weirdo in this world, knowing that someone enjoys visiting cemeteries as much as I do!”

— Nikole, Bookshop Santa Cruz

Mistress of Bones

By Maria Z. Medina, narrated by Ana Osorio

“This is a gorgeous tale of love between sisters and what we will sacrifice for our chosen family. With the power to give life to bones, Azul is a clever, passionate protagonist with the purest of desires – to bring her sister back from death. I love this idea of a life necromancer, pulling from a fantastical mythology about gods of life and death. The book not only has a powerful bond between sisters, but also a friendship between two fierce, talented women (who are also excellent swordsmen). The world-building is top-notch, with floating lands in the sky and political complexity between nations and gods. With queerness, romance, and excellent sword fighting, this is a must-read, especially during Hispanic Heritage Month!”

— Orion, The Legendarium

How Moon Fuentez Fell in Love with the Universe

By Raquel Vasquez Gilliland, narrated by Kyla Garcia

“Magical realism and rivals to lovers on a tour bus? This was such a fun ride, literally. I loved the way Moon pondered words and worked on her photography. Moon working through her low points was handled so sensitively and filled me with hope!”

— Gina, BookPeople

Cemetery Boys

By Aiden Thomas, narrated by Avi Roque

“A wonderful own-voices-story celebrating intersections of transness, queerness and Latinx culture. It’s a book you can hardly put away and is both heartwarming and crushing at the same time.”

— trans*fabel

A Hero’s Guide to Summer Vacation

By Pablo Cartaya, narrated by Pablo Cartaya

“Pablo Cartaya’s books always blend important topics with his trademark humor. In this book, he faces his biggest challenge yet – how to add humor to a book about a boy’s grief at losing his father. Pablo is just the author for this task. In this innovative novel, he weaves Gonzalo’s story with those of his grandfather and mother, and adds a hefty dose of a wise-cracking narrator to achieve the perfect balance. Cartaya is the voice actor for the audiobook, and he seems most like himself when voicing the narrator. He adds the right touches to the voices of the other characters, bringing them fully to life. Hold onto your heart – the tears are as spot-on as the laughs in this heart-felt story.”

— Sara, Book People Richmond

It’s All or Nothing, Vale

By Andrea Beatriz Arango, narrated by Vico Ortiz

“This book is wonderful! Beautifully and realistically deals with the reality that is chronic pain and disability. Highly recommend!”

— Anne, Viewpoint Books

The Girl Who Sings to Bees

By Chiquis & Lissette Norman, narrated by Chiquis

“This is a beautiful story in which a little girl reflects on the loss of her mother and the way she can connect to her through song. This is a full production narrated by the author, Chiquis, and supported by a lovely musical score. All about uncovering your strength to find your own voice!”

— Charlotte, Terrier Books

El buen mal

By Samanta Schweblin, narrated by Paula Pichersky

“Una compilación de cuentos de la fabulosa Samanta Schweblin. Un libro donde el terror sutil y tenue se va filtrando por las fisuras de lo real, donde lo mundano, lo cotidiano, se distorsiona.

A collection of stories by the brilliant Samanta Schweblin. A book where subtle, delicate horror seeps through the cracks of reality, where the mundane, the everyday, becomes distorted.”

— Mati, Rizoma Libros

La mujer volcán

By Carla Antonelli & Marcos Dosantos, narrated by Lola Rodríguez

“Valiente, íntimo y político, La mujer volcán presenta a Carla Antonelli, actriz y activista que convirtió la militancia en política institucional en España. Memorias que son puro fuego. Fue la primera mujer trans en un parlamento autonómico, en la Asamblea de Madrid de 2011 a 2021, y desde 2023 es la primera senadora trans del país. Su camino se entiende junto a Pedro Zerolo, amigo y compañero de lucha, referente del movimiento LGTBI y voz clave en la aprobación del matrimonio igualitario en 2005 en España. La narración de Lola Rodríguez, actriz española que da vida a Valeria Vegas en la serie española Veneno, aporta cercanía y ritmo. Recomendamos este audiolibro a quien quiera comprender la historia reciente de los derechos LGTBIQ+ en España a través de una voz que inspira, contextualiza y acompaña.”

— Plastic Books

La invención de Morel

By Adolfo Bioy Casares, narrated by Andrés Neuman

“La isla, el misterio y la obsesión. En La invención de Morel, Bioy Casares nos invita a perdernos en una isla donde nada es lo que parece, y donde el amor y la inmortalidad se entrelazan con lo imposible. Una obra que redefine los límites de la realidad y la fantasía.

The island, the mystery, and the obsession. In The Invention of Morel, Bioy Casares invites us to lose ourselves on an island where nothing is what it seems, and where love and immortality intertwine with the impossible. A work that redefines the boundaries between reality and fantasy.”

— Mati, Rizoma Libros