Welcome to Latino Book Chat!

Season 1 Episodes

July 24, 2024

51. Sergio Troncoso ~ Teenage Fugitives, Deadly Cargo

Join us as we delve into Sergio Troncoso's award-winning novel, "Nobody's Pilgrims." This episode explores the story of three teenagers on a desperate road trip across America. We discuss the characters' struggles, the themes of escape and belonging, and the …

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July 10, 2024

50. Raquel Reyes ~ A Culinary Sleuth’s Recipe for Danger

Let’s dive into the tantalizing world of “Barbacoa, Bomba, and Betrayal” by Raquel V. Reyes. In this third installment of the Caribbean Kitchen mysteries, we follow Miriam Quiñones, a cooking show sensation and amateur sleuth...

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June 19, 2024

49. Diana López ~ Border Myths Unleashed

In the magical town of Tres Leches, where Texas folklore dances with Mexican legends, the curse of La Llorona has lifted, but now the children of Tres Leches are mysteriously vanishing. Enter the Dancing Devil—a monstruo with a penchant for …

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June 5, 2024

48. E.A. Aymar ~ Dangerous Alliances

In this heart-pounding thriller, a young couple fleeing a criminal family confronts a reluctant assassin. Melissa Cruz falls hard for dreamy-eyed photographer Jake, but she already has a boyfriend—a rising star in his family’s crime organization. Will Melissa and Jake …

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May 15, 2024

47. Frederick Luis Aldama ~ Brown Lives, Border Struggles

In “Through Fences”, Frederick Luis Aldama and illustrator Oscar Garza weave a poignant tapestry of life in the US–Mexico borderlands. The stories follow Latino kids and young adults as they navigate the challenges of living near the border. From a …

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May 1, 2024

46. Ricardo González ~ Savoring Memories

In this episode, we unravel the pages of The Mango Chronicle, a memoir that reads like a sun-soaked dream. Dr. Ricardo González, a physician turned storyteller, invites us into his world—a world where mangoes are more than fruit; they are …

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April 3, 2024

45. Loretta Lopez ~ The Magic of Friendship

In this captivating middle-grade novel, City Girls by Loretta Lopez is a story of finding refuge with friends who understand the enormous challenges faced by eleven years old. The stories are told through the eyes of three young girls who …

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March 20, 2024

44. Luis Cayo ~ Unraveling the Tapestry of Adventure

In this captivating episode, we delve into the whimsical tale of “The Extraordinary Adventures of Pepo and Pipa,” a Kickstarter-funded story that has captured the hearts of readers. Join us as we journey with two courageous siblings, Pepo and Pipa, …

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March 6, 2024

43. Daniel Olivas ~ Reimagining a Classic with a Chicano Twist

Join us as we sit down with the talented and insightful Daniel Olivas, author of the groundbreaking novel, "Chicano Frankenstein." Daniel takes us on a literary journey through the pages of his thought-provoking work, where he skillfully blends the elements …

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Feb. 21, 2024

42. Ruth Behar ~ Finding Home and Belonging

In this episode, we dive into the rich and captivating novel Across So Many Seas by Ruth Behar, a Pura Belpré Award winner and a descendant of Sephardic Jews from Cuba. The novel follows the lives of four girls from …

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Feb. 7, 2024

41. Estella González ~ Love, Loss and Survival

In this episode, we dive into the captivating novel Huizache Women by Estella González, which follows the lives of three generations of women who struggle with love, loss and survival in Mexico, Texas and California. We discuss how the author …

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Nov. 15, 2023

40. Carmen Tafolla ~ The Power of Poetry and Heritage

In this episode, we are honored to have Carmen Tafolla author of Warrior Girl, a novel in verse that tells the story of Celina Teresa Guerrera Amaya. We talk to Carmen about her inspiration for writing this book, her use …

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Oct. 26, 2023

39. Lauren Muñoz ~ A Killer Party

In this episode, we’ll dive into the plot, the characters, the themes, and the writing style of Suddenly a Murder by Lauren Muñoz. She talks about her inspiration, her writing process, and her favorite mysteries. So grab your flapper dress …

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Oct. 11, 2023

38. E.C. Dukes ~ A Graphic Novel Combines Sci-Fi, Cars, and Social Ju…

Daizee and the Dukes of Chuco: Chuco World Rally is a futuristic adventure by author E.C. Dukes and illustrator Ronnie Dukes. The graphic novel follows Daizee, a Latina engineer, and her cousins as they race to save the environment from …

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Sept. 27, 2023

37. Margo Candela ~ Family, Sisterhood, Secrets

The Neapolitan Sisters by Margo Candela is a humorous yet moving story that delves into the themes of family, culture, trauma, and identity. The novel is told in alternating points of view by the three Bernal sisters: Maritza, Claudia, and …

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Sept. 13, 2023

36. Yasmín Ramirez ~ Proud to be Prieta

What happens when you grow up in a place where two cultures collide and two languages coexist? How do you find your voice and your identity in a world that often misunderstands or misrepresents you? In this episode Yasmín Ramírez …

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Aug. 16, 2023

35. Edwin Fontánez ~ Unveiling the Depths of Father-Son Bonds

In today's episode we’re going to discuss a memoir that has touched my heart and made me think about the complexities of family, memory, and art. The book is called One Last Song for My Father: A Son’s Memoir by …

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Aug. 2, 2023

34. David Vela ~ From the Farmlands to the White House: An Inspiring …

Hola Ranger: My Journey Through the National Parks by David Vela is a memoir of his life story, from growing up in the farmlands of Southeast Texas, to visiting his first national park, to working in various parks across the …

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July 19, 2023

33. Adriana Erin Rivera ~ How Music and Family Helped a Girl Survive …

Christian Meneses Jacobs, host of Latino Book Chat, interviews Adriana Erin Rivera, author of "Paloma: Song for Puerto Rico." They discuss various aspects of the book, including the importance of representing Puerto Rican history and culture accurately. Adriana shares her …

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July 5, 2023

32. Ana Reyes ~ Uncovering the Secrets of the Past

In this episode of the Latino Book Chat podcast, host Christianne Meneses Jacobs interviews author Ana Reyes about her book "The House in the Pines." Ana discusses the inspiration behind her story, including a creepy house in the forest, and …

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June 21, 2023

31. Angela Dominguez ~ The Young Activist Grows Up

In this episode, we’ll be discussing the fifth and final book in the series, Stella Diaz Leaps to the Future by Angela Dominguez. In this book, Stella is facing some big changes in her life. How will Stella cope with …

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June 7, 2023

30. Mona Alvarado Frazier Growing Hope

The Garden of Second Chances by Mona Alvarado Frazier explores real-life issues faced by Juana, the protagonist. Join us as we dive into Juana’s journey of survival, redemption, and courage in the face of impossible odds as we discuss topics …

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May 24, 2023

29. AJ Sidransky Revolution and Redemption in Castro's Cuba

In this episode, we’re discussing Incident at San Miguel by A. J. Sidransky, a riveting tale of heartbreak, loss, and forgiveness set during the Cuban Revolution. We are going to explore historical fiction and the stories behind the stories. Incident …

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May 10, 2023

28. Karina González and Krystal Quiles The Resilient People of Puerto…

With her book The Coquíes Still Sing, Karina González tells us the story of the devastation of Puerto Rico after hurricane María from the point of view of a young girl. Karina and her illustrator Krystal Quiles chat about the …

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