Happy Sunday, mis internet amigxs,
Today I invite you to pour your cafecito, have a seat and buckle in for a LONG introduction before we get to today's releases.
If you've been following me on Threads this week, first of all, sorry. I've been feeling a bit discouraged by many publishing headlines/how BIPOC authors are cast aside by an industry that seemingly doesn't value us and our stories, unless it's convenient for them or creates positive press. It's been wearing me down and robbing me of my creativity and desire to create. This has been a constant in my almost 11 years on social media and it's hard not to let myself grow jaded. However, I am old enough to understand that my happiness on social media is guided by MY hand and not by publishing. I want to take some happiness back not only for myself, but so that I can bring you more joy with my content as well.
For a while now, I've been thinking about leaning into the Textiles part of my account name. I love fashion and I think featuring more of that side of myself would not only enable me to express myself more authentically and creatively on social media, but also allow me to explore Latinx fashion brands and to support them in addition to Latine authors. To that end, I've tentatively started a new series on Tik Tok highlighting my favorite Latine brands on TT shop. I'll also be sharing more of my outfits and make-up in stories and little wrap-ups like this on on Threads this morning.
Many of you found me because of my love of Latine books, so let me be clear, the goal of Bien Leidos hasn't changed, just the method in which I interact and show up on social media. Allowing myself the freedom to fully express who I am and everything I love should help me beat this social media slump I've been feeling for quite a while now. You'll still receive this weekly newsletter of upcoming Latine releases. Bien Leidos book club and Discord is literally part of my DNA, so don't expect any changes on those 2 fronts. I appreciate you being along for the ride and for your support. It means the world to be me; you have no idea.
Regarding this week's releases, there is only 1 Latine releases this week, so I'm going to share all the remaining March Latine releases on my radar with you so you can get ahead on pre-ordering. But before we do that, let's catch up where all the action and conversations happen...
BIEN LEIDOS BOOK CLUB & DISCORD UPDATES
WE HAVE MODS! After a short application process, I have added 5 moderators to help me continue to make our Discord safe and fun space to talk books, life, hobbies, and more. Be on the lookout to improvements and changes to your Discord experience!
Already mentioned on Discord, but I wanted to give you a quick heads up to expect The Intrigue by Silvia Moreno-Garcia as our August book club pick. She mentioned this week on Threads that when she writes outside of horror/fantasy genres, her numbers aren't as strong. I've fallen off my SMG train a bit with everything going on in the world, so I wanted to remind you that The Intrigue releases July 14th. You can pre-order on Bookshop or LibroFM.
We will be voting on upcoming June and July picks, but here are upcoming book club selections so you can get your TBR in order.
FICTION
March: Now I Surrender by Alvaro Enrigue and translated by Natasha Wimmer (we will be chatting with Alvaro on Monday, April 6th in lieu of sprints at 8:00 PM--invite to register will go out soon)
April: The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende
May: Asiri and the Amaru by Natalia Hernandez
June: TBD -- will be voting on Discord soon
July: TBD -- will be voting on Discord soon
August: The Intrigue by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
NONFICTION
March - April: Everyone Who Is Gone is Here by Jonathan Blitzer
May - June: Accordien Eulogies by Noe Alvarez
I'll do a formal post updating all our upcoming reads, but wanted you to have the latest list of upcoming reads.
Finally, this is your evergreen reminder that we meet every Monday night on Discord and sprint--whether you're trying to get ahead with your current read or need to clean the house, we're chatting, working, chatting, working, all evening long if you ever want some virtual company.
March 17th Latine Releases
ROMANTASY
Daughter of the Hunt by K. Arsenault Rivera (Audiobook) Retelling of Iphigenia and Artemis myth from Puerto Rican Romantasy author, Rivera. Second book in the Oath of Fire series.
March 24th
MARVEL SERIALIZATION
Enemy of My Enemy: A Daredevil Marvel Crime Novel by Alex Segura: Streets-to-courtroom noir tale of the Punisher on trial for the murder of the Kingpin—with Matt Murdock as his defense attorney. Book two in the Marvel Crime series of thrillers for adult readers.
PICTURE BOOK
Ways Papi Says I Love You by Delia Ruiz : Picture book about the 5 love languages
ROMANCE
The Love Feud by Janine Amesta (Audiobook) second chance romance between 2 exes who pretend to have a feud between their 2 family businesses as a marketing ploy
ROMANCE - MARCH 26th
Home Runner by Millie Perez: Baseball romance featuring grumpy/sunshine and best friends to lovers trope? Yes, please.
CONTEMPORARY FANTASY - MARCH 27th
Bastard of the Alpha by Karina Espinosa: The Damned Return book 1 -- Urban fantasy from Colombia American author.
March 31st
TRANSLATED ECOLOGICAL FICTION
Only A Little While Here by Maria Ospina (Audiobook) Colombian author, Ospina, weaves interrelated animal stories in this truly unique work of ecological fiction from the POV of migratory songbird, orphaned porcupine, two dogs grieving their human companions, and a determined beetle.
POETRY
the light of your body by ire'ne lara silva: Indigenous spiritual poetry collection
xoxo,
Carmen
PS--There is a pretty big March 31st release by a Latina author missing from this list because if you don't want to claim your Latinidad, I'm not here to force an identity on your. Please keep that in mind before commenting on this missing release and any others moving forward.
