Did you know that Puerto Ricans comprise the second largest group of Hispanics within the United States? Second to Mexicans, according to the U.S. Census, Puerto Ricans make up 9% of the Hispanic US population as of 2021. The island of Puerto Rico itself is a tropical paradise that lies in the Caribbean Sea, southeast of Florida. From its lush rainforest to its lively city life in San Juan, Puerto Rico has much to offer curious travelers. It is also a segment of land that has encompassed an interesting history of colonialism and politics, as it lies in a discussion between statehood and independence.
In this article, we have included seven diverse books that explore Puerto Rican culture from a variety of different perspectives. From fictional dark horror to romantic comedies to stirring memoirs, these recommendations strive to give readers a peek into the spirited identity of Puerto Rico.
Tiny Threads by Lilliam Rivera
If you are a fan of The Devil Wears Prada and dark horror, then we have the book for you! Meet Samara. Everything seems to be going great for her. Moving to sunny California, she manages to land her dream job with iconic fashion designer Antonio Mota. But Samara’s dream life starts to break apart, along with her sanity, as strange things begin to transpire ahead of the most essential fashion show of the season. Could it be the stress and anxiety of all of her new life changes? Or is something sinister lurking in the shadows, waiting for Samara?
Las Madres by Esmeralda Santiago
Weaving between different intergenerational traumas, this novel flips between 1975 Puerto Rico and 2017 Bronx. Initially, we are introduced to Luz, an outsider in her dance academy, who later suffers through a tragic accident that leaves her disabled and her parents killed. Fortunately, she is adopted by a group of close-knit girls who refer to themselves as Las Madres. Years later, Luz’s daughter, Marysol, is living in the Bronx and doesn’t understand her mother due to the miscommunication between the two because of her mother’s disability. But a fateful trip to Puerto Rico gives Marysol a better understanding of her mother’s identity.
Ordinary Girls by Jaquira Díaz
In this page-turning memoir, Jaquira Díaz details the struggles and obstacles in her life as she transitioned between the low-income neighborhoods of Puerto Rico and Miami. Díaz writes a love letter to her friends, who were there to support her through dealing with her mother’s mental health issues and other traumatic ventures. On top of all of this, the complexities of colonialism inflicted on Puerto Rico is another topic Díaz explores.
Love War Stories by Ivelisse Rodriguez
This collection of short stories acknowledges the yearning and heartbreak wrought on Puerto Rican girls. As they are growing up, it is common for girls to be introduced to fairy tale romance, which generates a longing to chase these real-life stories. However, in this anthology, it is revealed that this fruitless search can lead to betrayal, grief, and shattered promises. Those who see this process happen generation after generation swear to break out of this cycle. But Rodriguez shares the accounts that chase if we can really escape the endless circle of these “love war stories.”
A Proposal They Can’t Refuse by Natalie Caña
Switching over to a lighter topic, this romantic comedy is the first in a series that details the Vega Family Love Stories. In a Chicago neighborhood wrecked with the inevitable wave of gentrification, Kamilah Vega is on a mission to rescue her family’s failing Puerto Rican restaurant. But to do that, her grandfather insists that she marry the grandson of his best friend — an idea that does not sit well with Kamilah. However, this grandson in question is Liam Kane, and he and his grandfather run the family’s successful distillery. Sadly, Liam’s grandfather is dying of cancer and is also working with Kamilah’s grandfather to set the couple up. To appease their family, Kamilah and Liam fake their engagement. But will this sham of an engagement turn into real love?
Mother Island: A Daughter Claims Puerto Rico by Jamie Figueroa
Instead of highlighting the culture and characteristics of Puerto Rico, this powerful memoir details the struggles of cultural identity diaspora. From a Puerto Rican background, Jamie Figueroa tells her story of living in a mainly white Midwest neighborhood. Over the years, and separated from her ancestral background, Figueroa’s mother and sisters have helped shape her identity. But as she grew up, Figueroa discovered writing, mythology, and folklore to reclaim her ancestral identity.
You Had Me at Hola by Alexis Daria
If you also loved growing up with your grandmother watching Spanish-language telenovelas, this is the romantic comedy novel for you! As the first part of the Primas of Power series, soap opera superstar Jasmine Lin Rodriguez is picking up the pieces after a messy and publicized breakup by diving headfirst into her next television project, starring opposite telenova hottie Ashton Suárez. After his previous character was killed off, Ashton is worried that his acting career is disappearing. With that dilemma, Ashton is adamant about keeping his on-screen romance with Jasmine hot and steamy for the audience’s attention. Of course, some off-screen romance practice is necessary to keep Ashton’s career on track. But what happens when the real-life drama becomes more salacious than the telenovela?
If you are unable to visit Puerto Rico for yourself, hopefully, these dynamic books can give you a better sense of its bright and lively culture. From a culture that is electrifying and spirited, these narratives offer their readers an exciting ride into a different perspective.
For more articles on Puerto Rico, check out Spotlighting Culturally Rich Puerto Rican Literature.
For more Latinx representation recommendations, check out this bookshelf.
