When you envision Miami, what do you picture? Most would probably say the sandy white beaches and art decor clubs that line South Beach. But Miami is also one of the most diverse areas in the United States — with immigrants ranging from multiple different Latin American and Caribbean countries. Recent census polls revealed that Miami’s population is over 70% Hispanic.
As immigration is a vital topic in Miami, it would make sense that our book recommendations feature stories predominantly about the lives of Latin American immigrants and other sociopolitical topics attached to Miami. We invite you to read along on this episode of Around the World with Bookstr so that you can gain a new perspective on a city with a misunderstood image.
A Haunting in Hialeah Gardens by Raul Palma
Exploring the hardships immigrants face in the United States, Palma details the story of Hugo Contreras — an immigrant living in the Miami metropolitan area who is experiencing rough times following the death of his wife. As if the painful loss was not difficult enough, Hugo’s wife left behind a mountain of crippling debt from her medical bills, trapping Hugo in a life between his studio apartment and his low-paying job at the local botanica. Hugo’s position at the botanica is the local babaláwo — healer or priest in Yoruba culture. The story takes a spin when Hugo is contacted by Alexi Ramirez, who turns out to be the debt collector in charge of his current debt. Alexi strikes a deal with Hugo — if Hugo can rid Alexi’s house of the meddlesome spirits haunting his family, then he will forgive his debt. However, plot twist, Hugo does not believe in what he practices.
The House on Biscayne Bay by Chanel Cleeton
Alternating between the past and present, mystery and scandal reside in the house on Biscayne Bay. In the past, a bright future awaits Anna and Robert Barnes. In the wake of the Great War, they follow other entrepreneurs to Miami, where they build their new home, the estate of Marbrisa. Flash forward to the present and Marbrisa has new residents Carolina and Asher Wyatt. Carolina’s sister, Carmen Acosta, comes to the estate to visit, but soon uncovers the haunting secrets within the mansion’s walls.
Say Hello to My Little Friend by Jennine Capó Crucet
Ismael Reyes’s dream is to be Pitbull, the famous musician from Miami. But Ismael’s dreams come to a crashing halt when Pitbull issues him a cease and desist order. Described by Goodreads as a “fever dream”, the plot gets even crazier when Ismael meets Lolita, the captive orca at the Miami Seaquarium. This trippy fantasy thriller follows the complexities of a Cuban immigrant trying to find his identity in America.
Birds Of Paradise By Diana Abu-Jaber
After making some terrible life choices, 13-year-old Felice Mui runs away from everything she knows, her absence inflicting pain on her whole family. Choosing to live on the streets of Miami instead of her comfortable family home, Felice hits rock bottom, hopping from shelters while trying to gather food and drugs. But after five years of living this difficult life, does she have a chance to make another choice?
15 Views Of Miami Edited By Jaquira Diaz
The entire metropolitan area of Miami is comprised of so many different cultures and ethnicities. Diaz’s collection of stories from fifteen different Miami authors explores these different viewpoints of the area. The themes explore mainly the cultures, languages, and lives in this Floridian mixing pot.
Miami By Joan Didion
Critically acclaimed author Joan Didion explored the impact Miami has had on American history and politics. As Miami is comprised of a spectrum of different Latin American cultural populations, the area serves as a meeting point for many political debates and ideas. From the Cold War to the Bay of Pigs, Miami has had a role in some momentous historical moments.
Miami is not just about fancy beaches for the rich and famous. This diverse list of novels proves that there is more to Miami than meets the eye.
To read more books on the immigrant experience, check out our article Powerful Books You Need on the True Hispanic Immigrant Experiences.
For even more Latinx recommendations, check out our bookshelf Hispanic/Latinx Recommendations: Bedtime Stories, Poetry, and Novels.
