How Many of these Latinx Writers Have you Heard Of

I'm a book lover and consider myself fairly well read.  And I remember the first time I went into a bookstore in Mexico and realized I didn't recognize any of the authors, not one. There is such a great wealth of Latin American literature that we in the States miss out on and it's not just Gabriel Garcia Marquez and Octavio Paz.

In fact, the oldest library in the New World can be found in Mexico in Puebla.  And if you're a book lover in Oaxaca there are a couple of places worth noting. Amate books is the go to English language bookstore in Oaxaca where you'll find a very good selection of books on Oaxaca, Mexico, art, and politics plus a fine wall of masks.  The Botanical Gardens behind Santa Domingo have an extensive library devoted to all things (you guessed it) botanical. And then IAGO, the graphic arts institute across the street from Santa Domingo has an extensive collection of art books and makes a fine spot to while away some time perusing art books and drinking coffee in their charming courtyard.  Plus in Santa Domingo proper there's an old library worth visiting just for the visuals - loads of old parchment books housed in wire covered cabinets. Also of note is the not english language bookstore at the south end of the Alcala called Libreria Educal.  It's a nice store and also has postcards and CD's all in Spanish. Also worth noting, because it can be confusing, is that most books in bookstores will still be covered with plastic and you can't paw through them.  Typically one asks the store owner if you can look at the book and they'll take the plastic off for you. At least that's how I think it works. No one has ever refused to open a book for me and I don't think there has been the expectation to buy it.

Here's a link to an alternative reading list.....a Latinx literary canon. As per usual, I had not heard of any of the writers, because we of the United States persuasion are so incredibly uneducated about the wealth of Latin American writing. Let me know in the comments if there are Latin American writers you like.

http://remezcla.com/lists/culture/latin-american-books-literary-canon/?rfb