As a lover of all things fantasy and magical realism, obviously I had to pick this up. And the hype is so justified!

This book is an incredible feat of anthropology and human connection. De León’s generous, tender focus on the smugglers he befriended shows us a side of the equation rarely considered and often dismissed.

Overall I liked this book but didn’t love it, although it’s mostly just bad matchmaking between me and this book.

What a genre-mashup delight this book was! Part antihero western, part dual-timeline family saga, with a sprinkling of magical realism (including a very mysterious book), The Bullet Swallower has something for everyone.

The Undocumented Americans is a moving, well-written memoir-in-essays that does exactly what I want from nonfiction: it helps open my understanding of the world and other people.

The President and the Frog is a quirky, funny, moving, and ultimately hopeful little novel. It won’t be for everyone, but I really liked it.

The Five Wounds is simultaneously big-hearted and unflinching, with characters who feel like they could literally step off the page. I really liked it.

Black Sun is the start of what promises to be an excellent high fantasy series, with expert world-building and fiercely lovable characters. I think the majority of the series’ action is yet to come.

Resistencia is a collection of political- and social-themed poems by Latinx poets, presented in English and Spanish. It’s incredible.

Sabrina & Corina is a collection of really, really good short stories about Latinas of indigenous ancestry. There wasn’t a single one I didn’t enjoy, and many I truly loved.