Every year from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, Hispanic Heritage Month recognizes the history, culture and contributions of Latino and Hispanic communities in the United States. At CSUDH, nearly 68% of the 14,400 students enrolled this year identify as Latino or Hispanic. The university is also recognized as an Hispanic-Serving Institution.
As the month comes to a close, The Bulletin asked Toros to share their favorite Hispanic and Latino authors and recommend books worth reading before next September.
Alexandro Hernandez
Professor, Chicana & Chicano Studies
Recommendation:
Canícula by Norma Cantú
“Reading stories like these feels like pulling out family photos from an old shoebox. Letting these memories tell the story of loved ones and cherished moments. Remembering those who are now with the ancestors and moments of time frozen—in a photo where one felt most free and unrestrained as Chicanx people.”
Anthony Stephens
Graduate Student, English
Recommendation:
The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros
“I definitely think students should read books such as this one because it shows a sense of belonging. It could help them seem more connected to what they are learning during their time here. By doing this, it also helps their coursework have a sense of relevancy there besides it just representing a grade.”
Sherwin Kawahakui Ranchez Sales
Professor, English
Recommendation:
Counterstory: The Rhetoric and Writing of Critical Race Theory by Aja Y. Martinez
“Reading while engaging with texts from cultures different from yours is very important. We see the world through a different perspective—you get to learn about others’ histories and experiences. Reading narratives from other historically minority communities can reveal how groups engage with suppression differently—making them aware of how those folks have endured harm.”
Victoria Lara
Graduate Student, Teaching Credential Program
Recommendation:
Crying in the Bathroom by Erika L. Sanchez
“This story is filled with honesty but what I like the most about it is the mental health experience Latinas face. I can relate with it because it explores difficulties of womanhood without hesitating on the honest truth—it represents the silence that’s often associated with mental health and it steers away from stigmatizing it.”