The Best Mexican Books Coming Out in 2018
Take note: there’s more to Mexican literature than Carlos Fuentes. In recent years, Mexico has experienced a dramatic literary boom, with a host of new writers offering a new literary voice for the country. Along with this is a generation of talented Mexican-American writers such as Francisco Cantú and Luís Alberto Urrea, who provide a fascinating and timely insight into the cross-border experience. Here’s a rundown of Mexican books to read in 2018.
’68: The Mexican Autumn of the Tlatelolco Massacre, Paco Ignacio Taibo II
It will be 50 years since the Tlatelolco Massacre took place on October 2nd when at least 200 student activists were gunned down by government forces during a protest ahead of the 1968 Mexico City Olympics. To mark the grim anniversary, Mexican literary star Paco Ignacio Taibo II, who was part of the crowd that night, is publishing his account of events. Written in a piercing, provocative style, Taibo gives life to “the many unredeemed and sleepless ghosts that live in our lands.”
Destinations Unlocked:
Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture tripLooking for an expert's perspective?
Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.
CentralAmerica
1. Guatemala
An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.Next
CentralAmerica
2. Belize
A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea. Next
CentralAmerica
3. Mexico
An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different. SouthAmerica
1. Ecuador
A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.Next
SouthAmerica
2. Peru
An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon. Europe
1. Italy
The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.Next
Europe
2. Scotland
Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers. Next
Europe
3. Portugal
A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers. Asia
1. South Korea
Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.Next
Asia
2. Thailand
From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise. Next
Asia
3. Sri Lanka
A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price Africa
1. Morocco
An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!Next
Africa
2. Egypt
From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt. Next
Released on August 7, 2018
Name of the Dog, Élmer Mendoza
Born and raised in the drug crime-plagued state of Culiacán, Élmer Mendoza is a leading figure in the narco-literature genre. Many of his novels, including the upcoming Name of the Dog, center on detective Edgar “Lefty” Mendieta. In this latest installment in the series, the detective meets a son he knew nothing about—only to discover that he wants to follow in his father’s footsteps—just as the region descends into drug war chaos.
Released on July 10, 2018
After the Winter, Guadalupe Nettel
Named in 2007 as one of the Bogotá 39, a list of the most talented young Latin American writers, Nettel has already published several acclaimed novels. Her upcoming offering, After the Winter, tells the story of Cecilia, a Mexican living in Paris who becomes obsessed with watching funerals in the cemetery outside her apartment.
When she meets Claudio, a demanding misogynist, their two lives collides, with lasting consequences.
Released on March 8, 2018
The Line Becomes a River: Dispatches from the Border, Francisco Cantú
This eagerly anticipated memoir from Francisco Cantú emerges amid the chaos of President Donald Trump’s hardline immigration rhetoric. Cantú has a unique viewpoint; as the son of a Mexican immigrant mother, he worked as a United States border patrol agent, policing southern Arizona. In this haunting account of life and death at the border, Cantú invites us to reconsider the physical, political and social walls that divide us.
Released on February 6, 2018
The House of Broken Angels, Luís Alberto Urrea
Luís Alberto Urrea, born in Tijuana and now based in the U.S., has a string of bestsellers to his name and was a Pulitzer Prize finalist for his 2005 non-fiction book, The Devil’s Highway. His upcoming novel, The House of Broken Angels, is a family saga centering on Big Angel, who must bury his mother while he is dying himself. The powerfully rendered central protagonist is based on Urrea’s older brother, who died a month after their mother’s funeral.
It’s a tragic yet amusing family epic that reflects on the nature and importance of our bonds.
“All we do, mija, is love,” says Big Angel. “Love is the answer. Nothing stops it. Not borders. Not death.”
Released on March 6, 2018
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!
Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.
KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?
Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.
