Mexico

Mexico

Saturday, 9 November, 2024

Tropical coasts, lush interior jungles, storied Mayan and Aztec ruins, majestic colonial architecture — Mexico is an inspired background for stories that explore the joy (and challenges) of family and the magic of everyday experiences.

The urban center of Mexico City is a thriving metropolis with a history of great art (Hello, Frida!), tree-lined plazas, and so much energy. In the beach- and mountainside villages, the vibe is more laid back — a siesta is always a good idea, no?

Mexico is a natural paradise. There are snow-capped volcanoes and migrating Monarch butterflies, turquoise-blue waters and cactus-dotted deserts. And everywhere you go, a welcoming smile, an invitation to relax.

The only reasonable accompaniment to the sultry weather is earthy food with a touch of spice: handmade corn tortillas, a slow-simmered mole, stunningly fresh salsa, fish plucked from the ocean and grilled asap. This is all best enjoyed, of course, in a seaside palapa or a taqueria stand in the shade — with a smooth chaser of tequila to celebrate the pleasure of the moment.

our podcast

In this episode, we briefly explore Mexico’s history and culture, then get into the books. We discuss two wildly different family sagas: one is set during the Mexican Revolution and infused with magical realism; the other travels back-and-forth in time from modern Mexico City to the 1940s and ’50s. We also recommended a moving coming-of-age story set in Chicago and Mexico, a detailed history of chocolate (!), and an un-put-downable beach read. (show notes / transcript)

recommended books

Caramelo

buy | read review

Certain Dark Things

buy | read review

Fields' Guide to Abduction

buy | read review

Girls' Night Out

buy | read review

Gods of Jade and Shadow

buy | read review

I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter

buy | read review

Like Water for Chocolate

buy | read review

Mexican Gothic

buy | read review

The Ruins

buy | read review

Sea Monsters

buy | read review

The True History of Chocolate

buy | read review

Top image courtesy of Frederik Trovatten.com/Unsplash.

Want to keep up with our book-related adventures? Sign up for our newsletter!

featured posts

Mexico is an inspiring background for stories that explore the joy (and challenges) of family and the magic of everyday experiences. In this episode of our podcast, we hit the beach and explore ancient cultures.
Tropical coasts, lush jungles, ancient Mayan and Aztec ruins, majestic colonial architecture, fresh margaritas — Mexico is an inspired background for all kinds of stories about sun, fun, friendship, and family.
The pages of 'Like Water for Chocolate' burn with the various ways humans can love each other: passionately, platonically, painfully — and food is a full-fledged character in this lush, satisfying family saga.
Forget everything you know about hot chocolate! This luscious recipe is rich, creamy, and not too sweet — the perfect thing to sip while you snuggle up with a book. Ready in minutes, no paper packet of brown powder in sight.
Beaches on the Pacific and the Caribbean, magical cenotes, mystical pyramids, amazing street food, and candy-colored architecture — these photos will have you booking a trip to Mexico asap. Sorry and you're welcome.
Casiopea is a heroine you can believe in: smart, brave, sweet but scrappy. Each of her days is much like the one before and the one after, until she meets the Mayan god of death and has the adventure of her life.
This weekend, take an unsettling but stylish adventure to an isolated mansion in 1950s Mexico. Yes, the Doyle family is creepy and the house is quite sinister, but our heroine Noemí is a charming and feisty companion.
Our heroine Lala is an astute observer. She'll take you on a virtual trip to Mexico City. You'll smell the corn roasting, hear the music dance in the air, and get caught up in all kinds of (excellent) family drama.
Being 15 years old is hard. Being 15 with immigrant parents who just lost their idealized daughter is untenable. This coming-of-age story set in Chicago and Mexico is poignant and funny with an unforgettable heroine.
This fantasy-adventure-with-heart from Silvia Moreno-Garcia has been out of print — we're thrilled about this new, updated edition. You'll be transported to gritty Mexico City with unusual, unforgettable heroes.

sharing is caring!

Can you help us? If you like this article, share it your friends!

our mission

Strong Sense of Place is a website and podcast dedicated to literary travel and books we love. Reading good books increases empathy. Empathy is good for all of us and the amazing world we inhabit.

our patreon

Strong Sense of Place is a listener-supported podcast. If you like the work we do, you can help make it happen by joining our Patreon! That'll unlock bonus content for you, too — including Mel's secret book reviews and Dave's behind-the-scenes notes for the latest Two Truths and a Lie.

get our newsletter

Join our Substack to get our FREE newsletter with podcast updates and behind-the-scenes info — and join in fun chats about books and travel with other lovely readers.

no spoilers. ever.

We'll share enough detail to help you decide if a book is for you, but we'll never ruin plot twists or give away the ending.

super-cool reading fun
reading atlas

This 30-page Reading Atlas takes you around the world with dozens of excellent books and gorgeous travel photos. Get your free copy when you subscribe to our newsletter.

get our newsletter
Sign up for our free Substack!
follow us

Content on this site is ©2024 by Smudge Publishing, unless otherwise noted. Peace be with you, person who reads the small type.