#GGBookClub: Literature and Libations From Latinx Authors & Producers
Get ready to fiesta! From September 15 to October 15, the nation goes all out to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, honoring the incredible achievements, rich histories, and vibrant cultural diversity of Hispanic/Latinx communities.
But why limit the fun to just one month? At The Greene Grape, we believe in celebrating the contributions of the Hispanic and Latinx community every single day! That’s why we’re extra excited for this month's #GGBookClub. We're putting the spotlight on some of our favorite Latinx makers and authors who bring so much flavor and passion to their work.
So, grab one of the highlighted books from your local bookstore, stop by for its paired libation, and join us in a year-round celebration. ¡Salud!
Anita de Monte Laughs Last by Xochitl Gonzalez
Cihuatan Distillery Jade Rum 4 Year Old Rum
In 1985, Anita de Monte, a rising star in the art world, is found dead in New York City; her tragic death is the talk of the town. Until it isn’t. By 1998 Anita’s name has been all but forgotten—certainly by the time Raquel, a third-year art history student is preparing her final thesis. On College Hill, surrounded by privileged students whose futures are already paved out for them, Raquel feels like an outsider. But when Raquel becomes romantically involved with a well-connected older art student, she finds herself unexpectedly rising up the social ranks. As she attempts to straddle both worlds, she stumbles upon Anita’s story, raising questions about the dynamics of her own relationship, which eerily mirrors that of the forgotten artist.
As you explore the art world, enjoy your favorite rum cocktail with this premium white rum. Cihuatán Jade is crafted in honor of the Mayan goddess of the arts, Chac Chel, muse to ancient artists and craftsmen, who used talismans carved out of jade to invoke her graces. Proudly handcrafted in the Cihuatán valley of El Salvador, it has been aged for 4 years in ex-bourbon casks, with aromas of custard cream, white chocolate, vanilla, and bananas.
Bad Seed: Stories by Gabriel Carle
Ver Sacrum Monastrell 2021
The visceral, wildly imaginative stories in Bad Seed flick through working-class scenes of contemporary Puerto Rico, where friends and lovers melt into and defy their surroundings—nightclubs, ruined streets, cramped rooms with cockroaches moving in the walls. A horny high schooler spends his summer break in front of the TV; a queer love triangle unravels on the emblematic theater steps of the University of Puerto Rico; a group of friends get high and watch San Juan burn from atop a clocktower; an HIV positive college student works the night shift at a local bathhouse.
Dive into this collection of short stories while enjoying a glass of this delightful red wine from Eduardo Soler and two friends, who started Ver Sacrum with the concept of growing and vinifying Rhone varietals in Argentina. Made from Monastrell, this red has bright notes of black cherry, cacao, and tobacco.
My Broken Language by Quiara Alegría Hudes
Terroir Sonoro Tinto (Nitanto) 2019
Quiara Alegría Hudes was the sharp-eyed girl on the stairs while her family danced their defiance in a tight North Philly kitchen. She was awed by her mother and aunts and cousins, but haunted by the unspoken, untold stories of the barrio—even as she tried to find her own voice in the sea of language around her, written and spoken, English and Spanish, bodies and books, Western art and sacred altars. With a vow to tell her family’s stories, Hudes weaves together her love of music with the songs of her family, and the lessons of North Philly with those of Yale. This is a multi mythic dive into home, memory, and belonging—narrated by an obsessed girl who fought to become an artist so she could capture the world she loved in all its wild and delicate beauty.
While you explore Hudes’ unique take on the world, indulge in this red wine from Juan Ledesma. Tinto (Nitanto) literally means ‘red (not so much)’ which was made as a joke for Ledesma’s father-in-law who requested a wine with less alcohol. Fresh and fruity, this wine goes down easy with rustic notes of red cherries, red currants, and hints of spice.
Oye by Melissa Mogollon
Falasco Wines Hermandad Chardonnay 2019
Structured as a series of one-sided phone calls from spunky, sarcastic narrator, Luciana, to her older sister, Mari. As the baby of her large Colombian American family, Luciana is usually relegated to the sidelines. But now she finds herself as the only voice of reason in the face of an unexpected crisis: A hurricane is heading straight for Miami, and her eccentric grandmother, Abue, receives a shocking medical diagnosis during the storm, upending Luciana’s world. When Abue moves into Luciana’s bedroom, their complicated bond intensifies. Forced to step into the role of caretaker, translator, and keeper of the devastating family secrets that Abue begins to share, Luciana suddenly finds herself center stage, facing down adulthood—and rising to the occasion.
This Argentinian Chardonnay is perfect to share with friends as you discuss this fantastic debut novel. Light and balanced, this wine delivers elegant notes of lemon blossom, green apple, vanilla, toast, and baking spice.
Until August by Gabriel García Márquez
Altos Planos Collective Mijenta Tequila Blanco
Sitting alone beside the languorous blue waters of the lagoon, Ana Magdalena Bach contemplates the men at the hotel bar. She has been happily married for twenty-seven years and has no reason to escape the life she has made with her husband and children. And yet, every August, she travels by ferry to the island where her mother is buried, and for one night takes a new lover. Across sultry Caribbean evenings full of salsa and boleros, lotharios and conmen, Ana journeys further each year into the hinterland of her desire and the fear hidden in her heart.
A tequila meant to celebrate life, Mijenta Tequila Blanco offers smooth notes of cooked agave, vanilla, caramel, peach, and cantaloupe. It's delicious on its own or in your favorite tequila cocktail.