A good decade or so ago I went through a huge reading phase of Latino literature including sociological studies and general nonfiction. I still have a full shelf (you can see part of it here) dedicated to the subject. The books are even double stacked. So when I came across Sylvia's Mexico 2010 Reading Challenge I gave in to temptation. I try and stay away from reading challenges for the most part as I get easily distracted and don't always follow through. But I thought this would be a nice way for me to read outside my current comfort zone and pick up a few unread books off my shelf.
The idea is to read three books of Mexican literature, history or art (in honor of the tricolor). I don't absolutely guarantee that I'll read all three books, or even these three books, but I'd like to give it a try. I'm cheating a little as two of the authors are actually Mexican-American (though in the case of Josephina Niggli, she was born in Mexico). On a quick perusal of my shelf this is what I came up with:
Mexican Village, Josephina Niggli - This is a collection of interrelated short stories set in post-revolutionary Mexico. Niggli incorporates Mexican folklore, legends, traditions, and songs in her stories. It was first published in 1945.
Canícula: Snapshots of a Girlhood en la Frontera, Norma Elia Cantú - This is a fictional biography of growing up on the border in the 1940s, 50s and early 60s.
Tinisima, Elena Poniatowski - This is novel based on the life of photographer and revolutionary, Tina Modotti (one of, if not my favorite photographers). Modotti was actually born in Italy, was a silent film star and the muse of Edward Weston. They both lived in Mexico. She became a photographer in her own right, but in the end she gave it up in favor of politics. I've wanted to read this for such a long time. I can't think why I've never gotten around to it, but maybe now's the time.
So, now two challenges (this and the Women Unbound--am reading the first book for that one right now) plus my own little reading projects as well as my library's reading club. I think I'm good for the forseeable future!
I'm joining this one too! Your Latino shelf looks like it has lots of good books on it. :)
Posted by: Eva | January 13, 2010 at 06:18 PM
I don't think I will participate in this challenge, but I will keep it in mind as a source of inspiration for reading more books in translation and books from other countries. I look forward to hearing how you like those three books (or other ones if you decide to read something else).
Posted by: Dorothy W. | January 13, 2010 at 08:24 PM
Eva--For once I have actually read quite a few of those books on the shelf and can look at them and fondly remember some of the reading experiences. It should be fun to revisit-read a few more.
Dorothy--If nothing else it is fun to see the books people come up with for their reading lists. This is an area I've not read in for a long time, so I'm looking forward to it. Or maybe discovering a few new books!
Posted by: Danielle | January 13, 2010 at 09:51 PM
Now here is an area in which I am woefully ignorant. I couldn't come up with three Mexican authors in the first place! So I shall look forward to your reviews, Danielle, along with others from the blogosphere, and once again learn something new from blog reading!
Posted by: litlove | January 14, 2010 at 02:52 AM
I thinks this sounds like a great challenge. What are the dates for it? I'm thinking of joining in. I'm Mexican-American and I've always focused my dissertation studies on Mexican-American literature, but haven't read anything in ages. This sounds like it will be a fun project.
Posted by: Nadia | January 14, 2010 at 07:07 AM
Wonderful selection Danielle. I'm not doing the challenge but I am enjoying following along with the people who are. Looking forward to hearing more about the books!
Posted by: Stefanie | January 14, 2010 at 09:27 AM
Yay, I'm so glad you are joining this one too! I'm hoping to read a Poniatowska book as well but I'm also thinking of throwing in some poetry. One of my aunts has given me several books from contemporary Mexican poets and I really need to spend more time with those.
Enjoy the challenge and whichever books you end up reading :)
Posted by: iliana | January 14, 2010 at 04:54 PM
Litlove--I thought I would have more Mexican authors amongst my books,but they seem to be mostly Mexican-Americans or from other Latin countries. I should really read someone distinguished like Carlos Fuentes, but I always opt for story over an author's notoriety.
Nadia--I think this runs all year--I didn't even check--I should really know these things! It sounds like a great area to study. You'll have to share your favorite authors-I'd love to learn about more people I should be reading! It does sound like fun and I'm happy to get back to literature from this part of the world, too.
Stefanie--Even though I don't join many challenges I also like looking at people's lists of books. More ideas to add to my own list!
Iliana--I couldn't pass this one up. I've had this Poniatowska book for ages, so it's time I got around to reading it. I will likely read the books I chose...unless I come across a book that sounds even better--am watching to see what books others are reading.
Posted by: Danielle | January 14, 2010 at 09:25 PM
This looks like a fun challenge! I don't know anything about Mexican literature. I just read a biography on Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera and it got me interested in this country. I'll be following your reviews!
Posted by: Smithereens | January 19, 2010 at 06:34 AM
Smithereens--I'd like to read about Frida--she sounds like she was such an interesting person. Hopefully I'll get at least a couple of these read!
Posted by: Danielle | January 19, 2010 at 02:50 PM