While the vast and beautiful history of Latin America is worth exploring for people of all backgrounds, it is especially powerful for Latinos. Learning the history of their ancestors is an invaluable addition to self-identity and understanding. History taught in schools often overlooks the importance of Latin America and its global influence, leaving people disconnected from their roots and unable to appreciate the sacrifices of those that came before them. To inspire your own exploration and journey of discovery, we chose eleven of the most comprehensive and impactful audiobooks on Latin American history. From bestsellers to lesser-known titles, be prepared to reconnect in a deep, and potentially life-changing, way.
Kicking off this list of essential history listens for anyone of Latin American heritage is Born in Blood and Fire: A Concise History of Latin America. Written by John Charles Chasteen, this book is crucial to understanding modern-day Latin America and the struggles, triumphs, and rich culture that define the region today. In its fourth edition, having been updated and amended as research has evolved, Born in Blood and Fire remains a reliable source for appreciating the complexity of Latin American culture and customs. From the natural abundance of Brazil to the breathtaking mountains of Peru, there is so much to uncover. This audiobook is refreshingly concise and approachable, making it a perfect listen to mark the beginning of your exploration of Latin American history. Prepare to be captivated by the discoveries found in this listen.
Open Veins of Latin America: Five Centuries of the Pillage of a Continent isn’t exactly an easy listen, but it is a critical one. In this harrowing historical account, Eduardo Galeano dissects the exploitation of the entire continent in a way that will take your breath away. From Central America to the Brazilian jungles, the research of this audiobook is a harrowing path of discovery. Deeply rich in its imagery, Open Veins of Latin America examines the struggles and injustices inflicted on indigenous peoples and cultures spanning staggering distances. From Mexico to Panama, the trail of injustices are vast. These sometimes dismissed historical facts jump off the page with a searing clarity that will leave listeners moved and compelled to learn more long after the audiobook ends. Narrated with authority by Jonathan Davis, this at turns heartbreaking and incensing classic is a listen you are not likely to forget any time soon.
Compulsory for all Mexican Americans, History of the Conquest of Mexico is a riveting listen. American historian W.H. Prescott provides a comprehensive, unbiased, and vividly detailed recounting of the staggeringly swift and brutal annihilation of the Aztec empire by Hernando Cortés and Spain. Widely considered one of the most remarkable and ruthless instances of conquest in the history of the world, this overtaking of the indigenous cultures of Mexico would shape all of North America for the rest of history. Fast-moving and unflinching, History of the Conquest of Mexico will keep listeners engaged from beginning to end. It is the perfect audiobook for those interested in learning more about their Mexican heritage and expanding their knowledge of the history of Mexico. This recount of Mexico’s complex relationship with Europe and the United States is a must-listen.
Chile and Argentina is an in-depth examination of the contradictions and struggles of South America’s southern region. For several decades, both Chile and Argentina have been plagued by political discord and financial collapse, often aggravated by European conquerors and immigrants. In this audiobook, author Mark Szuchman offers a straightforward rundown of how it all began. Both culturally rich and staggeringly beautiful, these countries are full of history and customs that are worth the deep dive in this listen. Whether looking to learn more about your Chilean or Argentinian heritage or seeking to deepen your understanding of South America's turbulent history, this is a fascinating listen.
Hostage Nation: Colombia's Guerilla Army and the Failed War on Drugs is a riveting deep dive into the kidnapping of three American contractors from the Colombian jungle on February 13, 2003, and the calamity that followed. From the dire consequences of the United States’s failed war on drugs to the shocking rise of power and influence of Colombia's guerilla army, this audiobook will leave listeners enthralled from beginning to end. Written by Victoria Bruce, Karin Hayes, and Jorge Enrique Botero, Hostage Nation benefits from multiple points of view on such a complex situation. This compelling and informative audiobook is a must-listen for anyone interested in discovering the inner workings of one of the most complicated international dramas of the 21st century.
No list of important Latin American history books would be complete without the Pulitzer Prize-winning Cuba. Writer Ada Ferrer rivetingly captures the sweeping history of this breathtakingly beautiful island country from long before Christopher Columbus set foot there all the way to the present day. From Cuba’s rich and vibrant culture to its strained relationship with the United States, from the influence of revolutionaries like Che Guevara to its struggles under the oppressive rule of Fidel Castro, there is so much to unpack, but Cuba covers it all, impressively. This stunning audiobook is truly a testament to the decades of research conducted by its author. Listeners will be unable to tear away from these moving accounts and the amazing characters that live inside them. Not only intensely informative, Cuba is also a captivating listen.
Fantasy Island: Colonialism, Exploitation, and the Betrayal of Puerto Rico is a gripping listen that will leave listeners both deeply moved and unsettled. Ed Morales’s description of Puerto Rico's long history as a colony of the United States is a testament to his writing ability. From unjust experimentation to the devastating consequences of capitalism, Puerto Rico and its citizens have endured frequent upheaval and staggering hardship over its 122 years (and counting) as an American colony. One moving undercurrent of Fantasy Island is Morales's observation of Puerto Ricans across the US, from New York to San Juan, and their efforts to stop the ongoing exploitation of their homeland through beautiful artistry and inspiring activism. Gripping and insightful, this audiobook will leave an indelible mark on all listeners but especially those of Puerto Rican heritage.
The heart-rending struggles of the citizens of Venezuela have been scrutinized for more than a decade, and often portrayed as a cautionary tale of the perils of socialism. Things Are Never So Bad That They Can't Get Worse instead explores the deeper, more nefarious reason for the rapidly escalating crisis in Venezuela. A longtime resident of Caracas while serving as New York Times bureau chief for the Andes region, William Neuman draws on firsthand experience as well as extensive research to provide an eye-opening examination of the devastating consequences of corrupt leadership on Venezuela while capturing its magnificent beauty, its natural resources, and the unfaltering grace and humor of its people. Things Are Never So Bad That They Can't Get Worse serves as a cautionary tale for the rest of the world. The extreme disparities in wealth and quality of life that have been the undercurrent of the toppling of Venezuela will leave listeners unable to tear away from this audiobook.
In this extensively researched, enthralling exploration of ancient Mesoamerica, listeners will have the chance to experience the beauty of culturally rich civilizations like never before. Part of The Great Courses: Ancient History series, Maya to Aztec: Ancient Mesoamerica Revealed sheds light on just how deeply embedded and widely influential the contributions of the Mayans and Aztecs remain in the present day. From Mexico to Costa Rica, to present-day Guatemala the indelible mark of these incredible societies is deciphered by prominent archaeologist and writer Edwin Barnhart. Whether you are an avid explorer of ancient worlds or simply interested in learning more about the roots of your heritage and culture, Maya to Aztec: Ancient Mesoamerica Revealed is a magnificent listen. Get set to embark on a dazzling tour of beauty and history that may inspire you to get out and retrace the path of ancient creators and visionaries for yourself.
Che Guevara, written by Jon Lee Anderson, is another essential listen when delving into the richness of Latin America’s cultural history. The legendary story of Che Guevara’s revolutionary life is nothing short of mesmerizing. Born in Argentina, he became the leader of one of the most staggering revolutionary movements in history that would have long-lasting implications. Dedicated to ending the injustices of the people of Latin America, his mission spread far and wide from Cuba to the jungles of Bolivia. Che Guevara’s story has never been told quite like this. This impeccably researched audiobook is an unmissable listen.
The Last Days of the Incas guides audiences through the powerful–and captivating–story of the Spanish Conquest of the Incan Empire. Though historically accurate, this audiobook does more than simply retell a tale. It helps listeners understand the depth of the conquest–the longevity of the battles, the emotions (and the greed for wealth) that drove them forward, and the grit the Incan empire had to outlast (for as long as they did) their impending doom. Written by Kim MacQuarrie, this audiobook gives listeners an emotional footing in the conflict, describing in detail the chronicles of both native and Spanish descent. As he passes centuries-old stories down to listeners, he offers vivid and illustrative pictures of how the Spaniards seized Cusco, how the Inca emperor led his tribe toward strategic retaliation, and the ultimate capture of the last Inca emperor. The vanishing of the Inca’s resistance didn’t happen overnight–and the author guides audiences through every twist, turn, and tragic direction of this historical tale.
