Latino Stories in Biographies & Memoirs

You’ve heard of Fat Joe, the hip-hop legend–but how much do you really know about him? Joseph Cartagena is more than just a music sensation; he’s a person who struggled with a traumatizing landscape as part of his upbringing, a person who grew into himself during some of the darkest times in South Bronx, and a man who turned his life around when he found art and his passion for music. The Book of Jose isn’t just a success story, it’s a real-life look at how a young man overcame it all to give his love for music and art a chance. Partly laced with a tragi-comedy vibe but wholly compelling, Fat Joe writes his autobiography in his own voice, telling a thought-provoking story that uncovers the truth behind who he is and his story so far.

Hilarious, thoughtful and compelling– that’s the best way to describe comedy legend Anjelah Johnsons’ memoir Who Do I Think I Am. This audiobook dives into what makes Anjelah Johnson more than just a comedian with razor-sharp wit–it takes a deeper look at the questions behind belonging, her comedic dreams, her life as an actress, and importantly, her life as a Chola. Who Do I Think I Am takes the memoir formula and spins it on its head, asking big questions, exploring faith, searching for meaning, and discussing what it’s like to find the strength within to not just dream but accomplish those dreams.

What if you grew up thinking one way about yourself, only to discover you’re something else entirely? That’s exactly what TV writer Rafael Agustin experienced in his teenage years. Growing up, Rafael Agustin accidentally discovered his undocumented status. This was something that his parents tried to keep hidden from him so he wouldn’t feel isolated from his peers. As his mother always said, “dreams should not have borders.” This comical, thought-provoking and enticing memoir is about how Rafael Agustin takes the news, rethinks everything he thought he knew about himself, and discovers how to define himself and belong with his unique identity.

A trip is coming up for Javier Zamora–but it's more than just an adventure; it's a three-thousand-mile journey to cross the United States border into his parents' arms. But what begins as a two-week adventure quickly turns into a perilous, life-changing journey that, at nine years old, he never could have predicted. This memoir isn't just a look at the dream of what it's like to find solace in the safety of the United States; it's a clear, unflinching picture of what some families will undergo to get there. Filled with breath-halting, true-story moments that would make anyone crumble, Javier Zamora tells the tale of his several-month journey that changed his life forever.

For listeners who loved Chiquis Rivera’s first memoir, Forgiveness, this audiobook picks up right where she last left off. Unstoppable, like Forgiveness, tells the story of Chiquis Riveria’s life with unflinching honesty, raw emotion, and a compelling voice–but Unstoppable takes it a step further, diving into the hardships and challenges that came hand-in-hand with her mother’s death. Filled with examples of her life motto (“either I thrive or I learn”), life-affirming decisions, and lessons that changed her life forever, Unstoppable is the ultimate audiobook for strong people seeking ways to become unstoppable themselves. This title is brought to audio by the actor and narrator Frankie Corzo, who won an AudioFile Earphones Award.

A vintage motorcycle, your best bud by your side, and a mission to discover the continent of Latin America in new and exciting ways–is there any better picture of adventure? Che Guevara dives into his diary that documented his real-life youthful experience of this elaborate, life-altering adventure. This book is written with joy and honesty, and it is about more than just an epic trip. It follows the evolution of a young person and the decisions made to live a life that underlines justice, happiness, and possibility. The Motorcycle Diaries is a compelling listen for anyone seeking adventure, insight, and a new outlook on life.

It’s not about the circumstance; it’s about courage. *In the Shadow of the Mountain( is more than just a memoir about how Latina hero Silvia Vasquez-Lavado summited one of the deadliest mountains in the world, “The Mother of the World.” In her audiobook, she opens up about her battle to overcome abuse, alcoholism, and rejection of who she was at her core. Nerve-racking, life-altering, and forever impactful, her story talks of heroism, acceptance, and having the courage to take life by the horns to create our own destinies–no matter what our circumstances were and are. This inspiring listen is brought to audio by Vasquez-Lavado herself. Listeners can hear this book now–then see this book come to life in the movie adaption starring Selena Gomez.

For many, hereditary traits that run in the family are run of the mill–for Ingrid Rojas Contreras, it’s magic she inherited from her family. Legacy tells her that she–like so many in her family who came before her–has the power to communicate with the dead, treat the sick, move the clouds, and so much more. To her, it always felt like a far-off ability that wasn’t hers. When a head injury helps her rediscover these inherited gifts, she is filled with the desire to retrace her lineage, uncover the truth about the divisiveness in her family, and learn more about where she came from than ever before. A memoir that’s passionate, daring, and deep, this audiobook is a must-listen.

Funny, heartbreaking, and endlessly amusing, Crying in the Bathroom by Erika L. Sanchez isn’t just a memoir that dives into someone’s life story; it’s a coming-of-age tale that’s packed with wit, perception, and what it means to grow up feeling like a misfit in a culture that never quite fit. She artfully tells the story of growing up as an outcast, finding her place in the world, and finding a way to accept herself more fully than she ever thought possible. Tears, laughter, and plenty of gasp-inducing moments can be found in this memoir. Listeners are sure to love every minute of it.

Comedian, producer and writer Cristela Alonzo isn’t just an entertainment expert. As proven in her Music to My Years audiobook, she’s also a fabulous writer with a knack for diving deep into her own life and sharing her story transparently. Filled to the brim with humor, heart, and honesty, Music to My Years is a memoir about how Cristela Alonzo overcame heartbreaking loss, sobering moments, and growing up facing trials and obstacles no child ever should have to. Each impactful moment of this audiobook points back to a crucial song, creating a moving playlist that packs an emotional punch. Cristela Alonzo brings this listen to life with her heartfelt audio performance.

This arresting exploration of the life of actor Danny Trejo is an Audible Editor's Pick for a reason. Dive deep into the complex life of a man who's lived through abuse, imprisonment, drug addiction, and turning his life around after it all. Each gripping minute of this true story will have you laughing, crying, gasping, and more. Starting from Trejo's childhood in Los Angeles and San Antonio, Texas, and moving throughout his adulthood in a series of memories, you'll get a close look at the actor's struggles and triumphs. This raw account of Trejo's life doesn't flinch away from the darker parts of his past, or from present-day conflicts that still trouble him. You won't want to pause a minute of Trejo's tale, read by Trejo himself, and you're sure to come out the other end with a new perspective on the inspirational life of Danny Trejo.

Celebrating Mexican heritage starts at the family table. America’s beloved chef Aarón Sánchez blends food, family, and the power of self-identity in this exciting memoir. Grab a seat at the table as he explores how to share his own cultural identity with the world. We couldn’t agree more with Emeril Lagasse’s review of Where I Come From, noting that Sánchez's story "reminds us that food is dynamic, a form of cultural currency that’s only truly appreciated when shared." Listen and dig into a compelling journey of delicious recipes that connect us with our past, spice up our present, and cook up a brighter future.

“Quiara Alegría Hudes is in her own league. Her sentences will take your breath away. How lucky we are to have her telling our stories.” So says Lin-Manuel Miranda, famed creator of Hamilton, who worked with Hudes to co-write his breakout play, In the Heights. An award-winning playwright in her own right, Hudes tells the story of growing up in a bustling household in North Philly. In a life filled with laughter, noise, and family, Hudes confides how she picked up on all the unspoken secrets and untold stories that haunted her family and their barrio. Move through Hudes's life alongside her as she learns to find her words and her passion for art so she could capture the stories of those she held nearest to her heart. This mesmerizing tale dances through the life of one girl as she grows into herself and her own understanding of life, love, and the language needed to capture it all.