Books That Changed My Life

There are no words as to how much I am in love with this book. Justin Torres does it again with this compelling story about generational love coming together during a period where mental health and homosexual were treated as a disease 

If you can imagine a modern day Ernest Hemmingway, you would in one sitting with this incredible story about Puerto RIcan family finding the beauty among their impoverished lifestyle, but one secret from one of the boys makes a a compelling shift.

Rupaul strips off the make-up and sass and bares his soul to the world in this revealing memoir about his life. He imposes no shame to talk about the road to self-discovery and the struggle with drug addiction and family struggles. 

Ritchie  Jackson writes from beginning to end a letter to his gay son about his struggle with accepting his sexuality while giving advice to gay son

A very intimate close connection with one of the most influential aritsts during the AIDS crisis. This collection of journal entries takes you on a emotional and personal journey with Keith Haring.

A brave story about a gay boy that fought a tough legal battle to take his boyfriend to his high school prom. 

This book is a groundbreaking work that revolutionizes literature and truly brings verse novels to life. The protagonist, Xiomara, aspires to be a spoken-word poet and embodies this desire by challenging the constraints of her Dominican religious upbringing. The story immerses you in Xiomara's thoughts and feelings, creating a deeply engaging experience. I read it in just one day.

This poetry envelops you like colorful boas as soon as you open the book, adorned with every possible sequin. It captures honesty and emotion, portraying someone navigating all facets of life. This book leaves a lasting impression, like a pawprint on my heart.

This beautiful book emerges from the gardens of an oppressed Bushwick, Brooklyn, where I remember growing up. Written in poetic verse, it follows Sarai as she discovers her purpose while overcoming the challenges that humble her and shape her understanding of what it means to succeed in the life she is living.

Many of Emanuel Xavier's most significant works are included in this book, highlighting themes of oppression, gender, and sexuality. I feel a deep sense of pride in who I am as I stand alongside the powerful words in these poems.

The first time I discovered Emanuel Xavier's poetry, it resonated with me as an openly gay Latinx person growing up in NYC. Through his words, I saw much of myself reflected in those poems. This book gave me the freedom to find my own voice.

The most well-told memoir of a young girl who moves to Williamsburg Brooklyn in the 1960s and is forced to adapt to a lifestyle estranged from her life in the campo of Puerto Rico. I laughed, cried, and did not put the down.

Aaron Soto has battled with his sexuality for a long time and makes a hard decision by signing up for a program designed to erase certain aspects of one's life for good. Aaron doesn't know what is at stake as he struggles with the journey

The autobiography of a gay boy forced into a religious camp that is posed as a conversion therapy program.

This writer is beyond words. I never read such compelling stories about the pressures of ancestral tactics with Latinx community families, and that's just one aspect. Plenty of short stories in this collection will have your jaw-dropping.

I was taken aback by this story of a man suffering from his sexual identity. It left me thinking for days after I read it

A coming of age story about a guy from the gritty side of the Bronx battling with hiding his identity from his friends.

This is a bold and heartfelt journey of truth and triumph. Dancer, actress, and activist Rosie Perez opens up about her past and discovers freedom through her love for dance, acting, and advocating for equal rights.

This book can be essential for anyone like me who is on a mission to discover their Puerto Rican roots. This was so beneficial to learn about the history of Puerto Rico with some modern works.

One of Piri Thomas' best works. I read this book shortly after graduating high school and was utterly blown away by the existing racism and colorism in Spanish Harlem 1920s.

A hilarious memoir about a girl growing up in dreary Wallingford, Connecticut longs for a better life than where she lives. Definitely my favorite pieces of writing. 

A perfect book of vignettes written by someone who wanted to remember their childhood. I read this in high school and fell in love with the simplicity of memories told in beautiful poetic prose.

My favorite book of all-time! I read it in 7th grade and on the brink of a tumultuous turning point in my life

I read this book in high school and it totally had me shook. Having to carry a deep dark secret from the people you love and struggling to find the courage to speak about to the people you trust is just heart-wrenching.