Celebrating 20 Years of Reading Latino Literature

The Las Comadres & Friends National Latino Book Club celebrated its 20th Anniversary on Tuesday, May 19, in New York City, bringing together Comadres, authors, editors, and publishing industry professionals for an evening of celebration and reflection. Nora Comstock, National / International Founder of Las Comadres Para Las Americas joined the celebration.

The anniversary honored both the Book Club’s Leadership Team and the many Friends and Supporters who helped sustain and grow the organization over the past two decades.

HONOREES

Leadership Team
• Teresa M. Tobin
• Maria Ferrer
• Nora Comstock
• Dora Maria Abreu
• Karen Gonzales
• Nydia Marsella

Friends & Supporters
• Atria Books (Michelle Herrera Mulligan)
• Julia Abrantes
• Johanna Castillo
• Adriana Dominguez
• Reyna Grande
• Tina Jordan, formerly with the Association of American Publishers
• Marcela Landres
• Esmeralda Santiago
• Kirk Whisler, International Latino Book Awards

THANK YOU! Special thanks to Las Comadres & Friends Book Club Project Manager Teresa Tobin, along with Comadres Maria Ferrer and Nydia Marsella, for their dedication and hard work in producing this memorable celebration.

The Book Club also extends heartfelt thanks to hostess Jeannie Diaz; caterers Mirta Rinaldi and Paola Garcia; and photographer Linda Caycedo. Additional appreciation goes to Gladys Ayala-Borjas and Velia LaGarda for their help with decorations, Egli Colon Stephens for her delicious biscochitos, and printer Evelyn Escamilla for creating the anniversary tote bags and t-shirts, which are still available for purchase here:
https://avocado-street-design.square.site/shop/las-comadres/6VK6FAM76YHCFZBTUOCK43A3

A photo album from the celebration will be shared soon.

JOIN US!
Join the Las Comadres & Friends National Latino Book Club at www.LatinoLit.com, and explore its Books of the Month and Summer Reading List.

Happy Reading — and Always Read Latino Lit.

Las Comadres & Friends National Latino Book Club marks its 20th anniversary.

Since its founding in New York City in 2004, the club has promoted Latino literature and championed Latino authors. Reimagined in 2026 as a nationwide organization, it now hosts active book clubs in 12 cities. All selections are English-language books by Latino authors. Membership is free and open to everyone—Latino and non-Latino readers of all genders.

On May 19 in New York City where it all began, the Las Comadres & Friends Book Club will honor its Leadership Team and longtime Friends for their advocacy for Latino literature since 2006. Among the honorees are Atria Books, a partner for more than 25 years that has consistently published and supported Latino authors, and the American Publishers Association and Tina Jordan, whose efforts helped connect Las Comadres & Friends with publishers and authors featured by the club at its start.

The esteemed Honorees are: