📚 From New York to Madrid: A Literary Bridge
The 2025 Madrid Book Fair has chosen New York City as its guest of honor, a powerful gesture that reflects the city’s growing presence in the Hispanic world. Spanish is not only widely spoken in New York—it’s lived, taught, and celebrated through community, art, and literature. As someone who resides in this dynamic city and works daily to share the richness of the Spanish language, this moment resonates deeply.
In fact, literature is one of the most rewarding ways I’ve found to connect students to the Spanish-speaking world. I’ve spent years working with intermediate to advanced adult learners who enjoy reading Hispanic literature as a form of personal growth and mental stimulation. We’ve read works by authors like Juan Gómez-Jurado, Eva García Sáenz de Urturi, and María Dueñas, but also classics from Mario Vargas Llosa, Gabriel García Márquez, and Mario Benedetti. Each book opens a door to language, culture, and identity.
🤝 A Personal Mission and a Shared Passion
Beyond my teaching, I coordinate a reading club for Spanish teachers, a community where we explore the beauty of Hispanic literature together. For more than three years, we’ve discussed dozens of novels, short stories, and essays that challenge and inspire us both personally and professionally.
Literature isn’t just a tool—it’s a path. And for those who already have the skills to enjoy authentic books or those looking for guidance to get there, I’m proud to say that we’ve helped many make that journey. It’s part of my mission to share the richness of Hispanic culture with people in the U.S., especially here in New York.
🖋️ Authors We Read and Admire
These are just a few of the many talented writers who have accompanied our literary explorations—and who are present at this year’s Madrid Book Fair.
María Dueñas
Known for her ability to blend personal stories with historical context, María Dueñas’s novels are favorites among students and teachers alike. Her interview for the Book Fair 2025 offers fresh insight into her latest work and creative process.
Juan Gómez-Jurado
His gripping thrillers offer accessible yet layered storytelling—ideal for advanced learners seeking a modern, fast-paced narrative with strong cultural roots.
Gabriel García Márquez
A timeless favorite, his magical realism invites advanced students to stretch their comprehension while experiencing cultural and literary brilliance.
📚 Final Thoughts — Reading as Immersion and Cultural Travel
Reading literature in Spanish is, for me, a way to travel through time and space—into different regions, eras, and voices that expand my vocabulary, my worldview, and my appreciation for the richness of the language.
What moved me about this year’s Madrid Book Fair is its tribute to New York City. This isn’t just a symbolic gesture—it’s a reflection of the deep Hispanic presence in NYC, a city that has been home to literary figures like Federico García Lorca and where Spanish continues to thrive. Spanish is alive in our neighborhoods, our classrooms, our books—and in events like the New York City International Book Fair, where authors like Benito Taibo (another favorite in our reading club) continue to inspire.
As a teacher and book lover, I’m eager to continue this journey—accompanying advanced students who are ready to explore literature, and guiding others toward that level of confidence and joy. There is always another story to tell, another book to open, and another voice to discover in Spanish.
