Welcome to the October edition of AL DÍA READS, where we bring you a curated selection of books that honor diverse voices and captivating stories. This month, we’re embracing the season’s air of mystery, transformation, and reflection. From a chilling supernatural thriller to a beloved tale of forbidden love and culinary magic, we’ve chosen four must-reads that will transport you through time, cultures, and unforgettable narratives. Whether you’re looking for a haunting suspense novel, a poetic journey of self-discovery, or a tale rich in folklore and magic, we  have something perfect for your fall reading list!

Our Share of Night by Mariana Enriquez

Step into a dark and atmospheric world with Our Share of Night, the latest novel from Mariana Enriquez, a celebrated Argentine author known for her haunting storytelling. This supernatural thriller follows Gaspar, a father who must protect his son from a sinister secret society bent on immortality. As Gaspar confronts his family’s violent and occult legacy, Enriquez weaves a tale of horror, political history, and deep familial bonds, set against the backdrop of Argentina’s dictatorship. With an unsettling mood and supernatural themes, this novel is perfect for October’s eerie atmosphere.

Why We’re Reading It: Our Share of Night captures the perfect blend of gothic horror and political intrigue, drawing readers into a world where the darkest fears take shape amid a country’s historical turmoil.

The Man Who Could Move Clouds by Ingrid Rojas Contreras

In this extraordinary memoir, Ingrid Rojas Contreras invites readers into a world of Colombian magic realism, ancestral healing, and family secrets. After a head injury triggers amnesia, Rojas Contreras embarks on a journey of rediscovery, tracing her family’s mystical roots. She recounts stories of her curandera grandmother, a healer with the power to move clouds and communicate with the dead, while delving into the violent political backdrop of Colombia. This memoir, both lyrical and deeply personal, explores the intersection of memory, magic, and cultural identity.

Why We’re Reading It: Rojas Contreras' evocative storytelling transports us to a realm where the boundaries between reality and myth blur, offering a profound exploration of identity, generational trauma, and the power of memory.

The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende

In celebration of spooky season, we’re revisiting a Latin American classic that seamlessly blends the mystical with the political. The House of the Spirits is Isabel Allende’s epic tale of four generations of the Trueba family. Filled with elements of magical realism, the novel explores the interconnectedness of family, the supernatural, and political upheaval in an unnamed Latin American country. Allende’s debut novel is a mesmerizing fusion of personal and political drama, where ghosts and the living interact in the ever-changing landscape of history.

Why We’re Reading It: This is a classic for a reason! If you haven't read it yet what are you waiting for? Allende’s debut masterpiece draws readers into a world of magic, love, and revolution, perfect for readers seeking a novel rich in both magical realism and historical reflection.

Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel

What better way to celebrate the season than with a tale filled with forbidden love and the magical power of food? Laura Esquivel’s Like Water for Chocolate is a culinary delight wrapped in the tragic love story of Tita and Pedro, two lovers kept apart by family tradition. Set during the Mexican Revolution, Tita expresses her emotions through cooking, infusing each dish with intense passion that affects everyone who tastes them. A rich blend of Mexican culture, magical realism, and heartache, this novel is as delectable as the recipes Tita prepares.

Why We’re Reading It: Like Water for Chocolate is a feast for the senses, intertwining love, food, and tradition in a way that enchants readers while exploring the complex roles of women in family and society. Read the book and then enjoy the movie. 

Happy Reading! That’s what we’re reading this October at AL DÍA. Whether you’re drawn to the eerie suspense of a supernatural thriller, the lyrical beauty of a memoir, or the timeless magic of a literary classic, I hope these stories inspire and captivate you. Stay tuned for more recommendations next month, and in the meantime, explore these incredible reads!