Latinos On The Move: Junot Diaz

Ever think your textbooks in la escuela aren't covering our full historia? We are celebrating Hispanic Heritage month by flippin' the script and spotlighting Latinos who are worthy of a history lesson of their own.

Lesson #1: Why should you know Dominican-American writer Junot Diaz?

Answer: A pro at depicting our bodega dreams and barrio struggles, Junot Diaz has earned his spot as one of the top 20 writers of the 21st century. In 2008, the Dominicano won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction for his book "The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao."

Lesson #2: What makes him a groundbreaking author?

Answer: Growing up in a single-parent household of five in New Jersey, Junot quickly learned the saying, 'No todo es color de rosas.' His narratives have been known to weave raw and real life experiences into page-turning masterpieces. Besides being known for his acclaimed novel "The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao," Junot is also recognized for a series of short stories, including his first published novel "Drown."

Lesson #3: Favorite quote about his writing style:

It’s like having this huge, wonderful, gorgeous, rich, ripe, delicious mango hanging over your desk. But because you’ve been trained that mangoes are not the kind of food that one eats at a desk, you just willfully ignore them. How could you ignore such wonderful interconnections?

Lesson #4: Why should you read his books?

Answer: Whether you are looking to get schooled in street-smarts or seeking to relate to a realistic perspective of la vida, Diaz has got you covered.

We are unleashing our pride with other must-read profiles throughout the month. Be sure to dump your notebooks because these lessons only require corazón!

Photo via Getty Images

Tags Books, Dominicans, Hispanic Heritage, Junot Diaz, Latinos, Literature