Los Bookis Podcast
Adrian Gaston Garcia and Sergio Lopez
Los Bookis is a podcast connecting queer Latine bookworms with queer Latine stories written by authors who look and sound like us. Join your lively hosts: Adrian Gaston Garcia and Sergio Lopez for monthly interviews with some of the baddest queer Latine storytellers in the game as they dig deep into their literary works and get all the chisme you’ve been dying to know.
Maricas
In this episode, AGG and Sergio sit down with Santiago Jose Sanchez to discuss their debut novel, exploring themes of immigrant families drifting apart, the struggle of feeling like someone else, and the journey to find belonging. They also delve into why they chose not to include a coming-out narrative in their book, the personal significance of Hombrecito, navigating pain and loss, and their experiences growing up in both Miami and Colombia.About the Author: @sntsnchzSantiago Jose Sanchez is a
Jan 9, • 46:44
Little Monsters, Presente!
Get ready for a special treat! In this episode, AGG and Sergio team up with the Mt. Pleasant Library Friends for their first-ever live recording in front of an audience! They’re joined by the incredible Gerardo Sámano Córdova to dive into his jaw-dropping debut novel, “Monstrilio.” Expect an unforgettable chat about his creative process, navigating grief, family bonds, and why believing in unbelievable matters. Don't miss this literary adventure!About the Author: @hello.samanitoGerardo Sámano Có
Dec 16, 2024 • 47:11
I Can’t Even Help You Because the Problem Is You
In this episode, AGG and Sergio chat with the fabulous Melissa Mogollon about everything from our collective love for Latina women to her badass grandma’s antics. We dive into how growing up in Florida shaped her, discovering her queerness in DC, stumbling across hilarious websites for men dating Colombian women, and the excitement of her upcoming wedding.About the Author: @melissamogollonwriterMelissa Mogollon holds an MFA in fiction from the Iowa Writers’ Workshop and a BA from the George Wash
Oct 25, 2024 • 32:13
Friends Por Vida
In this episode, AGG and Sergio talk with Joe Jiménez to discuss the complexities of friendship, his up-bringing in small-town Texas, and his experience teaching high school in inner-city San Antonio. We delve into how he brings authentic experiences into his writing, the invaluable advice he received from Sandra Cisneros, and his journey toward personal growth.About the Author: @JoeJimenez_writJoe Jiménez is the author of the poetry collection Rattlesnake Allegory and Bloodline, a young adult n
Sep 30, 2024 • 35:58
Being the Queer Ancestors of the Future
Episode Description: In this episode, AGG and Sergio have a lively discussion with Caro De Robertis about their obsession with Greek mythology, how writers begin as passionate readers, and the ups and downs of the human experience. Caro spills the tea about their journey of being exiled by family, dealing with homophobic relatives, and the joy of working with a queer Latina editor. They also delve into the power of honoring the erotic in literature, the adventures of queer parenting, and share t
Aug 27, 2024 • 46:53
He Tried His Best
In this episode, AGG and Sergio are live in the studio with the talented Aaron H. Aceves! We dive into his love for voice notes, how his book is a grower, and the sheer joy he feels hearing from fellow queer Latines, Palestinians and teenagers. We also chat about feeling isolated as a child, growing up in the vibrant East L.A., his taste in guys, and he drops a whopper of a hot take that you won’t want to miss! About the Author: @aaronacevesAaron H. Aceves is a bisexual, Mexican-American writer
Jul 25, 2024 • 42:45
Poet of the People
In this episode, AGG and Sergio sit down with Richard Blanco to discuss a range of topics including his decision to finally dedicate a book to his husband, his identity as a sensory poet, and his ongoing quest to find home. They also delve into his complex relationship with his abuela, including her attempts to bribe him into marrying a woman, and the intricate family dynamics with gender and gender roles. Richard shares his journey of being open and vulnerable, letting go of past burdens, his l
Jun 11, 2024 • 45:01
The Force is Strong with Jessica Parra
In this episode, AGG and Sergio gab with the fabulous Jessica Parra about our shared love for JLo, dropping a sizzling hot take (Wedding Planner v. Selena), navigating life as a Disney adult, unraveling the secrets of Tarot cards, and the delightful usage of nicknames. We dive into how she deals with grief, her choice to embrace the term “Latine,” in her writing, her creative spin on quinceañeras. Plus, we gush over her love for the TV show “Vida,” and her deep-seated passion for all things Star
May 29, 2024 • 44:02
From Military Brat to Edinburgh | Andrés N. Ordorica, How We Named the Stars
In this episode, Sergio and AGG meet with Andrés to discuss how nature plays a central theme in his book, our mutual frustration with the protagonist, reflect on the special bond he shared with his abuelo, the challenges of being queer, the need to leave one’s hometown, shares a valuable college tip and divulges his greatest fear on what he thinks may get him “canceled.”About the Author: @andres_ordoricaAndrés N. Ordorica (He/him) is a queer Latinx writer based in Edinburgh. Drawing on his famil
Apr 30, 2024 • 48:18
An Extraordinary Life | Jaquira Díaz, Ordinary Girls
In this episode, AGG and Sergio engage in a conversation with Jaquira Díaz delving into topics such as monsters, how the world sees women’s bodies, how your friends become your family, rebelling against authority, reconciling with family, being sluts for books and how to live now. About the Author: @jaquiradiazJaquira Díaz was born in Puerto Rico. Her work has been published in the New York Times Style Magazine, the Guardian, Longreads, Conde Nast Traveler, and included in The Best American Essa
Mar 12, 2024 • 46:38
Gay Ass Families
In this episode, AGG and Sergio discuss Sonora’s love for Ballet Folklórico, fan fiction, their mixed feelings with Catholicism, the fear of being a queer youth and experiencing homelessness, the possibility of a follow-up book, struggling in school, and the need for community. About the Author: @sonora.reyes Sonora Reyes is a queer second-generation Mexican American who attended a Catholic high school. They write fiction full of queer and Latinx characters in a variety of genres. Sonora is also
Feb 13, 2024 • 40:51
Gay Ass Voices
Fresh off winning the National Book Award for Fiction, AGG and Sergio engage in an insightful conversation with Justin Torres. Together they explore the boldness of Jan Gay, the absurdity of the Puerto Rican Syndrome, the march towards death, their gay ass voices, the magic of Disco, and their mutual love for Justin’s debut masterpiece - “We The Animals.”About the author: Justin Torres is the author of We the Animals, which won the VCU Cabell First Novelist Award, and was translated into fifteen
Dec 12, 2023 • 49:39
POCAS PERO LOCAS
In this episode, AGG and Sergio become honorary members of Myriam’s gang: P.P.L. Myriam discusses the history of Creep, her incredible memory, embracing slut terminology, who she wants to surround herself with, recognizing the beauty and pain that her grandfather caused, the urban legend of Pedro Paramo, and her ability to speak up for others.*Content Warning: This episode contains discussion of sexual assault and may be triggering for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised.About the au
Nov 16, 2023 • 48:41
How Alejandro Wants to be Remembered
In the first ever episode of “Los Bookis,” AGG and Sergio Lopez sit down with Alejandro Varela, to discuss his latest book, “The People Who Report More Stress.” They dig deep into his work, his job at the US Open, outings to gay bars as a young man, capitalism v. working class issues, what Alejandro would be like if he was on the apps, what we should be advocating for at all times, who he wants to play Eduardo and Gus if there was a movie adaptation, and how he wants to be remembered. About the
Oct 12, 2023 • 47:01
