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The Inland Empire (IE) is quietly cultivating one of the most dynamic literary ecosystems in California. At the heart of that effort stands th…

The local Latino literary world once again burst into life as Léa LA, the Los Angeles Spanish-Language Book Fair and Literary Festival, hosted its annual event at the La Plaza de Cultura y Artes. From September 14 to 17, LA became a dynamic epicenter celebrating the wealth of Spanish literature and culture. The event was founded by Marisol Schulz Manaut, an editor, cultural journalist and expert in the literary and editorial worlds. She has been recognized by Forbes magazine as one of the most influential women in Mexico and a visionary in the world of literature. Léa LA offered attendees a unique opportunity to embark on a literary journey that spans genres, styles and perspectives.

What does it mean to be Latino in the U.S.? That was the focus of a lively discussion at the Library of Congress National Book Festival held this month in Washington, D.C., where UC Irvine professor Héctor Tobar told a packed house that the term “Latino” is “an expression of an alliance, we have this commonality, we have this story of a journey in the background.”

The Los Angeles native was speaking about his new book, “Our Migrant Souls: A Meditation on Race and the Meanings and Myths of Latino” which starts with what he says is a message to his UC Irvine students who have told him stories of their lives.

Also at the festival was Afro Latino Puerto Rican David Betancourt, a comic book culture reporter with the Washington Post and author of an upcoming book with Marvel, “The Avengers Assembled: The Origin Story of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes.” The volume, which hits the shelves August 29, takes a deep dive into “the greatest superhero team of all time,” including looking at fan favorites such as Vision and Black Widow.