On days when life moves too quickly, Spanish-language book club Amigos y Libros offers something powerful: a space to pause, breathe, and savor the stories on each page. Photo by Estefania De Lucas.
In adulthood, making time to read can be hard. Work, family, and responsibilities fill the day, leaving little room for the quiet joy of entering another world through a book. Yet for those who make the effort, reading can offer an escape, connection, and a reminder that imagination does not disappear with age.
In Salt Lake City, a small group of readers gather regularly to discuss novels written thousands of miles away. Their books come from Mexico, Nicaragua, Peru, Chile, and beyond. And the books all share a common trait — they’re written in Spanish. In this special book club, some members grew up speaking Spanish; others learned it later in life. Some arrive having finished every page, others come simply to listen. But everyone is welcome.
For Michele Medina-Ferrone, co-coordinator of the Spanish-language book club Amigos y Libros, that sense of belonging is the point. “Sometimes people say in the group chat, ‘I didn’t read the book, so I can’t come,’” Medina-Ferrone says. “And everyone always responds the same: ‘Come anyway. We want to see you.’”
That invitation to read, to listen, and to belong has helped sustain the group for nearly two decades. “For me, it’s a lot about cultural preservation,” she adds. “Even reading for enjoyment is about authenticity, sitting down with a book and letting the world go by.”
The club’s philosophy “We read out of decadence” comes from Fanny Blauer, Amigos y Libros’ longtime executive director. Medina-Ferrone explained the meaning of that philosophy, saying, “It means we read simply for pleasure.” She went a bit deeper, adding, “There’s learning, yes, and connection, yes; but it’s also just delicious, the way that eating chocolate cake is delicious. We connect, simply for the joy of reading.”
Fanny Blauer recalls the origins of the group in 2006, created by a mix of community members, including Rossana from the Mexican Consulate, Albina Chenworth, and Jose Bernardo, a former high school teacher.
“The group was born from a need for belonging, to speak in our language, to meet people with shared interests,” Blauer said. “I knew this place was needed right away. As soon as I learned about this group from the library, I knew I was not the only one eager to have a safe space to meet people with similar interests.”
Medina-Ferrone added that what keeps her coming back is the depth of conversation. “Even when the themes are difficult, we share our perspectives openly,” she says. “A book may bring up memories, emotions, or questions. And hearing someone else’s story in response can be moving.”
Blauer emphasized the importance of the Spanish language and cultural exchange. “It is a way to connect, to embrace our cultures, our differences and similarities. Spanish is not one language per se, there are so many variations between countries, and I find this fascinating.”
Long-time members describe the club as so much more than a book discussion.
“A book is like a passport to a new world,” shared member Barbara Andrade. “Amigos y Libros has been a passport for me, allowing me to meet people from other parts of the world and giving me many friendships that enrich my life. They have changed it forever. Reading and discussing, learning and laughing. Sharing, not only ideas, but also friendship, food, parties, and the joy of being together.”
Throughout 2026, Amigos y Libros will read several books that focus on Spanish life and community, all while addressing the diversity of Spanish-speaking cultures.
For Lourdes Cooke, the club bridges personal history and culture. “I find my community where I ‘belong,’” she said. “Reading expands your mind and it is like talking to ‘amigos’ growing together. While I enjoy learning of other cultures, and styles of writing (magic-realism, etc.), I identify with the books that connect me to my roots in Mexico and the evolution and/or transformation in Chicano literature.”
Medina-Ferrone also mentioned how the club has added new sparks to her life, saying, “It pushes me to read outside my comfort zone, and I’ve discovered writers I would never have encountered. It became a way to connect with my family and culture, through reading.”
The group thrives on its diversity. Members come from multiple countries, backgrounds, and generations. Some are native Spanish speakers; others are learners with a love for the language and the culture.
Meetings take place once a month, giving members time to savor the books at their own pace. Book selections are made collectively, with suggestions from the group. “While finishing a book is encouraged,” Medina-Ferrone says, “if you haven’t finished, that’s okay. You can still come, listen, and belong.”
Two decades after its founding, the club continues to flourish, guided by Blauer’s vision and the dedication of members. Medina-Ferrone reflects on this vision, saying, “It’s about culture and joy. Reading in Spanish connects us to our roots, to each other, and to the beauty of language. And in this space, we do it out of pleasure — decadence.”
In Amigos y Libros, reading is both a gift and a celebration. For its members, books become passports to new places, sparking meaningful conversations and shared experiences that build community. On days when life moves too quickly, this Spanish-language book club offers something powerful: a space to pause, breathe, and savor the stories on each page.
If you are longing to reconnect with reading, discover new voices in Spanish literature, or share the joy of books with others, Amigos y Libros welcomes you! To learn more or get involved, follow and connect on Instagram: @amigosylibrosslc.