Brazilian Gods, Thai Stories & Putumayo
Issue #103
Happy Tuesday,
And welcome to the Cultural Reads newsletter with book, music, and movie recommendations from around the world.
In this newsletter: Brazilian Comic, Barcelona Bookstores, Putumayo, Venezuelan Band, Thai Short Stories, & Stripper Comedy.
🦸♂️ Turning Gods Into Superheroes (Brazil)
It was the morning after a Candomblé ceremony in Salvador da Bahia. I wandered into a small art store, still hearing the beat of the drums and seeing the trance-like dances in my mind.
A colorful, Marvel-style comic caught my eye. Inside: the world of the Orixás—a mysterious realm of Afro-Brazilian spirituality, at least to me.
I wanted to know more. What is Candomblé? What role does it play in Brazil? And what can it teach us?
So I reached out to the author, Hugo Canuto, who shared his story in my latest interview: Turning Gods Into Superheroes.
📙 Best Barcelona Books Stores (Spain)
It’s hard to believe it’s been 11 years since my Erasmus exchange in Barcelona. Luckily, the city continues to find ways to bring me back.
This time, it was for a work event with my friend Mario, whom I know through his wife, whom I met in Barcelona (small world, right?).
After writing about new ways to experience Barcelona and Barcelona Food & Drink spots, I figured it was time to give some love to Barcelona’s incredible bookstores.
So here it is: my new post on the best bookstores in Barcelona.
Bonus Tips: We spent a beach day in Montgat Nord where we had a fantastic lunch at La Placeta —a cozy Catalan bistro that makes you forget the world outside. We also enjoyed a delicious vegan brunch next to an authentic art atelier, where the owner recommended visiting the often-overlooked Museum of World Cultures.
📀 Dan Storp - Putumayo (World)
Have you ever felt heartbroken hearing about someone’s death, even though you never met them?
That happened to me when Sebastião Salgado died (newsletter 101), just a week after I’d visited his exhibition. It struck me again with Dan Storper, who passed away a week before I thought about interviewing him. Both were mentor-like figures who deeply inspired me.
Dan Storper is the founder of Putumayo World Music, the label famous for bringing global sounds to Western ears. He began with handicrafts and clothing, but then found his true path in music.
Thanks to him, artists like Buena Vista Social Club, Ali Farka Touré, Tinariwen, and Amadou & Mariam reached broader audiences—and became some of my favorites. Here’s a link to the last interview he gave.
📻 Rawayana (Venezuela)
How many Venezuelan bands can you name? I asked a Venezuelan café owner in Barcelona, who immediately said Rawayana. They’re the country’s #1 band right now.
Rawayana blends reggae, funk, rock, and salsa into a laid-back, tropical sound they call “trippy pop.” Catchy rhythms meet sharp, satirical, and socially aware lyrics.
📗 Sightseeing - Rattawut Lapcharoensap (Thailand)
We’re planning a family trip to Thailand at the end of the year, so what better time to start reading Thai literature?
The first book I picked up is Sightseeing (2005), a debut collection of short stories by Thai-American author Rattawut Lapcharoensap.
The stories vividly capture growing up in Thailand amid its rapid changes and increasing tourism, exploring themes of identity, nostalgia, and cultural clashes. Lapcharoensap offers intimate insights into daily Thai life, and I felt myself being pulled into the stories immediately, immersing myself in Rattawut’s world.
Please let me know if you have any travel or literature tips for Thailand!
🍿 Anora (United States)
You know that awkward feeling when you have to sit through a sex scene on the couch with your parents?
Now imagine that... but with your parents, parents-in-law, and friends. That was my sister’s birthday vibe, after I enthusiastically suggested Anora for her birthday movie night.
I’m not sure what I expected, but I definitely didn’t think it through. Since it’s about a stripper falling for a young Russian, I should’ve seen the first awkward 15 minutes—lap dances, butt slaps, and naked boobs—coming.
However, the story quickly shifted into a fast-paced, hilarious, and action-packed dramedy. Honestly, I’d highly recommend it.
You can watch it on multiple platforms, but here’s the link for YouTube rental.
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