Inventing Latinos: A New Story of American Racism is a compelling hardcover book that dives deep into the evolving racial identity of Latinos in America. This book has been recognized as one of the Best Books of the Year by NPR, highlighting its significance in understanding race in contemporary society. Author Laura E. Gómez, a prominent scholar in critical race studies, examines who Latinos are and how they fit within America's complex racial framework. She presents a timely analysis of how Mexican Americans, Puerto Ricans, Cubans, Dominicans, and Central Americans are beginning to see themselves and each other under a unified racial identity, shaped largely by the intense anti-Latino racism they face.

Gómez offers a critical exploration of history while interrogating the processes involved in the construction of racial identity. Her work is not only a detailed historical account but also a sophisticated legal argument, shedding light on the ways in which Latinos have been racially categorized, de-categorized, and re-categorized in American society. The updated paperback edition includes a new afterword that discusses the findings of the 2020 Census, providing readers with fresh insights into how Latinos self-identify today. This work promises an enlightening journey through the intricate landscape of race-making and identity, making it essential reading for anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of race in America.