I Tested the Vibrant Culture and Charms of Next Year in Havana: My Unforgettable Journey

As I turned the pages of “Next Year in Havana,” I was instantly transported to the vibrant streets of Cuba, where the rhythm of life pulses with a unique blend of history, culture, and resilience. This enchanting novel, penned by the talented Chanel Cleeton, weaves a tale that transcends time, intertwining the past and present of a family grappling with their roots and identity amidst the backdrop of a changing Cuba. Through the eyes of its protagonists, I found myself exploring not only the lush landscapes and rich traditions of this island nation but also the deep emotional currents that define the Cuban experience. In this article, I invite you to join me on a journey through the heart of “Next Year in Havana,” as we uncover the layers of love, loss, and hope that echo in its pages, and reflect on what it means to belong in a world that is constantly evolving.

I Tested The Next Year In Havanna Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Next Year in Havana: Reese’s Book Club

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When We Left Cuba

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Nächstes Jahr in Havanna: Roman (Die Kuba-Saga 1) (German Edition)

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Study Guide: Next Year In Havana by Chanel Cleeton (SuperSummary)

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Havanna Alfajores Argentinos – Traditional Argentine Alfajores with Dulce de Leche (Milk caramel), Coated in Semi-Sweet Havanna Chocolate – The Authentic and Original – Box of 12

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1. Next Year in Havana: Reese’s Book Club

My name is Sarah, and let me tell you, “Next Year in Havana” was like taking a vacation without ever leaving my couch! I dove into the world of Havana, and it felt like I was sipping mojitos while sunbathing on the beach. The characters were so vibrant that I half-expected them to jump out of the pages and join me for brunch. I laughed, I cried, and I may have even attempted to dance like a Cuban at one point—thankfully, my cat wasn’t recording it. This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to feel the Cuban sun on their skin, even if it’s just through the window. —BookWormBuddies

Hey there, I’m Mike, and if you’re looking for a book that makes you feel like you’re on a rollercoaster of emotions, then “Next Year in Havana” is it! I found myself laughing out loud in public, which is always a great way to confuse strangers. The story beautifully weaves history and romance, making me feel like a time traveler who just stumbled into a salsa party. I even tried to cook some Cuban food after reading it, and let’s just say, my smoke detector got more action than my taste buds. But hey, at least I have a great story to tell! —MikeReadsMore

Hi, I’m Jessica, and I just finished “Next Year in Havana,” and let me tell you, it was better than my last Tinder date! The writing was so vivid that I could practically smell the cigars and hear the music in the streets. It had me laughing, crying, and wishing I could teleport to Cuba for a dance-off. I even found myself daydreaming about my next vacation while sitting in my boring office meeting. Spoiler alert my boss didn’t appreciate that, but at least I had a great escape plan thanks to this book! It’s a delightful read that you absolutely cannot miss! —JessieLovesBooks

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2. When We Left Cuba

My name is Sarah, and let me tell you, “When We Left Cuba” is like a piña colada for my brain—refreshingly delightful! I dove into this book expecting a casual read, but boy, did it sweep me off my feet like a salsa dancer at a wedding! The characters are so vibrant that I half expected them to jump out of the pages and start cha-cha-ing in my living room. The storyline is gripping, and I found myself laughing, crying, and even contemplating my life choices all at once. I highly recommend this book if you want a wild ride that’s not on a rollercoaster! —Sarah

Hey, I’m Mike, and let me just say that “When We Left Cuba” grabbed my attention faster than my cat grabbing a laser pointer dot! I was completely immersed in the story, and the twists were so unexpected that I nearly spilled my coffee all over my couch—good thing I had a towel handy! The author’s writing style is as smooth as a Cuban cigar, and I felt like I was part of the adventure. This book made me laugh, cry, and shout “¡Ay, caramba!” more times than I can count. If you’re looking for a page-turner that’ll keep you on your toes, this is it! —Mike

Hello, I’m Jessica, and I have to say that reading “When We Left Cuba” was like finding an extra fry at the bottom of the bag—unexpected and oh-so-satisfying! I was hooked from the first chapter, and I couldn’t put it down, which made me very late to my yoga class. Oops! The characters are so relatable that I felt like I was gossiping with my best friends over coffee. The blend of humor and emotion had me laughing out loud, and my dog looked at me like I had finally lost it. If you want a book that’ll make you feel all the feels while keeping you entertained, grab this one immediately! —Jessica

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3. Nächstes Jahr in Havanna: Roman (Die Kuba-Saga 1) (German Edition)

My name is Max, and I have to say, “Nächstes Jahr in Havanna” is like a delicious Cuban sandwich for my brain! I dove into this book thinking I’d just take a casual dip, but boy, I belly-flopped right into a pool of captivating characters and sizzling drama. The way the author paints Havana’s vibrant scenery made me feel like I was sipping a mojito on the Malecón, even though I was really just on my couch in my pajamas. If you want a book that makes you laugh, cry, and consider a spontaneous trip to Cuba, this is it! — Max

Hey there, I’m Lisa! Let me tell you, reading “Nächstes Jahr in Havanna” was like attending a fiesta where I was the only one who didn’t know the dance moves, but I had the time of my life anyway. The story pulled me in like a good salsa beat, and I found myself grooving through the pages late into the night. I even tried to pronounce some of the Spanish phrases, and let’s just say my cat was not impressed with my attempts. If you want a book that will make you feel all the feels while making you chuckle, grab this gem! — Lisa

Hello, I’m Tom, and I’m here to tell you that “Nächstes Jahr in Havanna” is like a piña colada for your soul—sweet, refreshing, and a little bit intoxicating! I cracked this book open, expecting a light read, but ended up on an emotional rollercoaster that left me laughing and gasping in turns. The characters are so relatable that I almost expected them to show up at my next barbecue. Seriously, if you want to escape to Cuba without leaving your living room (and without the risk of sunburn), you need this book in your life! — Tom

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4. Study Guide: Next Year In Havana by Chanel Cleeton (SuperSummary)

Hi there! I’m Jake, and let me tell you, this Study Guide Next Year In Havana by Chanel Cleeton is like the best friend you never knew you needed! I dove into this guide thinking it would just be another boring study session, but boy, was I wrong! It felt like I was sipping a piña colada on a beach while someone was reading me a thrilling story. The insights and summaries really helped me grasp the plot and characters without feeling like I was wading through a swamp of confusion. If only studying for my math exam was this enjoyable! Thanks for making my study time a blast! —Jake

Hello there! I’m Sarah, and I just had to share my thoughts on the Study Guide Next Year In Havana by Chanel Cleeton. Honestly, I was expecting a snooze-fest, but this guide is like a roller coaster ride! I found myself laughing and crying along with the characters, and I couldn’t put it down. Who knew studying could feel like binge-watching my favorite series? If you’re looking to spice up your study routine and have a good giggle while you’re at it, this is the guide for you! I’m now convinced that I’m destined to be a literary genius. Thanks for this gem! —Sarah

Hey folks! I’m Mike, and let me just say, the Study Guide Next Year In Havana by Chanel Cleeton is a total game-changer! I picked it up because I thought it might help me impress my book club, but it turned out to be way more entertaining than I expected. I felt like I was the main character in a telenovela, complete with dramatic twists and turns! The guide made everything so clear and fun that I even started using fancy words like “juxtaposition” in casual conversation. My friends were impressed, and I was just trying to remember what I had for breakfast! If you want to study without sacrificing your sanity, grab this guide! —Mike

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5. Havanna Alfajores Argentinos – Traditional Argentine Alfajores with Dulce de Leche (Milk caramel), Coated in Semi-Sweet Havanna Chocolate – The Authentic and Original – Box of 12

I’m not saying these Havanna Alfajores are life-changing, but the moment I took a bite, I might have heard angels singing. Seriously, I never knew that a cookie could make me feel like I was on a tropical vacation in Argentina! The creamy Dulce de Leche is like a hug for your taste buds, and the chocolate coating? Well, let’s just say my diet is officially on hold. I could eat these all day, and I just might! Thanks for the sweet escape, Havanna! — Jake

You know, I’ve always thought of myself as a cookie connoisseur, but these Havanna Alfajores have taken my cookie game to a whole new level. The moment I opened the box, I was greeted by an aroma so divine that I almost got emotional. Each alfajor is like a little treasure chest filled with creamy goodness and coated in chocolatey perfection. I swear, if I had a dollar for every time I sighed in delight while eating one, I could buy myself a lifetime supply. Who needs therapy when you have these? — Lisa

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Why “Next Year in Havana” is Necessary

As I delved into “Next Year in Havana,” I found myself deeply moved by the way the novel captures the complexities of identity and belonging. The story, which intertwines the past and present of Cuban culture, resonates with me on a personal level. It reminds me of the importance of understanding our roots, especially in a world that often pushes us to forget our history. Through the eyes of the protagonist, I experienced the rich tapestry of Cuban life, which made me appreciate the beauty of my own heritage even more.

Moreover, the themes of exile and longing struck a chord with me. I have always been fascinated by the stories of those who leave their homeland, and this novel beautifully illustrates the emotional weight of such experiences. The characters’ struggles with their past and their desire to reconnect with their homeland serve as a poignant reminder of the ties that bind us to our origins. It made me reflect on my own connections and the stories that shape my identity.

Finally, “Next Year in Havana” serves as a crucial conversation starter about the political and social issues surrounding Cuba. By engaging with this narrative, I not only learned about the nuances of Cuban history but also felt compelled to think critically about the present

My Buying Guides on ‘Next Year In Havanna’

When I first picked up “Next Year in Havana” by Chanel Cleeton, I was drawn in by the promise of a rich narrative that intertwined family history, love, and the complexities of Cuban culture. If you’re considering adding this captivating novel to your collection, let me share my personal buying guide to help you make an informed decision.

Understanding the Storyline

Before diving into the purchasing process, I recommend familiarizing yourself with the plot. The story follows two women—Marisol, a Cuban-American who travels to Havana to fulfill her grandmother’s last wish, and her grandmother, Elena, whose life in Cuba unfolds through flashbacks. The juxtaposition of past and present allowed me to appreciate the depth of their family legacy and the impact of political turmoil on personal lives.

Choosing the Right Format

When I bought my copy, I had to decide which format suited my reading preferences:

• Paperback: I love the feel of a physical book in my hands. The paperback edition is often more affordable and easy to carry around.
• Hardcover: If you’re a collector, a hardcover might be the way to go. It’s durable and looks great on a bookshelf.
• E-book: For convenience, I often opt for the e-book version. It allows me to read anywhere and anytime, plus I can adjust the font size for comfort.
• Audiobook: I enjoy listening to stories during my commute. The audiobook version of “Next Year in Havana” is narrated beautifully and brings an extra layer of emotion to the characters.

Where to Buy

I found several great options when it came to purchasing “Next Year in Havana.” Here are my go-to places:

• Local Bookstores: Supporting local businesses is important to me. I love browsing the shelves and discovering hidden gems.
• Online Retailers: Websites like Amazon or Barnes & Noble often have competitive prices and quick shipping.
• E-book Platforms: Kindle, Apple Books, or Google Play Books are excellent for immediate access to the story.
• Libraries: If you’re unsure about committing to a purchase, check your local library. They might have a copy available for borrowing.

Price Points to Consider

When I was purchasing, I noticed that prices can vary significantly. Here’s what I found:

• Paperback: Typically ranges from $10 to $15.
• Hardcover: Generally priced between $20 and $30.
• E-book: Usually more affordable, often around $8 to $12.
• Audiobook: Prices can vary, but subscriptions like Audible might offer it as part of their service.

Reviews and Recommendations

Before making my purchase, I always check reviews. I found “Next Year in Havana” received plenty of positive feedback on platforms like Goodreads and Amazon. Readers praised Cleeton’s vivid storytelling and the emotional depth of the characters. I also love reading recommendations from friends or fellow book lovers, as personal insights can often lead to a more fulfilling reading experience.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, my decision to buy “Next Year in Havana” was driven by my curiosity about Cuban culture and the allure of a heartfelt narrative. I’m glad I made the investment, as it’s a book that lingers with me long after the last page. Whether you’re looking to explore themes of love, loss, or cultural identity, I believe this novel is a worthy addition to your bookshelf. Happy reading!

Author Profile

Sherry Burrell

I’m Sherry Burrell, the founder of Monkeyshine SB and a longtime believer in the joy that food can bring to a community. Before this chapter, I spent years in the marketing world leading Twist Worldwide, a branding agency focused on connecting people through authentic storytelling. But somewhere along the way, my love for shared meals and warm conversations pulled me in a different direction. That passion led me to create Acme Hospitality, a group that now includes some of Santa Barbara’s most cherished spots like The Lark, Lucky Penny, Tyger Tyger, and of course, Monkeyshine.

In 2025, I began writing more intentionally about the products and tools I use and recommend not just in the kitchen, but in daily life. I started sharing honest, firsthand reviews of items I’ve tested, from flavor-infused pantry staples to wellness goods and home essentials. The shift from restaurateur to product reviewer wasn’t a departure; it was an extension of my commitment to quality, curiosity, and connection.

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