READ WITH JENNA BOOK CLUB PICK AS FEATURED ON TODAY A young poet tells the unforgettable story of his harrowing migration from El Salvador to the United States at the age of nine in this moving, page-turning memoir hailed as “the mythic journey of our era” (Sandra Cisneros)“A new landmark in the literature of migration, and in nonfiction writ large.”—Francisco Cantú, author of The Line Becomes a River Trip. My parents started using that word about a year ago—“one day, youll take a trip to be with us. Like an adventure.” Javier Zamoras adventure is a three-thousand-mile journey from his small town in El Salvador, through Guatemala and Mexico, and across the U.S. border. He will leave behind his beloved aunt and grandparents to reunite with a mother who left four years ago and a father he barely remembers. Traveling alone amid a group of strangers and a “coyote” hired to lead them to safety, Javier expects his trip to last two short weeks. At nine years old, all Javier can imagine is rushing into his parents arms, snuggling in bed between them, and living under the same roof again. He cannot foresee the perilous boat trips, relentless desert treks, pointed guns, arrests and deceptions that await him; nor can he know that those two weeks will expand into two life-altering months alongside fellow migrants who will come to encircle him like an unexpected family. A memoir as gripping as it is moving, Solito provides an immediate and intimate account not only of a treacherous and near-impossible journey, but also of the miraculous kindness and love delivered at the most unexpected moments. Solito is Javier Zamoras story, but its also the story of millions of others who had no choice but to leave home.
In the poignant and gripping memoir "Solito: A Memoir," Javier Zamora recounts his perilous journey as an unaccompanied minor from El Salvador to the United States. With unflinching honesty and vivid prose, Zamora paints a vivid picture of the struggles and triumphs he faced as he embarked on a quest for a better life.
At the tender age of nine, Zamora was forced to leave his homeland and his beloved family behind, embarking on a treacherous journey to reunite with his parents in the United States. Guided only by a phone number and a relentless determination, Zamora faced unimaginable hardships and dangers along the way.
From navigating treacherous terrains and crossing crocodile-infested rivers to enduring hunger, exhaustion, and the constant fear of being caught by immigration authorities, Zamora's journey is a testament to his resilience and unwavering hope.
As Zamora recounts his experiences in vivid detail, he offers readers an intimate glimpse into the lives of countless other unaccompanied minors who undertake similar perilous journeys in search of a brighter future.
"Solito: A Memoir" is a powerful and unforgettable story of courage, resilience, and the indomitable spirit of a young boy. Zamora's narrative sheds light on the plight of unaccompanied minors, highlighting the urgent need for compassionate and comprehensive immigration policies.
This book is a must-read for anyone who seeks to understand the human side of immigration and the extraordinary lengths people will go to in pursuit of a better life.
