Solito - Javier Zamora

Solito

By Javier Zamora

  • Release Date: 2022-09-06
  • Genre: Biographies & Memoirs
4.5 Score: 4.5 (From 371 Ratings)

Description

New York Times Bestseller • Read With Jenna Book Club Pick as seen on Today • Winner of the Los Angeles Times Christopher Isherwood Prize for Autobiography • Winner of the American Library Association Alex Award

A young poet tells the inspiring story of his migration from El Salvador to the United States at the age of nine in this “gripping memoir” (NPR) of bravery, hope, and finding family.
 

Finalist for the PEN/John Kenneth Galbraith Award for Nonfiction • One of the New York Public Library’s Ten Best Books of the Year

Longlisted for the Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence and the PEN/Open Book Award

I read Solito with my heart in my throat and did not burst into tears until the last sentence. What a person, what a writer, what a book.—Emma Straub

“A riveting tale of perseverance and the lengths humans will go to help each other in times of struggle.”—Dave Eggers

ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR: The New York Times Book Review, NPR, The Washington Post, San Francisco Chronicle, Vulture, She Reads, Kirkus Reviews

Trip. My parents started using that word about a year ago—“one day, you’ll take a trip to be with us. Like an adventure.”  

Javier Zamora’s 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 Zamora’s story, but it’s also the story of millions of others who had no choice but to leave home.

Reviews

  • Heart heart heart

    5
    By 😄😔😰
    I haven’t cried this hard at the end of a book ever. His fake family who helped him through are incredible.
  • It’s like a movie in your head

    5
    By karennnña
    It’s such a well told story it’s made me cry, laugh and feel so many more emotions. It’s even crazier when you think about how it’s a true story. 10/10
  • Thank You

    5
    By FinalTour
    What a perspective!😳 Started & couldn’t put the book down. Opened my eyes to another world. So many emotions.
  • Great read

    5
    By Jjjjjjjackieeee
    Could not put this book down. The strength of a young boy and the compassion and love from strangers brings tears to my eyes. Great read.
  • Beyond Human Expression

    5
    By Mherbandezk
    Simply couldn’t let go of this book.
  • Love

    5
    By nuggiesmama2
    Just loved this entire book! So heavy on my heart! I hope Javier finds Patricia,Carla, and Chino!
  • Read it

    5
    By La Naru
    This book is amazing. My heart is confused. I loved this story. It’s a must read.
  • A page turner!

    5
    By Linlumor
    I couldn’t put it down! Put yourself in the author’s shoes and live the experience- keeps you on the edge of your seat
  • ❤️💙

    5
    By ❤️💙🇺🇸
    Absolutely loved this book. Extraordinary story. My wish is for Javier to reunite to Chino, Patricia and Carla soon.
  • Remarkable

    5
    By ReaderFan2017777
    What an amazing story. Beautifully told by a 9 year migrant.

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