Solito

A Memoir

By: Javier Zamora

Narrated by: Javier Zamora

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 Kirkus Reviews Best Nonfiction Book of the Century

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.

Captivating and heartfelt!

So many of us, in fact most of us started as an immigrant. I am the first generation born on American soil on my father’s side. The heart and soul of this memoir is so meaningful. Would it not be wise that all politicians know Xavier’s story? It is believed, truth comes from the mouth of babes. I feel blessed to have discovered this story! Thank you to Jenna Bush for the recommendation.

Moving and courageous

This story is told with such well worded drama and pathos. I fell in love with characters. I feel anger towards my government for making so many people suffer this way but mostly I feel awe and love the journey of this young boy. The author-reader does the different voices very well. I just wish he didn’t halt so much between phrases but I sped it up a little. I know so much more about the incredible strength of all the brave people who try and hopefully succeed to cross the border from Mexico. And I’m grateful that I never had to suffer this way.

amazing

it had me anxious, waiting to see what happened to Javiersito. it also had me in tears. Great story

Beautiful Story

This is happening as we speak. I was so moved by his spirit and faith in family. A truly beautiful story we must learn from.

Wow!

Ok I cried at the end! What a book, what a story!

I hope you found your friends.

G