Solito: A Read with Jenna Pick: A Memoir

Javier Zamora tells the story of his experience immigrating from El Salvador to La USA as an unaccompanied minor. So deeply good. Such an important read, especially now.

This is a wonderful book told through the eyes of a young boy traveling without family to the USA.

The process to immigration is very difficult filled with fear and promise. So many are lead but end up trying again and again. Now we have Trump who would ship all away. They learn, work and protect their families. They should be citizens of the US.

I love, love this book. Little Javier steals your heart. I’m very into memoirs as it gives me ideas about what people go through in life. Javier was very brave boy. His writing is wonderful and poetic. He threw in some Spanish Language throughout the book, which at first I didn’t understand, but then I realized that he kind of explained the situation which made me understand what was going on. I still love this book, I recommend it highly to anyone who is looking for a good read. Great for book clubs.

Wow...what a story. All this little boy went through to be reunited with his parents, separated bc they had to leave a war torn country. It takes money and connections to immigrate legally and systems both in the US and Latin America make it hardest for those most desperate.This book was a punch to the heart I was not expecting, a survival story of a child 100% dependent on the kindness and decency of strangers.Beautiful and moving story

Loved it. I am bilingual. I must say that I agree with my non-bilingual reviewers that there is a lot of Spanish and yes, you do have to have the patience to stop and translate. Nonetheless, I think if you’re willing to put in the effort, you will find that is a worthwhile read. Other than the Spanish, this book is written in very accessible prose. The most poignant parts for me were the scenes of them traveling by boat and in closing remarks, the author says that he has long forgiven his parents. This part about forgiving his parents and recalling all the vividly described details of what he went through in his journey will stay with me.

Unforgettable! I haven't been moved this much by a book in a long time.

Our cities 2026 Book Club book, received timely, used book in good condition, will start to read soon