New York Times-bestselling author Javier Zamora will host a virtual chat at 4:00 pm on Thursday, November 14 centered around his award-winning memoir Solito. 

 

Zamora was born in El Salvador in 1990 and, a year later, his father fled the country with his mother leaving when he was about to turn five, their migrations were caused by the U.S.-funded Salvadoran Civil War. At nine years old, all Zamora could imagine was rushing into his parents’ arms, snuggling in bed between them, and living under the same roof again. He could not foresee the perilous boat trips, relentless desert treks, pointed guns, arrests, and deceptions that awaited him as he embarked on a 3,000-mile journey from his small town in El Salvador, through Guatemala, Mexico, and the Sonoran Desert across the U.S. border. Traveling alone amid a group of strangers and a “coyote” hired to lead them to safety, Zamora expected his trip to last two short weeks.

 

Solito is a riveting tale of survival and perseverance through which Zamora 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.