Solito by Javier Zamora

Solito is a memoir by Javier Zamora who at the age of nine traveled by, bus, by boat, by car, and most harrowingly by foot through Guatemala, Mexico, and the Mexican desert to be reunited with his parents in the USA. While his grandfather accompanied him to Guatemala Javier traveled the rest of the way with a small group of strangers but essentially alone. Javier wanted to trust the others but feared many of the people in the group except for three-a mother, Patricia, her daughter, Carla, and a gentle young man, Chino. Throughout the journey the four are told to behave as a family for border checks and documentation logistics which gave Javier great comfort for this is what he wanted most. This is why he was making this “trip”- to be with his mom and dad and to be a family. Patricia showed Javier such kindness and care as only a mother could and Chino encouraged Javier, even carried him at a most difficult part of the trek. Even at the tender age of nine Javier appreciated the compassion shown to him and even recognized that the four of them working together and caring about each other became a family. Their goodbye is one of the most endearing and moving ones I have ever read. 

Javier’s story is captivating for so many reasons. It’s real, tender, and current. Most of us will never have an experience like Javier’s grueling journey. Most of us will never have to make the sacrifices and the choices his family made to seek a better life and to be together. I’m grateful for Javier’s story and that he shared it with us and I’m sure I’m not solito in already looking forward to what he might write next. 

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