St. Martin's Griffin
My Side of the River: A Memoir
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A New York Times Editor's Pick
A People Magazine Best Book to Read in February
A Goodreads Most Anticipated Book of 2024
"My Side of the River is both fierce and poetic. It brilliantly reframes border writing while embracing nature and familial history. There are moments one sees greatness appear. This is one of those moments." ―Luis Alberto Urrea, New York Times bestselling author of Good Night, Irene
Elizabeth Camarillo Gutierrez reveals her experience as the U.S. born daughter of immigrants and what happened when, at fifteen, her parents were forced back to Mexico in this captivating and tender memoir.
Born to Mexican immigrants south of the Rillito River in Tucson, Arizona, Elizabeth had the world at her fingertips. She was preparing to enter her freshman year of high school as the number one student when suddenly, her own country took away the most important right a child has: the right to have a family.
When her parents' visas expired and they were forced to return to Mexico, Elizabeth was left responsible for her younger brother, as well as her education. Determined to break the cycle of being a "statistic," she knew that even though her parents couldn't stay, there was no way she could let go of the opportunities the U.S. could provide. Armed with only her passport and sheer teenage determination, Elizabeth became what her school would eventually describe as an unaccompanied homeless youth, one of thousands of underage victims affected by family separation due to broken immigration laws.
For fans of Educated by Tara Westover and The Distance Between Us by Reyna Grande, My Side of the River explores separation, generational trauma, and the toll of the American dream. It's also, at its core, a love story between a brother and a sister who, no matter the cost, is determined to make the pursuit of her brother's dreams easier than it was for her.
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Book Details
ISBN:
9781250817426
EAN:
9781250817426
Binding:
Paperback
Pages:
272
Authors:
Elizabeth Camarillo Gutierrez
Publisher:
St. Martin's Griffin
Published Date: 2025-25-02
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The author shares her story of growing up as the daughter of Mexican immigrants. Her parents were deported due to their expired visa when she was a teenager. She chronicled her family relationships, educational experiences, and involvement with immigration policies that impacted her life. Although a good writer, I felt intimacy with her character, maturity and substance which one usually gets in a memoir were lacking as she related her story.Thank you to NetGalley and her publisher for the opportunity to read this book.
I don’t even know what to say other than I’m thankful for the Latina immigrants that are brave enough to write their stories for those of us that need to feel understood and seen in what is still a white america that tries to push down Latino immigrants.
This is a heart felt true story of upbeat, ambitious girl born to undocumented migrants who is determined to succeed even through tough circumstances. Her bravery and resourcefulness in working through poverty, racism, and gender bias is inspiring. This is a quick read, but quite educational.
This story is touching. She had a very difficult life. Really not fair. Amazing how she showed strength and perseverance. Brilliant woman. What I don’t understand is why the “F” word is used…..not necessary and offensive.
An excellent sharing of what it would feel like to walk in the shoes of a first generation American…along with the desire, determination & sacrifice families are willing to take to create a better life for their children.
