The Book of Unknown Americans
by Cristina Henríquez
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A stunning novel of hopes and dreams, guilt and love--a book that offers a resonant new definition of what it means to be American and "illuminates the lives behind the current debates about Latino immigration" (The New York Times Book Review).
When fifteen-year-old Maribel Rivera sustains a terrible injury, the Riveras leave behind a comfortable life in Mexico and risk everything to come to the United States so that Maribel can have the care she needs. Once they arrive, it's not long before Maribel attracts the attention of Mayor Toro, the son of one of their new neighbors, who sees a kindred spirit in this beautiful, damaged outsider. Their love story sets in motion events that will have profound repercussions for everyone involved. Here Henrquez seamlessly interweaves the story of these star-crossed lovers, and of the Rivera and Toro families, with the testimonials of men and women who have come to the United States from all over Latin America.
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Book Details
- ISBN
- 9780345806406
- Binding
- Paperback
- Authors
- Cristina Henríquez
- Publisher
- Vintage
- Published Date
- March 3, 2015
- Language
- English
- Pages
- 304
- Physical Info
- 7.9 in L x 5.1 in W (0.5 lb)
Good
I absolutely loved these stories of unknown Americans, a tragedy so real in this country. I had a hard time putting this one down. And I definitely didn’t want it to end.
cry a little bit when I was reading it. it was what I went through in this world with my parents
Poignant- in the end - we all want the same thing to be safe and happy- to have a chance at a better life not only for us but for our families. The loneliness that immigrants feel was palpably written - a story about resilience, forgiveness and hope .
Yeah it was pretty cool, I guess. It's a shame what immigrants go through. I might have never known if it weren't for this book. Not the best book I ever read though. Something about the author's voice annoys me. I think she overwrites, but not in a cool F. Scott Fitzgerald type way, but more in a rambling pretentious friend type way. Also it was my college's English department that made me read this, which is why at first I resented it. I still feel like I should've read a classic instead. You know, study the masterpieces so you can learn to write masterpieces. Maybe that makes my rating biased.
