"Stories that] illuminate 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 Henr quez 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.
The Book of Unknown Americans is 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.
Named a New York Times and Washington Post Notable Book, an NPR Great Read, The Daily Beast's Novel of the Year, and a Mother Jones, Oprah.com, School Library Journal, and BookPage Best Book of the YearBinding Type: Paperback
Publisher: Vintage
Published: 03/03/2015
ISBN: 9780345806406
Pages: 304
Weight: 0.45lbs
Size: 7.90h x 5.10w x 0.70d
Review Citations: Entertainment Weekly 04/10/2015 pg. 66
New York Times Book Review 04/19/2015 pg. 28
Entertainment Weekly 09/04/2015 pg. 44