September 2025 - Solito, A Memoir by Javier Zamora

^{Post Composed by Ralph Edwards}

^{First, THANK YOU to Rachel Shiryayeva for founding the S.U.R.E. Book Club, curating the book list, guiding the discussion and, importantly, providing background and context as well as your insights on the particular tome.}

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^{SOLITO – a Memoire by Javier Zamaro}

^{This is an adventure tale, a true story of a nine-year-old boy, Javier, traveling from El Salvador to the United States to be reunited with his parents who are also undocumented immigrants.  Though part of a group of strangers that has contracted with an experienced and trusted guide (called a “coyote”), he is traveling alone without adult supervision and protection.  His grandfather gives one of the men money to look after him; but actually, that man ignores him for much of the trip.}

^{From U.S. news reports of what Fox News and President Trump call an “invasion”, these treks are presented as furtive men and women darting through forest and deserts and other terrain, some with criminal intent.  In this autobiographical journey from El Salvador to Guatemala to Mexico, travel is by boat, public bus and company vans, with spare, but planned interludes for rest and preparing plausible travel documents and background stories for movement to the next stage. All coordinated by a well-organized, professional “travel company”.  Crossing the border from Mexico to the U.S. is by foot and fraught with barbwire, helicopters, border guards and armed farmers.}   

^{The trip is well organized, even professionally, with individuals having specific roles preparing documents, providing temporary accommodations, driving the van, negotiating with authorities, etc. All is reminiscent of the US Underground Railroad during slavery.  The journey is expensive and more than once, “passengers” have to call family to pay more.  However, there is a guarantee that at least two attempts will be made to cross the border.  The myriad physical and emotional challenges help forge a temporary family of Javier, a woman and her daughter, and one of the men that is key to their survival and success.}

^{It is a well told story that humanizes the individuals tasking this dangerous journey.  Makes me proud of the promise of America; our good fortune in being a part of this great nation; and trepidation at the ICEy reception.}