Solito

1. A young boy's perilous journey from El Salvador to the United States

"Trip. My parents started using that word about a year ago—"one day, you'll take a trip to be with us. Like an adventure. Like the one Simba goes on before he comes home.""

The protagonist's odyssey begins. Nine-year-old Javier embarks on a dangerous journey from El Salvador to the United States to reunite with his parents. His trip is fraught with peril, spanning multiple countries and involving various modes of transportation:

• Boat ride from Guatemala to Mexico
• Bus rides through Mexico
• Desert crossing at the U.S.-Mexico border

Javier's perspective. The story is told through the eyes of a child, offering a unique and heart-wrenching view of the immigrant experience. Javier's innocence and vulnerability are juxtaposed against the harsh realities of illegal border crossings, creating a powerful narrative that humanizes the immigration debate.

2. The emotional toll of family separation and the quest for reunification

"I want to cuddle with Mom. I'm sad remembering Roberto. Mali looks sad because no one is showing up to take her to the dance."

Separation's impact. The book vividly portrays the emotional trauma of family separation, highlighting the longing and sadness experienced by both children and adults:

• Javier's constant thoughts of his parents
• The pain of leaving behind grandparents and other family members
• The sense of loss and displacement felt by migrants

Hope for reunification. Despite the hardships, the desire to reunite with loved ones serves as a powerful motivator for Javier and his fellow travelers. This hope sustains them through difficult times and dangerous situations.

3. The dangers and challenges of crossing borders illegally

"We stop when we hear a wave forming, nearing, crash—then it fizzles away. I love it. ¡This is the ocean! The asphalt road is the ocean water, the cars the waves."

Physical dangers. The journey is filled with numerous physical risks:

• Drowning during boat crossings
• Dehydration and exposure in the desert
• Injury from terrain and wildlife
• Risk of detection by border patrol

Psychological challenges. In addition to physical dangers, migrants face significant psychological stress:

• Constant fear of capture and deportation
• Anxiety about the unknown
• Trauma from witnessing others' suffering or death

Metaphorical language. The author uses vivid metaphors, like comparing the sound of cars on a highway to ocean waves, to capture the migrants' experiences and perceptions.

4. The role of coyotes and human smugglers in facilitating illegal immigration

"Don Dago was probably not lying when he told Grandpa, "I'm only one pearl in a long pearl necklace, Don Chepe." We were at home the second time he came over. Grandpa and Don Dago sat in plastic chairs under the mango trees in the backyard. "We all have to eat," he continued."

Coyotes as guides and facilitators. The book provides insight into the complex role of human smugglers, known as coyotes:

• Organizing transportation and border crossings
• Providing guidance and instructions to migrants
• Negotiating with authorities and other criminal groups

Ethical ambiguity. The portrayal of coyotes is nuanced, showing them as both helpers and exploiters:

• Some display genuine concern for migrants' safety
• Others prioritize profit over human lives
• Migrants often have mixed feelings of gratitude and distrust towards coyotes

5. The harsh realities of life as an undocumented immigrant

"We are Mexican. We don't know who the coyotes were. We're from Nogales."

Constant fear and vigilance. Undocumented immigrants live in a state of perpetual anxiety:

• Fear of deportation
• Need to maintain false identities
• Difficulty accessing basic services and rights

Sacrifices and hardships. The book illustrates the many challenges faced by undocumented immigrants:

• Separation from family and cultural roots
• Exploitation in the workplace
• Limited opportunities for education and advancement

Adaptive strategies. Javier and his companions quickly learn to adapt to their new reality, developing skills to avoid detection and navigate their precarious situation.

6. The impact of immigration policies on families and children

"I'm scared we will never see Chino again, like the people in the boats. Like the Guatemalans taken by the Mexican cops. Like Marcelo, Mario, and Chele. We can't leave him."

Family separation. The book highlights the devastating effects of immigration policies that separate families:

• Children left behind with relatives
• Parents unable to return to their home countries
• Siblings split up during the journey or at the border

Trauma and long-term consequences. The narrative explores the lasting impact of these policies on children:

• Emotional and psychological trauma
• Disrupted education and development
• Challenges in forming attachments and trust

Systemic issues. Through Javier's experiences, the book sheds light on broader systemic problems in immigration policy and enforcement.

7. The resilience and determination of immigrants in pursuit of a better life

"We're walking north and looking for a peak to our left that looks like a horn. A rhino's horn."

Unwavering resolve. Despite numerous setbacks and dangers, the migrants demonstrate remarkable resilience:

• Continuing the journey after failed attempts
• Enduring physical hardships and deprivation
• Supporting and encouraging one another

Hope as a driving force. The promise of a better life in the United States sustains the migrants through their ordeal:

• Dreams of reuniting with family
• Aspirations for education and economic opportunities
• Desire to escape violence or poverty in their home countries

8. The complex emotions of leaving one's homeland and adapting to a new country

"I'm in La USA. It's not supposed to feel like this. I want to be laughing, jumping into my parents' arms."

Mixed feelings. The book captures the conflicting emotions experienced by migrants:

• Excitement about new opportunities
• Sadness at leaving behind familiar places and people
• Anxiety about the unknown future

Cultural dissonance. Javier's experiences highlight the challenges of adapting to a new culture:

• Language barriers
• Differences in customs and social norms
• Feeling like an outsider

Identity struggles. The narrative explores how migration affects one's sense of self and belonging, particularly for children like Javier who are caught between two worlds.

9. The physical and psychological challenges of desert crossings

"The moon paints the waves platinum. The moon and the stars reflect on the water like jellyfish. Large tentacles reaching toward Asia. The stars' reflections on the water like tortillas on a comal."

Harsh environment. The desert crossing is one of the most harrowing parts of the journey:

• Extreme temperatures and lack of water
• Difficult terrain and navigation
• Threat of wildlife and natural hazards

Psychological strain. The desert's vastness and isolation take a toll on the migrants' mental state:

• Hallucinations and disorientation
• Fear of abandonment or getting lost
• Emotional exhaustion and despair

Poetic descriptions. The author uses lyrical language to convey the surreal and often beautiful aspects of the desert landscape, creating a stark contrast with the dangers it presents.

10. The bonds formed among fellow migrants during the journey

"We are coral. Rocks at the bottom of the ocean. ¿What's it gonna be like during the day? Coco Liso didn't promise a van at sunrise. We're walking until sunset. Looking for Rhino Mountain."

Shared experiences. The migrants form deep connections through their shared ordeal:

• Supporting each other physically and emotionally
• Sharing limited resources and information
• Creating a sense of community and belonging

Surrogate family. For Javier, his fellow travelers become a surrogate family:

• Chino as a protective older brother figure
• Patricia as a maternal presence
• Carla as a sister and companion

Collective identity. The group develops a strong sense of collective identity, often referring to themselves as a single entity (e.g., "the centipede") moving through the landscape together.

Last updated: January 22, 2025