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Online Author Talk With Javier Zamora

Childhood Migration From Central America

Tune in for a conversation with New York Times bestselling author Javier Zamora as he shares his riveting tale of survival and perseverance as told in his memoir "Solito." Zamora’s adventure is a 3,000-mile journey from a small town in El Salvador, through Guatemala and Mexico, and across the U.S. border. Adults. Register to get a link. A recording will also be available for later viewing.

Tune in for a special conversation with New York Times bestselling author Javier Zamora as he chats with us about his riveting tale of survival and perseverance as told in his award-winning memoir "Solito." 

Zamora’s adventure is a 3,000-mile journey from his small town in El Salvador, through Guatemala and Mexico, and across the U.S. border. He will leave behind his beloved aunt and grandparents to reunite with a mother who left four years ago and a father he barely remembers. Traveling alone amid a group of strangers and a “coyote” hired to lead them to safety, Javier expects his trip to last two short weeks.

At nine years old, all Javier can imagine is rushing into his parents’ arms, snuggling in bed between them and living under the same roof again. He cannot foresee the perilous boat trips, relentless desert treks, pointed guns, arrests and deceptions that await him; nor can he know that those two weeks will expand into two life-altering months alongside fellow migrants who will come to encircle him like an unexpected family.

"Solito" provides an immediate and intimate account not only of a treacherous and near-impossible journey, but also of the miraculous kindness and love delivered at the most unexpected moments. "Solito" is Javier Zamora’s story, but it’s also the story of millions of others who had no choice but to leave home. 

Adults. Register to receive a link for viewing this online event and learn more about this gripping and moving story!

¡Únete a nosotros el 9 de noviembre para una discusión con el autor en español!

About the Author: Javier Zamora was born in El Salvador in 1990. His father fled the country when he was one, and his mother when he was about to turn five. Both parents’ migrations were caused by the U.S.-funded Salvadoran Civil War. When he was nine, Javier migrated through Guatemala, Mexico and the Sonoran Desert. His debut poetry collection, "Unaccompanied," explores the impact of the war and immigration on his family. Zamora has been a Stegner Fellow at Stanford and a Radcliffe Fellow at Harvard and holds fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation.

This event is part of DBRL's Online Author Series, supported by David Lile honorarium funds. A recording will also be available for later viewing on the author series site.

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