I never thought much about immigrants and their plight. I heard a lot from the news on US Immigration Policy in its Southern border or the Myanmar refugees flooding into Thailand. I didn’t expect much picking up this book for a listen seeing it well-rated and am glad I did.

This book Solito tells a story of one 9-year old El Salvadorean immigrant making his way, alone, to ‘La USA’. It went into so much visceral details of his observations, feelings and experience dealing and fleeing with various people in his journey from his home country through Guatemala and Mexico. 

What does this story teaches us about humanity and immigration?

1. Be kind and compassionate to others. There is so much suffering already and we should do all we can to help, even if we are suspicious of those bad actors
2. Human beings long for connection whoever you are
3. Immigrants nearly all have tragic/personal reasons. Don’t generalize their sufferings.
4. Persistence and perseverance are important qualities to possess
5. We should all enjoy the little things in life. That shower, fresca or warm hug can be so meaningful to those who relish them.

I listened to the audio version of this read by the author which definitely digs closer into the culture and the language of the source. At some parts, he started rattling off so much Spanish I could barely follow the story! Amazing read on the hardship of the immigration and the uplifting spirit of their journey.