The Distance Between Us
By Reyna Grande
- Release Date: 2012-08-28
- Genre: Biographies & Memoirs
Description
In this inspirational and unflinchingly honest memoir, acclaimed author Reyna Grande describes her childhood torn between the United States and Mexico, and shines a light on the experiences, fears, and hopes of those who choose to make the harrowing journey across the border.
Reyna Grande vividly brings to life her tumultuous early years in this “compelling...unvarnished, resonant” (BookPage) story of a childhood spent torn between two parents and two countries. As her parents make the dangerous trek across the Mexican border to “El Otro Lado” (The Other Side) in pursuit of the American dream, Reyna and her siblings are forced into the already overburdened household of their stern grandmother. When their mother at last returns, Reyna prepares for her own journey to “El Otro Lado” to live with the man who has haunted her imagination for years, her long-absent father.
Funny, heartbreaking, and lyrical, The Distance Between Us poignantly captures the confusion and contradictions of childhood, reminding us that the joys and sorrows we experience are imprinted on the heart forever, calling out to us of those places we first called home.
Also available in Spanish as La distancia entre nosotros.
Reviews
Poignant truth
5By OutleftI’ve sent this title to several friends who will appreciate her story of family, of desperation and of self. Although I’m not Latina, I can relate to her experiences because I grew up in a Mexican neighborhood on the waterfront in Houston, TX. Many of my friends had similar experiences and shared their stories and lives with me. I love Mexican culture and the way most everything revolves around family. This book is one which any person who has ever wanted to strengthen our southern borders should read. Anyone that thinks it’s okay to separate children from their parents at the border should be made to read. Her voice is one I will read again and belongs with my other favorite Chingonas.A beautiful memoir
4By mindful amaBeautifully written. Reyna Grande is a gem. Her descriptions in her memoir make you feel the true struggle many endure for the hope of coming to “el otro lado.”Eye opening
5By ziri2This is forever my favorite book which can be interpreted as the story of many who search for a new life or a better life .My Favorite Book
5By ariel_rayma2008She is such a talented writer and she is so clear with words that you can just feel the situations she was in! This is a book for everyone! They even made a copy for kids which is so perfect! It such an emotional story and it explains her heritage and who she trusty is inside! Thank you so much for writing this Reyna!A remarkable Story
4By Zeynep AislanerI really enjoyed reading this memoir because it has so many parallels to my own life. There were many moments in the book that I personally connected with. She highlighted many issues that are still going on and the challenges that a lot of immigrants face everyday.Inspiring. Great read. Could not put it down!
5By -/good boyI read this book for a class and I am so happy to have read it. It is a great story that offers insight in to immigrants struggles from around the world. Tear jerker at time. Overall a great book.Amazing
5By Someone292This was a great book! I enjoyed reading it and it opens many minds to what others may go through in life! Fantastic book!Heart wrenching reality
5By SoonersusielaThis book shows the depths of despair along with the never failing love of a family burdened with the challenges of poverty and separation. I found myself cheering for the successes of Reyna Grande and praying that her unvarnished recounting of her life will make a difference to other Mexican Americans searching for the truth. Moved my heart!
