The Book of Unknown Americans
Books | Fiction / Literary
3.7
(1.1K)
Cristina Henríquez
A stunning novel of hopes and dreams, guilt and love—a book that offers a resonant new definition of what it means to be American and "illuminates the lives behind the current debates about Latino immigration" (The New York Times Book Review).When fifteen-year-old Maribel Rivera sustains a terrible injury, the Riveras leave behind a comfortable life in Mexico and risk everything to come to the United States so that Maribel can have the care she needs. Once they arrive, it’s not long before Maribel attracts the attention of Mayor Toro, the son of one of their new neighbors, who sees a kindred spirit in this beautiful, damaged outsider. Their love story sets in motion events that will have profound repercussions for everyone involved. Here Henríquez seamlessly interweaves the story of these star-crossed lovers, and of the Rivera and Toro families, with the testimonials of men and women who have come to the United States from all over Latin America.
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More Details:
Author
Cristina Henríquez
Pages
304
Publisher
Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group
Published Date
2014-06-03
ISBN
0385350856 9780385350853
Ratings
Google: 4.5
Community ReviewsSee all
"Delaware "
Rachel Joy
"A deceptively simple, yet breathtaking novel. With great feeling but little sentimentality, Henriquez introduces us to a community of"Unknown Americans", immigrants both documented and un from Panama, Mexico, Guatemala and beyond, sharing space in a Delaware apartment building. Although the plot focuses on teenage Mayor's love for the eerily uncommunicative Maribel, the novel includes vignettes encapsulating myriad aspects of the immigrant story, as well as a family tragedy around miscommunications and the weight of unresolved guilt. A devastatingly beautiful book."
Lesley Williams
"Heartbreaking, but would recommend to everyone."
Elizabeth Zepeda
"I unfortunately couldn’t read all of it but i really admired the writing as well as the storytelling in this book! it really grabbed my attention."
Monnika Ashley
"heartbreaking with an odd relationship. "
Savannah Ucha
"In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept 15-Oct 15) I encourage everyone to pick up this book. It's examines both the immigration experience and what it means to be an American in today's world. It is a touching, human story that I think all of us should contemplate, regardless of the varying views on immigration.<br/><br/>Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month With These 9 Bookish Ideas <br/>https://www.bustle.com/p/this-hispanic-heritage-month-celebrate-with-these-9-bookish-ideas-2308938"
A P
Allie Peduto
"I read this book for an English class my sophomore year and I decided it’s become one of my favorite books. You can easily attach to the characters and their perspectives, and I got fairly emotional at the end!!"
payton degroote
"Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro, ☄️"
camila frias
"I really learned with this book."
Naisha Louis
