My Side of the River

En savoir plus sur le livre

Elizabeth Camarillo Gutierrez shares her poignant experience as the U.S.-born daughter of immigrants in this heartfelt memoir. Growing up in Tucson, Arizona, she excelled academically, entering high school as the top student. However, her life took a dramatic turn when her parents were forced to return to Mexico due to expired visas, stripping her of the fundamental right to have her family together. Left to care for her younger brother while navigating her education, Elizabeth was determined to defy the odds and avoid becoming just another statistic. With only her passport and relentless determination, she faced the harsh reality of being classified as an unaccompanied, homeless youth—a fate shared by many affected by family separation from broken immigration laws. This narrative resonates with themes of separation, generational trauma, and the complexities of the American dream. At its heart, it is a love story between siblings, showcasing Elizabeth's commitment to ensuring her brother's pursuit of dreams is easier than her own. For readers who appreciated works like Educated and The Distance Between Us, this memoir offers a profound exploration of resilience and familial bonds amidst adversity.