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Book Club: Solito: A Memoir by Javier Zamora

Sept./Oct. On the Same Page selection
Tuesday, 10/24/2023
7:00 - 8:00
Virtual Library

United States

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We discuss SFPL’s On the Same Page selection for Sept./Oct., Solito: A Memoir by Javier Zamora. 

 

Javier Zamora's memoir and poetry revolve around his unforgettable migration from El Salvador to the United States at nine years old. Traveling with strangers and a hired "coyote," he left his family behind, embarking on a supposed two-week journey that stretched into two life-altering months. Zamora narrates his near-impossible journey filled with perilous boat trips, desert treks, arrests and betrayals, highlighting moments of kindness, love and joy.

His memoir, Solito, received acclaim and was selected as the "Read with Jenna" Today Show book. It was a New York Times bestseller and longlisted for the PEN America 2023 Literary Awards. Zamora now shares his immigrant and artist journey at various venues, exploring healing from trauma through therapy, poetry and nature hikes.

As a native Salvadoran who grew up as an undocumented American, he delves into the complex meanings of home and identity. Facing challenges due to his immigration status, Zamora co-founded Undocupoets to fight citizenship-based discrimination in poetry publishing and contests. His advocacy led to organizations like the American Academy of Poets and the Poetry Foundation opening their prize submissions to all poets regardless of immigration status.

Zamora's accolades include fellowships from Stanford University, Harvard, the National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation. His debut poetry collection, Unaccompanied, reflects on navigating politics, racism, war, and the impact of border crossing on his family. With a BA from the University of California, Berkeley, and an MFA from New York University, Zamora's work has been published in notable publications. He resides in Tucson, AZ.

Connect:

Javier Zamora - Website | Javier Zamora - Instagram | Javier Zamora - Twitter

Book Clubs

Read, discuss ideas and connect through the many book clubs hosted by SFPL.

On The Same Page

On The Same Page is a bimonthly city-wide read.

Spotlight

This program is sponsored by Friends of the San Francisco Public Library.

Attending Programs

All programs are drop-in (no registration necessary) unless otherwise noted. All SFPL locations are wheelchair accessible. For accommodations (such as ASL), call (415) 557-4557 or contact accessibility@sfpl.org. Requesting at least 3 business days in advance will help ensure availability.

This program will be conducted in English unless otherwise noted.

Notice: This event may be filmed or photographed. By participating in this event, you consent to have your likeness used for the Library’s archival purposes and promotional materials. If you do not want to be photographed, please inform a staff person or the photographer. A sticker will be provided to help identify you so that we can avoid capturing your image.

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The views and opinions expressed in programs presented by groups unaffiliated with SFPL do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of SFPL or the City.