39 pages • 1 hour read
Enrique's Journey
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Book Brief
294
Biography • Nonfiction
Central America, United States • 1990s
2005
Adult
14-18 years
830L
Super Short Summary
In Enrique's Journey by Sonia Nazario, Enrique, a young boy from Honduras, sets out on a perilous journey to the United States to reunite with his mother, Lourdes, who left years earlier to find work. His trek involves multiple failed attempts, dangerous encounters with gangs, and risky travel atop trains. Eventually, Enrique reaches North Carolina, where he reunites with Lourdes, grappling with complex emotions and the ongoing responsibilities to his loved ones left behind. The book addresses sensitive topics such as drug addiction and family separation.
Challenging
Emotional
Mysterious
Gritty
Adventurous
Reviews & Readership
19,052 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Enrique's Journey by Sonia Nazario is widely praised for its compelling portrayal of a young boy's perilous journey from Honduras to the U.S. Critics commend its emotional depth, journalistic rigor, and humanizing of immigration issues. However, some argue the narrative can be repetitive and occasionally lacks a broader political context. Overall, it's a gripping and enlightening read.
Who Should Read Enrique's Journey?
A reader who would enjoy Enrique's Journey by Sonia Nazario is likely interested in compelling, true stories of immigration, resilience, and social justice. Comparable to readers of The Distance Between Us by Reyna Grande and The Devil's Highway by Luis Alberto Urrea, they seek narratives that highlight human strength amid adversity.
19,052 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Enrique
Enrique
A determined Honduran teenager who embarks on a perilous journey to the United States in search of his mother, showcasing his resilience and drive amidst challenging circumstances.
Lourdes
Lourdes
Enrique's mother who left Honduras seeking better opportunities in the US, facing the complexities of reuniting with her son after many years apart.
María Isabel
María Isabel
Enrique's devoted girlfriend and the mother of their daughter, Jasmín, who makes difficult decisions to try to reunite their family in the US.
Jasmín
Jasmín
The daughter of Enrique and María Isabel, who lives in Honduras and has never met her father due to his migration journey.
El Tiríndaro
El Tiríndaro
A coyote involved in the smuggling of migrants across the Rio Grande, whose interactions with Enrique are driven by both mentorship and self-interest.
294
Biography • Nonfiction
Central America, United States • 1990s
2005
Adult
14-18 years
830L
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