44 pages • 1 hour read
The Book of Unknown Americans
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Book Brief
304
Novel • Fiction
Delaware • 2010s
2014
Adult
16-18 years
HL760L
Super Short Summary
Told through a host of different voices and perspectives, The Book of Unknown Americans examines the experiences of Hispanic immigrants to the U.S. and presents their stories in a full and varied light. The central focus is the Rivera family, who has travelled from Mexico in order to get better schooling for their teenaged daughter, Maribel. Maribel suffers from a brain injury as the result of a fall from a ladder. Her parents, Arturo and Alma, hope that American special education will help Maribel return to her own self. As it turns out, the real assistance comes from a neighbor boy, Mayor Toro, who falls in love with Maribel. Mayor’s family becomes deeply entwined in the lives of their new neighbors and helps them adjust to American culture, sharing faith, food, and camaraderie.
Emotional
Inspirational
Challenging
Heartwarming
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
48,345 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Cristina Henríquez's The Book of Unknown Americans beautifully captures the immigrant experience with vivid storytelling and rich character development, praised for its emotional depth and realism. However, some readers felt it leaned too heavily on stereotypical narratives. Overall, it offers a poignant exploration of community and connection in America.
Who Should Read The Book of Unknown Americans?
A reader who would enjoy The Book of Unknown Americans by Cristina Henríquez is one who appreciates character-driven narratives about the immigrant experience. Fans of Sandra Cisneros' The House on Mango Street and Jhumpa Lahiri's The Namesake will find this poignant exploration of identity, family, and community equally compelling.
48,345 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Arturo Rivera
Arturo Rivera
A stoic father who struggles with his demoralizing work situation and grapples with the changes in his family's dynamics.
Maribel Rivera
Maribel Rivera
A teenage girl recovering from a fall, previously known for her rebellious spirit and now working to regain her former self.
Mayor Toro
Mayor Toro
An introspective young man seeking his own identity while dealing with familial expectations and navigating a connection with Maribel.
Rafael Toro
Rafael Toro
Mayor's father, characterized by his machismo and strong expectations for his sons to meet traditional masculine ideals.
Celia Toro
Celia Toro
A friendly and communal presence who supports her neighbors and manages her household dynamics with tact.
Enrique Toro
Enrique Toro
Mayor's older brother, who is detached from his parents' immigrant experience and represents the complexity of a first-generation American.
Garrett Miller
Garrett Miller
A threatening figure whose actions significantly impact several characters' lives, highlighting issues of violence and aggression.
Quisaqueya Solis
Quisaqueya Solis
A woman carrying trauma from past experiences who struggles to form trusting relationships within her community.
304
Novel • Fiction
Delaware • 2010s
2014
Adult
16-18 years
HL760L
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