The Distance Between Us

The Distance Between Us is a 2012 memoir by Reyna Grande, who is also the author of the novels Across a Hundred Mountains and Dancing With Butterflies. A finalist for the National Books Critics Circle Award and required reading in schools and colleges across the country, The Distance Between Us is followed by A Dream Called Home, which continues the story of Grande’s life. In addition to writing, Grande also teaches and works as a motivational speaker. The page numbers herein refer to the paperback edition published by Washington Square Press.

The Distance Between Us is divided into two parts. The first part tells of Reyna’s early childhood in an impoverished Mexican village. Her father leaves the family behind when she is two, hoping to save money and return to Mexico and live in his dream home. Eventually, he sends for Reyna’s mother to join him; Reyna and her siblings live with their grandmother Evila. Reyna awaits her mother’s return and starts to forget her father; when her mother does return, she is accompanied by a new baby. Confused and feeling replaced, Grande longs for her father to save her as her mother exits and re-enters her life.