Author recounts journey to reach the U.S. from El Salvador in memoir
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When Javier Zamora was just 1 year old, his father fled their home country of El Salvador as the U.S.-funded Salvadoran Civil War ravaged the country.
When he was 5, his mother followed suit and came to America as well.
When he was 9, it was his turn. Zamora embarked on a 3,000-mile journey through Guatemala, Mexico and across the U.S. border. He envisioned a joyous reunion with his parents but didn’t foresee the danger that awaited him.
It was supposed to be a two-week trip that turned into nine. And the trauma he experienced is something he reckons with in his new memoir, "Solito." He writes it from the point of view of his 9-year-old self and dives deep into his memories to do it.
The Show caught up with Zamora on his book tour to talk more about it, and asked him what led him to write the book.
Zamora will be at Changing Hands Bookstore in Phoenix on Sept. 29.
