Book 1 Post 2
To summarize what has happened so far in Solito -- Javier has introduced us to all the main characters of his hometown that have each had an integral part in raising him. However, as Javier reaches 10 years old, he is now of age to be transported by “coyote” to the United States to be reunited with his mother and father. A coyote is a person who is known for smuggling people or items from South America to the United States. They are oftentimes also affiliated with cartels and other criminal organizations that are in charge of operating most illegal activities. Javier lives in a small fishing town that has only one way in and one way out: “a pothole-filled asphalt road that ends at the pier where fisherman leave hours before dawn and return around noon to auction the day’s catch.” Therefore, the town has only one coyote that visits twice or three times a year, known as Don Dago. He was the coyote that snuck Javier’s parents to the US. Javier just had a failed attempt at using another boy’s passport to travel to the US with that boy’s father, however, they were questioned at customs and eventually turned away in fear of getting caught. Now Javier’s parents and grandparents are preparing to save the money to send him to the US using Don Dago.
My impressions of the autobiography include growing an undeniable admiration for Javier. For such a young boy, he is so appreciative and thankful for everything he has in life. As soon as he saw how risky it was for everyone involved to attempt smuggling him through the airport security using his friend's passport – he tried to take matters into his own hands. Javier broke his piggy bank and gave all his saved change to his grandma to give to Don Dago. This gesture says so much about Javier's value of money and care for the safety of those around him. At the beginning of most chapters, he goes into detail about the small characteristics of the people he loves. For example, he reminiscences on his mother's black, straight hair. The bangs she used to hairspray them into place when she would get ready in the morning, her heart face shape, and even the way she smiled without teeth were all intimate memories that he kept with him all those years after she left. It is so sweet to see the boy’s love for his mother.
My inference for the next couple of chapters is that Javier’s family will not have enough money for him to travel with Don Dago to the US. Also, I think that there will be a pivotable turning point in El Salvador that will push Javier to the point where he might take matters into his own hands and find a way to travel to the US by himself. I think this turning point could be the death of a close family member, an emergency with his parents in the US, political distress in his hometown, or Don Dago being arrested. Javier’s frustration with not being able to see his parents is getting to the point where he is losing patience. Also, in the most recent chapter, his family seems to be financially struggling to make ends meet.
This story about Javier is really interesting! It's cool to learn about his town and his plans to go to the United States. Javier seems like a caring kid, especially when he helps his family with his savings. I wonder what will happen next in his journey.
ReplyDeleteLauryn, this is a very impactful post. I had never heard of the book Solito before, but it seems like a powerful story. In my lifetime, I have a few people who have come to America by any means necessary, and in all cases they have undergone detrimental setbacks. In some cases, even the coyotes end up taking their money and betraying them. Might add this to my list of next reads!
ReplyDeleteDid not read the book and I already get a sense of the story and reasoning behind the events; thank you for laying it out so well.Very curios to find out what happens next!
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ReplyDeleteHello, Lauryn. Wow, having never read the book you speak of, reading this post is really shocking. There is not much to say, except hats off to Javier. Like most stories of people crossing the border, his is one of sacrifice and suffering. Hopefully, your inference about Javier is right and he is indeed able to access U. S. territory, although without the need of a terrible event happening before. Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteHey Lauryn, Solito seems like a crazy story. It is so mind boggling to me that all of this is being done by a 10 year old. When I was 10, I was in 4th grade probably messing with legos. A narrative like this makes me really grateful for the life I have and makes me even more amazed of how Javier is such a grateful and kindhearted kid for the life he has experienced. This was a really cool review, and I hope the ending is just as amazing!
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ReplyDeleteThis one really hit. As kids, we never really understand financial struggles that our parents face, in fact we're often dissuaded from learning about them. Javier taking matters into his own hands shows such emotional intelligence and sense of responsibility. Thank you for sharing this with us
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