The Book of Unknown Americans [Paperback]

Named aNew York Timesand Washington PostNotable Book, an NPR Great Read,The Daily Beast's Novel of the Year, and a Mother Jones, Oprah.com,School Library Journal, and BookPageBest Book of the Year

When fifteen-year-old Maribel Rivera sustains a terrible injury, the Riveras leave behind a comfortable life in Mexico and risk everything to come to the United States so that Maribel can have the care she needs. Once they arrive, it’s not long before Maribel attracts the attention of Mayor Toro, the son of one of their new neighbors, who sees a kindred spirit in this beautiful, damaged outsider. Their love story sets in motion events that will have profound repercussions for everyone involved. Here Henríquez seamlessly interweaves the story of these star-crossed lovers, and of the Rivera and Toro families, with the testimonials of men and women who have come to the United States from all over Latin America.The Book of Unknown Americansis a stunning novel of hopes and dreams, guilt and love—a book that offers a resonant new definition of what it means to be American.

“Vivid . . . . Striking. . . . A ringing paean to love in general: to the love between man and wife, parent and child, outsider and newcomer, pilgrims and promised land.” —The Washington Post

“Powerful. . . . Moving. . . . [Henríquez has] myriad gifts as a writer.” —The New York Times

“Passionate, powerful. . . . A triumph of storytelling. Henríquez pulls us into the lives of her characters with such mastery that we hang on to them just as fiercely as they hang on to one another and their dreams.” —Ben Fountain, author of Billy Lynn’sLong Halftime Walk

“Gripping, memorable. . . . A novel that can both make you think and break your heart.” —San Francisco Chronicle