The Distance Between Us

A Memoir

By: Reyna Grande

Narrated by: Yareli Arizmendi

In this inspirational and unflinchingly honest memoir, acclaimed author Reyna Grande describes her childhood torn between the United States and Mexico, and shines a light on the experiences, fears, and hopes of those who choose to make the harrowing journey across the border.

Reyna Grande vividly brings to life her tumultuous early years in this “compelling...unvarnished, resonant” (BookPage) story of a childhood spent torn between two parents and two countries. As her parents make the dangerous trek across the Mexican border to “El Otro Lado” (The Other Side) in pursuit of the American dream, Reyna and her siblings are forced into the already overburdened household of their stern grandmother. When their mother at last returns, Reyna prepares for her own journey to “El Otro Lado” to live with the man who has haunted her imagination for years, her long-absent father.

Funny, heartbreaking, and lyrical, The Distance Between Us poignantly captures the confusion and contradictions of childhood, reminding us that the joys and sorrows we experience are imprinted on the heart forever, calling out to us of those places we first called home.

Also available in Spanish as La distancia entre nosotros.

Incredible- this will change your perspective

Never have i really considered what life for children of immigrants is like when they are left behind. This memoir tells the story of so many of these "orphan" children- and the strain that immigration and separation from their parents puts on them. Heartbreaking, hopeful, and written with incredible detail, this story will truly change you.

Hits the heart

It was great to read this book I enjoyed very much cause I kind of related ourselves to this story so hit my heart and madE me cry and appreciate my parents even more 🧡🙏

Wow!

We hear stories of migrants migrating, the hardships endured during the crossing of the border. Yet, stories like Reyna, the children left behind with family while their parents pursue a future en “el otro lado”, are hardly told. Such a wonderful, well written and beautifully spoken memoir of the migrant child who is left behind. Miss Grandes book never disappoint.

The story & writing

The descriptions of her life were so rich & colorful. The narrator for the audible platform did a beautiful job.

the journey

I was able to connect with the authors story. I will be reading the rest of her books!