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· 8,463 ratings · one,212 reviews

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Jan 02, 2013 Sally Wessely rated it it was amazing

Equally a one-time ESL teacher, I could not accept enjoyed this book more. The story of Reyna Grande is one of hardship, heartbreak, and triumph. I was struck by the power of her writing on the very first page.

If readers practice not empathise the internal and external conflict that children whose parents have left Mexico to find piece of work or a ameliorate life in the United states suffer, afterwards reading this memoir they will certainly proceeds insight into this all too common problem when this book is read.

My students u.s.

As a onetime ESL teacher, I could non have enjoyed this book more than. The story of Reyna Grande is one of hardship, heartbreak, and triumph. I was struck by the ability of her writing on the very showtime folio.

If readers practice non sympathize the internal and external conflict that children whose parents accept left United mexican states to notice work or a better life in the United States suffer, after reading this memoir they will certainly gain insight into this all too mutual problem when this book is read.

My students used to dear to tell me about La Llorona, the legendary weeping woman who continues to cry for her children. In "The Altitude Between Us," Grande writes "at that place is something more powerful than La Llorona - a ability that takes away parents non children. It is chosen the U.s.."

I was hooked on the story when I read that line. As I read, I was sometimes overwhelmed with emotion when I read how this love child, she could have been one of my students, suffered so deeply both before and after her parents left for the United States to find a better life.

Reyna is an amazing story teller. She is also a woman who has accomplished much. Her story is one non to be missed.

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3.5 stars

Emigration from Mexico to the U.Southward. divides a lot of families. This is i woman's account of what it felt like to spend her early on childhood in United mexican states while her parents were on El Otro Lado (The Other Side). Reyna Grande and her siblings were shuffled among relatives who were not in a position to care for them and were often resentful at being saddled with these children. In the absence of a real mother, Reyna'south older sister Mago had to get "the piddling mother" for Reyna and Carlos.

iii.5 stars

Emigration from Mexico to the U.S. divides a lot of families. This is 1 adult female's business relationship of what it felt like to spend her early on childhood in Mexico while her parents were on El Otro Lado (The Other Side). Reyna Grande and her siblings were shuffled amidst relatives who were non in a position to intendance for them and were frequently resentful at being saddled with these children. In the absence of a real mother, Reyna's older sister Mago had to get "the fiddling mother" for Reyna and Carlos.

I'd never really thought about what it'southward similar for kids left behind when their parents head to the U.South. to look for piece of work. Reyna'due south story is heartbreaking as she describes her years of longing for Mami and Papi, wanting to believe their promises that never came true. While Reyna was prone to yearning and daydreaming, her sister Mago expressed her feelings of loss by finding victims for her rage.

When Reyna was ten years onetime, her Papi finally brought them over the border illegally, where the children faced a whole new prepare of challenges and disappointments. But Reyna persevered and became the kickoff person in her family unit to graduate from higher.

Out of sight may not mean out of listen, but it does hateful out of priority when families are separated for too long. When they're finally reunited, the pieces never quite fit back together. The pain and feelings of unworthiness linger for the children of these families.

Review copy provided past the publisher.

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This is a memoir based on the author's childhood. She was left behind with her 2 siblings starting time by her father, and and then two years later past her female parent. The children were left behind with their paternal grandmother who treated them badly, and despite getting money from their parents on a regular basis (remittances), she fed them poorly. Eventually the children get to alive with their maternal grandmother who is extremely poor. But this grandmother is loving. The book tells the story of the author This is a memoir based on the author'due south childhood. She was left behind with her two siblings start by her father, and then two years later past her female parent. The children were left behind with their paternal grandmother who treated them badly, and despite getting money from their parents on a regular basis (remittances), she fed them poorly. Eventually the children go to live with their maternal grandmother who is extremely poor. But this grandmother is loving. The book tells the story of the author Reyna'due south longing to exist reunited with her parents. When somewhen the children are brought to the U.S., they alive with their father and his second wife. Their father is an abusive drunk, and the children endure greatly at his easily.

Despite the difficult themes, there is happiness in Reyna'southward life. She is a survivor. She comes through information technology all although in the end, she feels she has lost Mexico. This is a book for those who desire to sympathize the impact of family separation and the plight of immigrant children including educators, and other service providers. It is not a difficult read and would exist appropriate for teen readers too.

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Feb 04, 2020 Cynthia rated it it was amazing

This is Reyna Grande's truthful business relationship of her babyhood spent in Mexico and, somewhen, the USA. Many of her experiences were horrific yet she went on to be the kickoff in her family to graduate from college and is at present an award winning novelist and inspirational speaker.

Grande captures the innocence and confusion of her childhood quite well. It was interesting and heartbreaking to learn about her experiences and the style she processed them. Her vividly detailed writing made it like shooting fish in a barrel to imagine each sc

This is Reyna Grande's truthful account of her babyhood spent in United mexican states and, eventually, the USA. Many of her experiences were horrific yet she went on to be the start in her family to graduate from college and is now an honor winning novelist and inspirational speaker.

Grande captures the innocence and defoliation of her childhood quite well. It was interesting and heartbreaking to larn most her experiences and the mode she processed them. Her vividly detailed writing made it like shooting fish in a barrel to imagine each scene from her life. She is an incredibly insightful woman whose story represents dandy tragedy and the will to overcome it all.

I recollect that Reyna was far more than gracious with her own parents than many who have survived similarly could be. She wrote nigh them in an honest but compassionate manner, teaching her readers to understand them, every bit she, herself, eventually learned to do.

This is and so much more a memoir about her impoverished life in Mexico, clearing into the US, and life with an abusive father and absent mother. Information technology's a book about longing for the parents you needed, accepting who they will never be, and recognizing that part of who you are, in overcoming those painful hardships, is because of the parents you lot did accept. Grande'due south tender heart, despite a troubling journeying, makes this deeply moving memoir a beautiful, memorable read.

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A moving, insightful, and interesting memoir about the writer growing up in poverty in United mexican states, separation from her parents, and coming to the USA illegally at historic period 10. Reyna becomes successful in spite of the many odds she faces. An inspirational novel of achieving the American Dream through sacrifice and work. Definitely recommend this book as it describe the experiences and feelings migrant families go through.

Aug 09, 2012 Liz Waters rated it it was amazing

Award-winning novelist Reyna Grande's new memoir, "The Altitude Betwixt United states" is a volume that has given me an heart-opening understanding of the plight of many immigrants from Mexico. Trapped in poverty in their native land, moving into the U.s. by any ways is a way to improve one'due south life and the lives of 1's children. With the legal situation in the U.Southward., though, Mexican people who choose to move northward must rely on "coyotes" to navigate the dangerous ground between nations in the expressionless of n Award-winning novelist Reyna Grande'south new memoir, "The Altitude Between Us" is a volume that has given me an eye-opening understanding of the plight of many immigrants from Mexico. Trapped in poverty in their native country, moving into the United States by any means is a style to better one'southward life and the lives of 1's children. With the legal situation in the U.S., though, Mexican people who cull to motility north must rely on "coyotes" to navigate the unsafe basis betwixt nations in the dead of night, subconscious in car trunks, hiding behind bolders and bushes in the desert, and frequently winding upwards expressionless. This situation can but be worse now than information technology was for Reyna when she made the crossing.

What I had not considered before, however, is the damage done to the family structure when economics force families to split upwards to earn plenty to survive, and to reinvent themselves once again and again in order to make a successful life in a new land. For a culture that values family ties as much as the Mexican people, this division is tragic. The very material that has divers a culture for centuries lies in tatters as people piece of work for a better life. The barrier of linguistic communication is huge, and I wish every person I accept ever heard complain almost Spanish existence spoken in the U.Due south. could read this book. Crossing that language barrier is clumsily difficult for adults, less so for children, but a barrier even so. I have just adoration for those who speak more than than 1 language.

The courage required to make a journeying like Reyna and her family is huge, and she has brought information technology to lite with simple, lyrical prose. Her conclusion is truly beauteous and this book will provide inspiration to every person coping with adversity to be overcome for success. One hopes too that, considering of Reyna's story, every reader to look with a kinder center to the Latino community in the Us.

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Feb 26, 2018 Taryn rated it really liked it

The Altitude Between Us is a first-paw account of an undocumented immigrant's journey from Mexico to the U.South. It describes the author's life growing up in United mexican states in ii very different grandmothers' homes and her eventual border crossing with her begetter and two siblings, followed by her life in America, "el otro lado." Life wasn't easy for Reyna in either country, only there was a stark dissimilarity between the bamboo shack she lived in with her maternal grandmother and the comparatively spacious apa The Distance Between Us is a first-manus account of an undocumented immigrant's journey from Mexico to the U.Due south. Information technology describes the author's life growing up in Mexico in two very different grandmothers' homes and her eventual border crossing with her father and two siblings, followed past her life in America, "el otro lado." Life wasn't easy for Reyna in either country, but there was a stark dissimilarity betwixt the bamboo shack she lived in with her maternal grandmother and the comparatively spacious apartment her father and stepmother owned in California. When she goes back to United mexican states for a visit later living on the other side of the border, she has a hard time believing she once lived at that place, that that was her daily reality. As an adult, she knows with frightening certainty how different her life would have been if she hadn't come to the U.S.

This book doesn't read like most memoirs—it'due south very structured, for i, and adequately strict with chronology. The language is unproblematic and straightforward, near childlike. After reading an interview in which Grande explained that her goal was to tell the story through the optics of the child she was, her chosen style made sense to me. Grande consciously chose not to impose her adult self into the narrative very frequently, which gives her impressions and reactions a very immediate feel as opposed to the distance created when memoirists analyze their experiences with the do good of hindsight.

Favorite bits: I recollect what about impressed me was Grande's determination. She has no time for negativity—she has as well many things she wants to accomplish. I particularly loved following her journeying through schoolhouse as she developed her writing. Even though she moved on to more highbrow literature afterward in life, it gave me a tickle that i of her favorite authors in high school was Five.C. Andrews, every bit I also remember the eyebrow-raising thrill of discovering her books. And the time she spent with her paternal grandmother Evila (so perfectly named she could exist a Disney villain!) was wrenching, but likewise…I couldn't wait to meet what she was going to pull adjacent. The woman was creative in her cruelty.

More book recommendations by me at www.readingwithhippos.com

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Jan 07, 2019 Melissa rated it it was amazing

I will admit that I probably wouldn't have thought to option this book upwardly if my book club had not chosen it. I just never knew almost it until now. I'm so glad I got the opportunity to read it, as information technology was really well-written and interesting throughout. Reyna takes us through her babyhood and teenage years while living in Mexico and then later in Los Angeles. She doesn't have information technology easy and I tin't even imagine having to deal with some of the circumstances that she did. Her experiences shape her and as I will admit that I probably wouldn't have thought to option this book up if my volume club had not chosen it. I only never knew about it until now. I'm so glad I got the opportunity to read it, as it was really well-written and interesting throughout. Reyna takes u.s.a. through her childhood and teenage years while living in Mexico and then later in Los Angeles. She doesn't take it easy and I can't even imagine having to deal with some of the circumstances that she did. Her experiences shape her and equally she takes us through her life, it feels similar she's someone I could hands become friends with. After all, she reads Five.C. Andrews novels, listens to Les Misérables and watches Quantum Leap! Bated from that, she seems like a genuinely good person who cares virtually the people in her life, fifty-fifty when they don't e'er demonstrate that they care about her besides. Her journeying gives a new insight to what information technology is similar for people who are trying to immigrate to America to build a meliorate life for themselves. Perhaps some people nowadays would do good from reading (or listening to) this book. (I listened to the sound version which was really compelling, fifty-fifty though Reyna didn't personally characterize it.) I look forrard to discussing The Distance Between U.s.a. with my book society. Although some parts are hard to read (trigger warning: physical abuse), I would definitely recommend information technology. ...more

Sep 04, 2012 Diane rated it liked it

What could be more than scary or powerful to a child than a weeping woman who roams the canal and steals children away (in Mexico, known equally "La Llorona")? The answer is a power that takes away parents, not children -- the United States ("El Otro Lado" -- the Other Side). Thus opens the prologue in this deeply personal, oftentimes heartbreaking, memoir of Reyna Grande and her siblings equally they wait for their parents to keep their promise and return to Mexico for them.

The story is a journey of Reyna and her

What could be more scary or powerful to a child than a weeping woman who roams the culvert and steals children away (in Mexico, known as "La Llorona")? The respond is a power that takes away parents, not children -- the United states ("El Otro Lado" -- the Other Side). Thus opens the prologue in this securely personal, often heartbreaking, memoir of Reyna Grande and her siblings as they wait for their parents to keep their promise and return to Mexico for them.

The story is a journeying of Reyna and her siblings' life from childhood to adulthood. There were intense obstacles of poverty, alcoholism, desertion; people illegally crossing the border from Mexico to the U.S. only because of the dream of a better life - no matter what the cost.

I tip my hat to Reyna Grande for so boldly opening her heart and life to the world. I adore and respect her for all that she has achieved. And I couldn't exist happier for her. I had the pleasure of hearing her speak and meeting her in Apr 2013 at the LA Times Festival of Books, I just wish I had read this before manus.

I terminal improver, this is the nigh perfectly titled book I have ever come up across.
The Distance Betwixt Us: A Memoir is referenced so many times and ways in this book, I would love to know from Reyna which came first - the story or the title? Had I read it before coming together her, I would take asked her!

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Feb 01, 2020 Kate Olson rated information technology it was amazing

A truly remarkable memoir that I wish were required reading in Us loftier schools. I pray that no one who has read this story can take anything but the upmost compassion for those families which have been torn apart past poverty and borders.

I'm kicking myself for somehow missing this in the years since its 2012 publication. I practise know that that in 2012 I wasn't reading any nonfiction and had 3 littles at home ~ I'm just glad I finally read it ❤️

3.5 stars

This is a compelling memoir well-nigh the writer'south babyhood, the first half about her life as a kid left behind in poverty in United mexican states while her parents struggled to make a better life in the U.S., and the 2d half about crossing the border at the age of 10 and the challenges of living in a broken immigrant family. I say "broken" because as much equally it's a memoir of immigration, this is also a memoir of childhood corruption and neglect. Reyna Grande and her older siblings, Mago and Carlos, more

iii.5 stars

This is a compelling memoir about the writer's childhood, the outset half about her life equally a kid left behind in poverty in Mexico while her parents struggled to brand a better life in the U.S., and the second half nigh crossing the edge at the age of 10 and the challenges of living in a broken immigrant family. I say "broken" because as much as it'southward a memoir of immigration, this is also a memoir of childhood corruption and neglect. Reyna Grande and her older siblings, Mago and Carlos, more or less have to take care of themselves (Mago as the eldest is appointed at the historic period of viii to be "lilliputian mother" to the others), since every adult responsible for them, with the exception of their maternal grandmother, is atrocious in one way or another. The kids get shunted effectually between grandparents and parents and can only really depend on each other.

The memoir reads similar a novel, not only in that it'southward compelling storytelling but in that it's told in the form of scenes with lots of dialogue, so the reader has to accept that details are approximate or fictionalized. The beginning, when the children are living with their aptly-named Grandmother Evila, is black-and-white in its characterization, and there'south something of the self-righteous perspective of a teen throughout, though the writer has more appreciation for the complexities of some of her other relatives.

It is certainly valuable equally an immigration story though, showing how separation permanently disrupts family relationships, and how the traumas of separation, poverty, and not belonging corrode the parents' ability to exist there for their kids in the style that they need and the kids' ability to focus on their time to come every bit they grow upwardly. The writer's babyhood often seems impossibly hard, given her lack of adult care and back up, and it'due south impressive that she was able to go on to become the first in her family unit to graduate college, let lonely become a successful author. Her older sister, and a teacher who took her in during a time of need, get a lot of well-deserved credit.

I would have liked to see more about the writer'southward and her siblings' developed lives, and particularly how they all handled parenting subsequently their ain terrible childhoods. But this is a strong babyhood memoir and a good look at the realities of clearing and the pressures compelling people to brand that choice. While set mostly in the 1980s, it's only as timely now. And I loved the inclusion of all the family unit photos!

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This review has been subconscious because it contains spoilers. To view information technology, click here. 2.five stars. While the writer conveyed the pain and difficulty of a broken family unit separated by a border, this is the story of immigration. The selfishness of her parents was pretty astonishing, and the disappointment that life in America was not all it was hyped up to exist is a reality faced past generations of people immigrating here.

My biggest issues: if I read one more than fourth dimension "all I wanted was my family to be together" I think I would have thrown my kindle against the wall!! We got information technology, thanks. The bigges

two.v stars. While the author conveyed the hurting and difficulty of a broken family unit separated past a border, this is the story of immigration. The selfishness of her parents was pretty amazing, and the disappointment that life in America was not all it was hyped upward to be is a reality faced by generations of people immigrating here.

My biggest problems: if I read i more time "all I wanted was my family to be together" I think I would have thrown my kindle against the wall!! We got it, thanks. The biggest consequence that I have is that, while I am sure the author wanted the reader to walk away with sympathy for the illegal immigrant, given that 50% of the people in the volume ended up on welfare, that point was lost on me. Finally, what was the resolution?? I was looking for resolution with some bug such as: Does she send coin and support her family in United mexican states? Has she helped any of them legally emigrate to America? I read she teaches ESL and other outreach programs, but what does she practise for her family unit even so in Mexico? Interesting read.

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Aug 08, 2012 Erin rated it really liked it

This was a heartbreaking story of the toll of clearing on a family. Novelist Reyna Grande's memoir documents the steady disintegration of her family unit over decades as one by i members of her family leave and return, go out and return to "el Otro Lado," the United States.

The first separation takes identify earlier the start of the book; Reyna is so young when her father leaves for the US that she knows him just by his photo, and thinks of him as "the human being behind the glass." The second, though cert

This was a heartbreaking story of the price of immigration on a family. Novelist Reyna Grande'due south memoir documents the steady disintegration of her family over decades as one by 1 members of her family leave and return, leave and return to "el Otro Lado," the United States.

The starting time separation takes place before the start of the volume; Reyna is then immature when her begetter leaves for the United states of america that she knows him only past his photo, and thinks of him as "the human behind the glass." The second, though certainly not the almost wrenching separation (because how can you lot cull when in that location are then many, and each is then painful?) comes when her female parent leaves the children to bring together their father. Equally Reyna says at that fourth dimension, "truth be told, I never really got my mother dorsum."

The title, The Distance Betwixt Us, originally comes when Reyna's older sister Mago shows her on a map the distance between their parents in the US and the children in Mexico, most 2,000 miles. That is the distance between them. That makes my center ache just thinking about that, both as a female parent and a girl. But the title takes on more than significance throughout the book, as you run into the distance betwixt the family members growing, even as they are reunited in the same land.

It'due south certainly not light reading, but I think a story like this is important to understanding the larger issues of immigration, and the human side of it. We are talking about existent people, just like you lot and me, and that is too often forgotten in the contend.

*I received a free re-create of this book through NetGalley.

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Apr 06, 2015 Donna rated it actually liked it

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was well written, funny, poignant and a little distressing. And plus, it is nonfiction. It was about a girl left behind with her siblings while her parents tried to make a improve living in the U.Southward. The money the parents sent home so the grandmother could take care of them, was spent not on them, merely on the favored grandchild, also living with the grandparents. This was a great coming of age story of a little Mexican girl who finally made information technology to America, simply to discover out I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was well written, funny, poignant and a petty lamentable. And plus, it is nonfiction. It was about a daughter left behind with her siblings while her parents tried to make a ameliorate living in the U.S. The money the parents sent home and so the grandmother could take care of them, was spent non on them, but on the favored grandchild, besides living with the grandparents. This was a not bad coming of age story of a little Mexican daughter who finally fabricated it to America, only to find out that life was still hard. ...more

I absolutely loved this volume, I seriously read it in one sitting. Information technology was amazing and recommend information technology to everyone :)

I call up the upshot of illegal immigration has always and will ever stay a contentious issue and this volume touched on several subjects that was probably very hard to lay blank to the ignorant public.

Rena Grande and her two siblings are the focus of this coming-of-historic period memoir and follows their journey as a "family' from United mexican states, into the USA equally illegal immigrants and finally becoming total rounded citizens in more sense than just 1.

Both their parents as well as their stepmom and paternal grandmo

I call up the consequence of illegal immigration has always and will e'er stay a contentious consequence and this book touched on several subjects that was probably very difficult to lay bare to the ignorant public.

Rena Grande and her two siblings are the focus of this coming-of-age memoir and follows their journeying as a "family' from Mexico, into the United states as illegal immigrants and finally condign full rounded citizens in more than sense than just one.

Both their parents as well every bit their stepmom and paternal grandmother took turns inflicting emotional harm on the three but at times the parents also showed a glimmer of compassion and care for their offspring.

Withal, I think the problems in this family's dynamics had more to do with parental neglect than the fact that they were separated from their children for long stretches of time.

I found it particularly poignant when Rena just started attention school in the USA struggling to make herself understood in a language her natural language and mind seemed to resist. The feeling of beingness an outsider not only in the Usa just also in Mexico was a very difficult bridge to cantankerous and even more so when you lot are 10.

I really enjoyed the audio narration equally the Mexican words and pronunciations made me feel more involved than if I had I read this.

If my state, South Africa, didn't have its own heap of sad and often horrific illegal immigration stories perchance I would have felt a stronger connection to this memoir. I still recall this was a good story but I could not assistance comparing this to A Man of Practiced Hope and institute the latter a stronger story of resilience and survival.

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Mar 03, 2014 Caren rated information technology really liked it

When I idea of illegal immigrants, I hadn't really considered what they had left behind. This volume highlights those children left back domicile for years at a time as their parents journey, at great hazard, to "El Otro Lado" to try to ameliorate life for themselves and their children. A immature child, though, can't really understand why his parents have abandoned him. This is a middle-breaking volume, not just in its piercing portrayal of how it feels to be that kid left dorsum dwelling house, simply also in its depicti When I thought of illegal immigrants, I hadn't really considered what they had left behind. This book highlights those children left back home for years at a time as their parents journey, at nifty risk, to "El Otro Lado" to try to meliorate life for themselves and their children. A immature child, though, can't really understand why his parents have abandoned him. This is a heart-breaking book, not only in its piercing portrayal of how information technology feels to exist that child left back domicile, simply also in its depiction of the stark poverty that drove the parents to such a decision. The author and her siblings are left with their stern paternal grandmother first, and then later with their sweet, just crushingly poor, maternal grandmother. They are reduced to bathing in a dirty culvert and to living in a hut with dirt floors, lice, and no running water. The desperation of their female parent, who has followed their father to the U.s., but to return with their littlest sister when their father leaves her for some other adult female, is palpable. These are people with no prospects, living at the edge of endurance. Finally, the writer's begetter returns for his children, but the author faces a difficult life with her abusive father and her stepmother in a 1-bedroom apartment (where the three siblings share the living room as their bedchamber)in Los Angeles. This is an eye-opening book. I have great adoration for the author, who overcame then much to succeed. She has written a stirring, thought-provoking memoir. ...more than

When she was but a babe Reyna Grande's begetter left their small town of Iguala, Guerrero, Mexico for El Otro Lado – the Other Side – i.e. the United States. Economical recession made information technology impossible for him to provide for his family in Mexico, simply the money he could earn in California would help support them. When she was only four, her mother left Reyna and her two older siblings in the care of their paternal grandmother, then that she could join her husband in California; with both of them working t When she was just a baby Reyna Grande's father left their modest town of Iguala, Guerrero, Mexico for El Otro Lado – the Other Side – i.e. the United States. Economic recession made it impossible for him to provide for his family unit in Mexico, but the money he could earn in California would help support them. When she was merely four, her mother left Reyna and her two older siblings in the care of their paternal grandmother, so that she could join her married man in California; with both of them working they'd exist able to earn enough to build their dream home. She promised to render in a year, only the yr became several, and the children were taunted and considered orphans by anybody in town. Their grandmother, having never approved of her son's marriage, refused to intendance for the children, begrudged them nutrient or clothes or fifty-fifty water to bathe. They were plagued with lice and roundworms, and forced to become to school with no lunch and no money to buy anything from the vendors that surrounded the schoolyard at noon. Eventually they joined their father in California, simply their dreams of a loving begetter rapidly faded in the reality of living with a fierce alcoholic.

This is a heartbreaking and heartwarming memoir of a babyhood living in want, both in Mexico and in the Usa. Grande writes with backbone about the apple-polishing poverty of her early on years, the sense of abandonment she and her siblings felt when their parents left, and how feeling abased afflicted their futures. She is brutally honest about the hardships she faced and the disintegration of her family unit.

I was appalled and distressed reading about this level of poverty. Grande gives me a new understanding of what it means to "live in the shadows" of illegal immigration, and the toll on families who cull this difficult path to a better future. (She and her family unit did eventually get greenish cards, and she is a naturalized U.Due south. citizen.) I was angry with her parents for the way they treated their children. For all her father's stern "discipline" and violent outbursts, I think I plant her mother'southward emotional detachment fifty-fifty worse. How could these two people, who professed to love their children, ignore, berate, punish, dismiss, and disbelieve them? More than puzzling to me is how their children could forgive their parents these failings.

Considering Grande

does forgive and besides gives credit to her father for instilling in her the dream of success that saw her through all the difficulties. She likewise gives credit to the teachers, specially Diana Savas, who recognized her souvenir and encouraged her to pursue her dreams. Ultimately this is an inspiring story of courage and perseverance. At the end I could not assistance but contrast how my own parents drove me across the state to my university dorm and lovingly set me on the path to my hereafter with how Reyna'due south parents basically washed their hands of their "grown" children. I was in tears at the finish of this poignant and honest memoir. ...more

Well-written and touching memoir

Mar 26, 2019 Missy J rated it liked it

This review has been hidden considering information technology contains spoilers. To view it, click here. ** spoiler warning ** The writing manner wasn't challenging, but the bailiwick thing - immigration and family separation - was difficult to swallow. Information technology's a very sad true story. The writer Reyna Grande tells usa the story of her childhood. She was born in a small Mexican town called Iguala equally the third child. Soon after her nascency, her father went to El Otro Lado (the other place aka United states) to discover work in order to provide for his family unit and save money to build a house in Mexico. Soon later on that, the mot ** spoiler alert ** The writing way wasn't challenging, but the subject matter - immigration and family separation - was difficult to swallow. It's a very deplorable true story. The writer Reyna Grande tells us the story of her childhood. She was built-in in a small Mexican town chosen Iguala as the 3rd child. Soon later on her birth, her father went to El Otro Lado (the other place aka USA) to detect piece of work in club to provide for his family and relieve money to build a firm in United mexican states. Soon afterward that, the mother leaves for America equally well to join the father. The children feel like orphans and suffer abuse at the hands of their paternal grandmother. The parents take a baby in America, which means the author's little sister is automatically American. The female parent comes back because the male parent is seeing some other woman. The children suffer in poverty with a single mother who leaves them once more to be with her new lover. The male parent suddenly comes back with the intention of taking ane child back with him. To the dismay of his new wife, the male parent returns with iii children. Life in America isn't easy at first due to the language bulwark etc.

I felt then sad for the children. To exist abandoned by their parents and how they never managed to heal the wounds inflicted on them. Injure people injure people. Then there was this obsession with consuming which I guess is part of the American dream. The family members were cruel to each other. Just Reyna managed to finish college. All her siblings ended upwardly seeking honey from other people, which they didn't get from their own parents, resulting in college dropouts, early marriages and teenage pregnancy. Was information technology actually worth information technology? Will the cycle of hurting ever be broken? What is happening at present? The only affair which warmed my heart was the siblings' close relationship to each other.

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A COMPELLING MEMOIR.

I accept been a fan of Reyna Grande's storytelling since I read her debut novel, Across a Hundred Mountains, in 2009.

The Altitude Between Us, is a memoir of a truly hard-knock childhood, and of a very sad, albeit probably all too common, family dynamic.

Recommendation: Highly recommended, specially to younger readers.

"Clearing took a cost on the states all." (p. 207).

Washington Square Printing. Kindle Edition, 326 pages

What an amazing story! Beautifully written and gut-wrenching.

Aug 28, 2012 Trisha rated it really liked it

I wonder whether the people I know who complain the loudest about illegal immigration would change their views after reading this memoir most the human side of what it involves. And I wonder whether the people who make such disparaging and often hateful remarks about illegal immigrants would feel the aforementioned after reading about the desperate courage that motivates people to face the dangers involved in crossing the border to escape the poverty of their lives and seek a decent life for their childr I wonder whether the people I know who complain the loudest about illegal immigration would change their views after reading this memoir about the human side of what it involves. And I wonder whether the people who brand such disparaging and frequently hateful remarks nigh illegal immigrants would feel the aforementioned subsequently reading almost the desperate backbone that motivates people to confront the dangers involved in crossing the border to escape the poverty of their lives and seek a decent life for their children. What struck me with the most force while reading Reyna Grande'southward memoir about the complexities of illegal immigration was the horrendous toll information technology takes on families. It's both ironic and heartbreaking to realize that in a civilisation where "family values" are genuine and heart-felt realities (equally opposed to the stuff of political rhetoric) the greatest evil inherent in illegal immigration is the way information technology destroys marriages and tears children from their parents, siblings and grandparents. But Reyna's story also documented the forcefulness of those family bonds – fifty-fifty in the face of the worst that tin can happen. Despite being abandoned past her mother again and over again, and enduring an abusive relationship with an alcoholic begetter, she could never bring herself to give up entirely on either of them. What may strike more hardened readers as prime examples of denial and enabling, Reyna's story struck me as one more example of what information technology ways to belong to a culture where "family values" include the willingness to forgive and the ability to look below the surface of a person'south worst behaviors in society to sympathise what caused them. ...more

The Altitude Between U.s.a. is a memoir by writer Reyna Grande. Grande tells the story of her babyhood in Mexico, every bit her father illegally enters the US for piece of work; every bit her mother follows him afterwards years in which he does not return; as Grande's grandmother reluctantly raises Grande and her siblings; as her mother learns her father has a girlfriend in the US and bitterly returns to Mexico; as Grande's mother leaves with a new boyfriend and again abandons the children; every bit Grande'southward other, poorer grandmoth The Altitude Between U.s.a. is a memoir by author Reyna Grande. Grande tells the story of her childhood in Mexico, as her father illegally enters the U.s. for work; as her mother follows him after years in which he does not return; as Grande's grandmother reluctantly raises Grande and her siblings; as her mother learns her father has a girlfriend in the US and bitterly returns to Mexico; as Grande'southward female parent leaves with a new boyfriend and once again abandons the children; as Grande'south other, poorer grandmother takes in the children; as her father returns for Grande's siblings and reluctantly agrees to take Grande every bit well; and as Grande and her siblings adjust to life in the United states. The Distance Between Us is one of the most powerful stories I've read this year. I'm nevertheless thinking about Grande'southward poverty in United mexican states, about her male parent's abandonment of the family, and about the difference between Grande's eager encompass of the opportunities available in America and the unpleasing of her siblings. Information technology's a cute, centre-crushing story of proceeds and loss. At what cost do we leave our home and family? ...more

Beautifully written memoir from Reyna Grande. I had never read anything by a Mexican author and I am glad our book club chose this fantastic book. It's a very easy read and very interesting. Once I started I couldn't put it downward. The author took me with her in this story of the hardships and heartbreaks of the piddling daughter Reyna and her siblings so they would take their own domicile and a good life. I don't have the right give-and-take to draw this book but information technology's a cute read. It makes you believe that Beautifully written memoir from Reyna Grande. I had never read annihilation by a Mexican author and I am glad our volume club chose this fantastic book. Information technology'due south a very piece of cake read and very interesting. Once I started I couldn't put it down. The author took me with her in this story of the hardships and heartbreaks of the piddling daughter Reyna and her siblings so they would have their own domicile and a good life. I don't have the right word to describe this book but it's a beautiful read. It makes you believe that there is light at the terminate of the tunnel. ...more than

Dec 08, 2016 Sarah rated it really liked information technology

Super inspiring and sobering. Having lived in United mexican states for several years I felt a fair amount of guilt for my obliviousness. She poses a great question that I'm not even certain I could reply for myself. I should note I read an edition designed for immature readers. Non certain how they differ. Just came beyond information technology in my library browsing. Glad I did. Super inspiring and sobering. Having lived in Mexico for several years I felt a fair amount of guilt for my obliviousness. She poses a smashing question that I'grand non even certain I could answer for myself. I should note I read an edition designed for young readers. Not sure how they differ. Only came across it in my library browsing. Glad I did. ...more than

I thought I had lived a portion of my childhood in poverty, simply when I read this wonderfully written memoir, I saw that poverty in the US cannot be compared to poverty in Mexico! This true story reflects Reyna Grande's struggle with abandonment, "for the greater good," dysfunctional parents, and her deep love for both of her homes, the first in Mexico, then her new home in the United States where, thank you to the Reagan amnesty plan, she embraced citizenship and opportunity.

This child, the

I thought I had lived a portion of my childhood in poverty, simply when I read this wonderfully written memoir, I saw that poverty in the US cannot exist compared to poverty in Mexico! This true story reflects Reyna Grande's struggle with abandonment, "for the greater good," dysfunctional parents, and her deep beloved for both of her homes, the first in United mexican states, and then her new dwelling in the Usa where, thank you to the Reagan amnesty program, she embraced citizenship and opportunity.

This child, then adult female, writes with love for some who would exist unlovable for most of u.s. and with a positive view of what would seem ugly and unbearable to most. I love her though I'll probably never have the privilege to meet her.

Too Reyna'south wonderful, well-written story, it was fun to practico mi limited, Español, more aptly, as you can read in this sentence, Spanglish. Reyna punctuates portions of her English with it, and mostly explains each Spanish word as she goes.

I loved this book and would recommend information technology to fiction and not-fiction lovers alike.

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Feb 28, 2021 Ariel rated information technology actually liked it

There is an ache at the center of this book I suspect about people can relate to: wanting more of the people yous dearest, despite their imperfections and the hurts they deliver. Grande's story is exceptional (except that, in the saddest way, it's non - information technology'south so, so mutual). The challenges she is able to overcome and the heartbreak she is able to bear, all speak to a deep-seated resilience and resoluteness that nigh people will never need to tap into. Yet the universal qualities of her story -- parent There is an anguish at the center of this book I suspect most people can relate to: wanting more of the people you dearest, despite their imperfections and the hurts they deliver. Grande's story is exceptional (except that, in the saddest style, it'due south not - information technology's so, and then common). The challenges she is able to overcome and the heartbreak she is able to bear, all speak to a deep-seated resilience and resoluteness that most people will never need to tap into. However the universal qualities of her story -- parents wanting a good life for their children, children not agreement their parents -- should resonate regardless of one'due south cultural background. This book is both inspirational and infuriating. Grande is an instance of overcoming almost insurmountable odds; yet, the conditions which prompted her story to exist should brand your blood eddy. If y'all've ever wondered why we need a better, more modernistic immigration arrangement, here'due south your reply. ...more

April 18, 2021 Erika rated it it was amazing

I loved this volume. I actually plant this boo by reading the acknowledgements of American Dirt. She recommended several Mexican writers and I searched Reyna Grande and was so glad I read this. My mother came the country nigh xxx years earlier Reyna did merely I couldn't aid but compare their experiences and programme to laissez passer this to my mother to read for her feedback. It's a wonderful glimpse into immigration and the struggles the children go through. I realize the parents have just as much struggle but I loved this book. I actually establish this boo past reading the acknowledgements of American Dirt. She recommended several Mexican writers and I searched Reyna Grande and was so glad I read this. My female parent came the country nearly 30 years earlier Reyna did but I couldn't help but compare their experiences and programme to pass this to my female parent to read for her feedback. It'southward a wonderful glimpse into immigration and the struggles the children go through. I realize the parents accept just every bit much struggle but equally a parent who strives to give my child stability I can hardly imagine putting my child through what these children went through but information technology besides shows how desperate they really were ...more

January 24, 2021 Cody F rated it it was amazing

I grew upwards in the U.s. but my male parent emigrated a few year prior to my nativity. He left his mother, father, and the bulk of his eleven siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends in the search for a better life en el otro lado. This story paints a vivid moving-picture show of how this journey tin can bear on individuals inside a family unit and it brought me to consider how this same journey must accept seemed for my father. He was a teenage boy, journey to el otro lado in search for happiness. What a poignan I grew up in the U.s. just my male parent emigrated a few twelvemonth prior to my birth. He left his mother, male parent, and the bulk of his 11 siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends in the search for a better life en el otro lado. This story paints a bright movie of how this journeying can affect individuals within a family unit and it brought me to consider how this same journey must have seemed for my male parent. He was a teenage boy, journeying to el otro lado in search for happiness. What a poignant story Reyna Grande tells with its many highs countless lows. I tin only imagine that my father passed through much of the same. ...more

Reyna Grande is the writer of ii novels, Across a Hundred Mountains, which received a 2007 American Volume Award; Dancing with Butterflies, which received a 2010 International Latino Book Award. In her memoir, The Altitude Betwixt Us (Atria, 2012) Reyna recounts her experiences as a child left behind in United mexican states when her parents emigrated to the U.Due south. in search of piece of work, and her own journey to the U.S. Reyna Grande is the author of two novels, Across a Hundred Mountains, which received a 2007 American Book Award; Dancing with Butterflies, which received a 2010 International Latino Volume Award. In her memoir, The Distance Between Us (Atria, 2012) Reyna recounts her experiences as a child left behind in United mexican states when her parents emigrated to the U.S. in search of work, and her own journey to the U.Due south. as an undocumented immigrant at the age of nine. The 50.A. Times hailed information technology as "the Angela's Ashes of the mod Mexican immigrant experience." Kirkus called it a "standout immigrant coming-of-historic period story," and Publishers Weekly said that her memoir "captivates and inspires." The Distance Between Us volition be republished September 2022 as a young readers edition. ...more than

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