The Distance Between Us: A Memoir

Written 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.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
• Release date: Jul 14, 2020
• ISBN: 9781797114132

Reyna Grande

Born in Mexico, Reyna Grande is the author of the bestselling memoirs The Distance Between Us and its sequel, A Dream Called Home, as well as the novels Across a Hundred Mountains, Dancing with Butterflies, and A Ballad of Love and Glory. Reyna has received an American Book Award, the El Premio Aztlán Literary Award, and a Latino Spirit Award. The young reader’s version of The Distance Between Us received an International Literacy Association Children’s Book Award. Her work has appeared in the New York Times and the Washington Post’s The Lily, on CNN, and more. She has appeared on Oprah's Book Club and has taught at the Macondo Writers Workshop, VONA, Bread Loaf, and other conferences for writers. 

Reviews for The Distance Between Us

[Lupita Carrillo · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Ive listened to this so many times the audio and story are amazing it makes me feel connected to her and gives me hope to share my story

[TecunUman Tonatiu · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Just to think of the thousands of Reyna Grandes stories, from all over the world.. Reyna and her siblings had busy Guardian Angels. looking after them 24/7. Gracias Reyna . THANK you for sharing Your Life storie. I could Not stop listening to your audiobook . It made me feel like I was with Reyna,Margo & Carlos through out their life journey..
" IF LIFE GIVES YOU LEMONS "........Reyna and her siblings Made the best lemonade out of them, even though it was not Sweet enough!!
Thank you Reyna..

[Ailed Rguez · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I would love to say that the Mexico described in this book no longer exists, but sadly extreme poverty remains a reality, not just in this country but in the world. And although decades have passed since the events narrated, there have not been significant changes to improve this situation. Not only that, but domestic violence and alcoholism continue to be normalized in our society, and that breaks my heart.
With this book, the author shares part of her life, from her childhood in Mexico, through her adolescence in the United States, and how she became the incredible writer she is. I find it extremely valuable that she spoke about her fears and experiences because it allows for visualization, as many of those things are still happening and few have the capacity to make it known. There are still separated families or those risking their lives in search of "a better life," knowing they might find nothing more than another hell with a different language, but hoping that it will all be worth it.
I have no doubt that this woman is a real hero, who has shown that despite everything, it is possible to move forward, but sacrifices must be made; unfortunately, some have to sacrifice much more than others, and that is something our privilege should not undermine.
It is also worth emphasizing the importance of feeling loved and important, as abandonment or feeling ignored by our loved ones can create deep wounds that always leave a mark and can negatively affect our lives.
Lastly, I would like to highlight that the physical edition of this book is incredibly beautiful, with details that captivated me even before I read it, and it has now become one of my favorite treasures on my bookshelf. (Translated from Spanish)

[merakibykei · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

An autobiography that I immensely enjoyed.
The author shows us that the life of an immigrant is not easy, especially when you are just a child. It begins when her parents are "on the other side," and the situations she experiences with her siblings truly evoke a feeling of sorrow for them.
It made me cry quite a bit; of course, I am too sentimental, perhaps it doesn't evoke the same reaction in everyone, however, it is definitely a read worth having. (Translated from Spanish)