I received this book as an ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to the author and publisher for this opportunity.

Elizabeth is a talented author.

Her memoir is very well written.

Her portrayal of the struggles, accomplishments and achievements she has attained is noteworthy.

My Side of the River: A Memoir by Elizabeth Camarillo Gutierrez reveals her experience as the U.S.-born daughter of immigrants and what happened when, at fifteen, her parents were forced back to Mexico in this galvanizing yet tender memoir.

This should be a must-read for anyone wanting to experience the tenacity and determination of a young individual that is so much more than an immigrant story.

The story is engaging, heartfelt, complex and shows what one has to go through with government agencies and institutions. Elizabeth Camarillo Gutierrez documents her challenges and obstacles and shows strength and determination.

A touching and memorable memoir. I would recommend this book.

#NetGalley @StMartinsPress

This was so good. It tells the heartbreaking story of immigrants and what they will sacrifice to create a better life for their children and not the vilification of them by conservatives in this country. It shows what life along the border is .
It is a masterpiece of life along the border
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for Lyme review this book

Elizabeth, a Tucson native born to Mexican immigrants, was on top of the world when she entered high school. But then, life threw her a curveball. Her parents' visas expired, and they had to return to Mexico, leaving Elizabeth to take care of her younger brother and continue her education.

With fierce determination, she refused to become just another statistic. Even though her parents couldn't stay, she was determined not to let go of the opportunities the U.S. had in store for her. So armed with nothing more than her passport and that stubborn teenage spirit, she found herself labeled an unaccompanied, homeless youth—a result of a broken immigration system that tears families apart.

At the core of this remarkable story is Elizabeth's incredible resilience and courage. Her journey is an inspiring example of human determination in the face of adversity. It serves as a reminder of the importance of approaching immigration issues with empathy and understanding. Elizabeth's story is one that deserves to be heard and celebrated.

I don't repeat publishers summaries in my reviews; rather my opinions of the writing and content, and how the book affected me. In my opinion, this is an excellent memoir . It swept me up with the compelling narrative. The writing is simple and accessible. Yet a myriad of more complex issues are covered with clarity, insight, tenderness, anger, sadness, humor, and more.

It's a bit difficult to write a lot of detail, because so much of the book is spoilers--so much happens in her journey. The first 30% or so is more foundational, less dramatic; setting a clear stage for what will ensue in her life path to now. She details both the pain and the warmth in her childhood, as the child of poor Mexican immigrants in the U.S., and fills us in with interesting stories. But then things really start to happen and it was very hard to put this book down!

One impressive thing is how she writes from childhood forward and seems to match the consciousness of each age in her writing. Meaning, in childhood I felt her awareness and wording matched a child. And so on up through each age. This gave me the very real feeling of being in her shoes, making this an immersive reading experience. I also felt that not only did the narrative evolve with her, but that each stage transitioned in such a natural, organic manner, and her descriptions again matched those transitions to where I felt a part of her story.

She also does something I REALLY appreciate: she translates most of any dialogue from the Spanish to the English in which I read this book. I understand inserting native language here and there in book, but I am truly fed up with those who don't translate it, which seems to unfortunately be in vogue.

This story is an immigrant story but so much more. It is about family, the educational system from elementary to the Ivy Leagues (& the help vs. oppression it may offer), the incomparable value of friends, stress, politics, the legal system, determination, domestic violence, food insecurity, working the system, responsibilities, burdens, stereotypes, life's ups and downs, and a hundred other things packed into this fairly quick, easy read.. Elizabeth shares her inner thoughts and breakdowns, as well as breakthroughs and victories in an honest and transparent manner. I recommend this to anyone and everyone.

This memoir was much more engaging than I had anticipated.
I often find challenges with the pacing of memoirs - finding that balance between acknowledgement of childhood events without being too heavily narrated by a child - but this memoir moved at pace that felt both natural and intriguing. It touched on so many topics while never veering too far away from the author's point of view.
Readable AND meaningful - highly recommend!

While the overlapping social issues of immigration, poverty, racism, and violence haunt the pages of this memoir, human strength, love, and persistence weave a cord of hope throughout Gutierrez's narrative. While these types of memoirs sometimes romanticize the heroic powers of the independent individual, My Side of the River rejects the simplistic telling for a more realistic look at the complex costs of having to fight against systems and institutions created to keep difference out.

Many thanks to the publisher and to NetGalley for a free copy for review!

An engrossing story about a first generation American of Mexican immigrants, Elizabeth's journey is real and isn't afraid to point out racism, stereotypes, or common misconceptions. Themes of borders, imagined or real, the meaning of family, the value of education, and hard choices made to survive in a capitalist society all capture the experience of people trying to get a leg up in a world that wants to keep stepping on them. Full of heart and hope, I would recommend this to high school students and above.

"My Side of the River" by Elizabeth Camarillo Gutierrez is a powerful and poignant memoir that delves into the author's personal journey as the U.S.-born daughter of Mexican immigrants. Gutierrez's storytelling is a moving testament to the resilience, determination, and unwavering love that can overcome even the most challenging circumstances.

The memoir begins with Gutierrez's early life in Tucson, Arizona, where she enjoyed the promise of a bright future. As the top student in her class, she was on the verge of entering high school with high hopes. However, her world is turned upside down when her parents' visas expire, forcing them to return to Mexico, leaving her and her younger brother behind. At just fifteen years old, Gutierrez finds herself navigating a complex web of challenges, from homelessness to the constant threat of family separation due to immigration laws.

Gutierrez's narrative is a heartbreaking exploration of the human cost of immigration policies. Through her personal experiences, she shines a spotlight on the countless others who have been affected by similar situations. Her struggles and sacrifices are a testament to her determination to grasp the opportunities available to her in the United States, despite the obstacles in her path.

One of the most moving aspects of the memoir is Gutierrez's unwavering commitment to her younger brother. Her love and dedication to providing him with a better future are palpable throughout the narrative. Their relationship is a central theme, highlighting the profound bond between siblings in the face of adversity.

The writing in "My Side of the River" is both evocative and heartfelt. Gutierrez's prose is straightforward yet emotionally charged, allowing readers to connect with her on a deeply personal level. Her story is a stark reminder of the importance of empathy and understanding when it comes to issues of immigration and family separation.

This memoir will undoubtedly resonate with readers who are interested in immigration narratives, personal resilience, and stories of hope in the face of adversity. Gutierrez's journey is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the enduring power of family bonds.

In conclusion, "My Side of the River" is a courageous and moving memoir that offers a unique perspective on the challenges faced by undocumented immigrants and their families. Elizabeth Camarillo Gutierrez's story is a powerful reminder of the need for compassion and reform in immigration policies. Her memoir is a compelling and heartfelt contribution to the ongoing conversation about immigration in the United States.

I went through this book very quickly. It captured my attention from the get-go. I found it very relatable. I have a lot of family who went through very similar struggles. As a Mexican-American myself, this book was relatable in so many ways. The struggles of our parents to overcome their immigration status, not only surviving school, but striving, and always wondering if you truly belong. My college experience was mostly a positive one, but the doubt of having belonged in such a prestigious institution always was in the back of my head. Reading My Side of the River let me know that not only was I not alone in my journey, but it will help others currently going through the struggles know that they aren't alone. It's hard to be a part of the "ni de aqui, ni de alla" crowd, but Elizabeth wrote the sentiments of many into perfect words.

"They both knew from experience that the world simply wouldn't favor a brown uneducated Mexican girl. They knew how much of an advantage a good American education would be for their American daughter. They wanted the best for me." (loc. 133*)

Growing up in Arizona, Elizabeth Camarillo Gutierrez knew that her parents worked themselves to the bone and struggled to get by—she lived it too. But it wasn't until she was a teenager that things changed irrevocably: her parents were denied visa renewals, and they couldn't get back into the US. With an American birth certificate and American passport, she could stay to get the education and future her parents wanted so desperately for her...but she'd have to do it alone.

"Before I even understood the concept of citizenship, I knew I was protected in a way that they weren't. They were always aware of authority figures, making themselves smaller around cops and the law, hiding—something I didn't feel the need to do. 'If you every feel unsafe, go to the police,' my parents instructed. Unlike them, I didn't need to hide." (loc. 184)

And so Camarillo Gutierrez became homeless and parentless, because none of the options for the present were good but this would at least give her a better chance for the future. It's worth noting that these are decisions that most Americans don't have to make—one might have to decide which divorced parent to live with, or whether or not to go to boarding school, but far less often to stay where one's parents cannot follow or to figure out everything from housing to food alone because of this. It's a devastating situation to consider, and one that Camarillo Gutierrez describes with precision and clear eyes.

I won't say too much about where this journey took her (read the book to find out), but I found the earlier parts of the book, as Camarillo Gutierrez was getting through primary and secondary school, to be most compelling. I think that's partly because some of her later experiences are ones I've heard before, in various forms—not to suggest that they aren't worth hearing again, but...there's something particularly visceral about a child knowing that their parents cannot come if they are needed, no matter how desperately they want to. Too, I think the focus gets diluted somewhat—the earlier parts of the book cover some broader racism and xenophobia but narrow in on the ways that certain laws and government policies continue to fail citizens like Camarillo Gutierrez; later that expands again to the more general racism that Camarillo Gutierrez was (is) up against as a brown woman in places where white voices dominate. I can't fault her for including that very valid part of her story, but it's the earlier parts that will stick with me.

Thanks to the author and publisher for providing a review copy through NetGalley.

*Quotes are from an ARC and may not be final.

If you loved Educated by Tara Westover, you will love this book. I actually picked it because the description mentioned the similarities. Unlike Westover, Elizabeth is an immigrant in early 2000's Arizona, facing the consequences of the "Show me your papers" law and our broken immigration system, but saved by education in similar ways.

Elizabeth's story is permeated by a current of the anxieties of a first generation American who "must be the best". Often saved from sure destruction by life rafts of hope just at the last moment.

As a white woman, I can't imagine some of the challenges she faces, but as a first generation college graduate, her experiences in an early career workplace remind me of my own challenges. As a mother, I wanted to hold her in those moments of darkness and remind her that she is worthy, beautiful and loved.

I'm a better person for having read this story, a better American, and I am so grateful Elizabeth shared her story. I hope you'll read it upon the official release.

Thank you to #netgalley and #stmartins for the advance copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased opinion.

I love a good memoir and this one was very good. She wrote about her experiences and what she went through in a way that you felt what she felt. The way she describes how those things affected her all they way through her adult life was so relatable as well. I really enjoyed this book.

Wow! What an honest and heartfelt memoir told by the daughter of undocumented immigrants. At 15, Elizabeth finds herself all alone when her parents’ work visas are denied. She then has to finish high school without her family. She puts all her heart into her studies.
This story is so inspiring and full of grit! Highly recommend!
Thank you to St Martin’s Press and NetGalley for this advanced copy. My opinions are my own.

I normally do not read biographies, but thanks to NetGalley, I was able to read this incredible story about family, loss, strength, and perseverance. "My Side of the River" was told in such a magnificent manner I could not put it down. I was rooting for Elizabeth the entire time.

I also learned about some of the tribulations Mexican American families have to endure, and I had no idea about some of the events and laws that were passed, (why wasn't I taught this).

Thank you again to St. Martins publishing group, NetGalley, and the author for sharing this ARC and incredibly written story.

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the ARC!

I ADORED this memoir! A captivating story that everyone should read. I enjoyed Elizabeth’s story telling and I learned a ton about the flaws with immigration politics. The author tells a relatable story in the sense of a first born daughter having to grow up too soon. Life in the United States for immigrant families is not sustainable and this memoir is very telling of those hardships. I am so happy I read this and have learned more about the (lack) of civil rights that exist for immigrants who do more than their fair share to establish in the United States to “live the dream”. Which really is a heartbreakingly false image. Thank you to the author for sharing her moving story of growth and hardship! 4.25 stars

This memoir by a woman born in the US to undocumented parents from Mexico presents a personal story of the life of a child who has different immigration status from her parents (child: US citizen; parents: in the US on expired tourist visas) and must, as a teen, take control of her future when her parents return to Mexico without her and are unable to obtain visas to the US.

I admire Gutierrez's resilience and her family's focus on education in the midst of just trying to survive and maintain the bonds of family. Publishing these stories is important for broader understanding of the challenges faced by children and families caught up in our broken immigration system.

I'm no educator, but I am a parent, and this book seems perfect for a high school reading list, perhaps an all-grade summer read, based on selections my own kids have read for high school and the summer going into college. It's an easy yet insightful read and would lead to deep discussions about never knowing what challenges your peers are facing, the value of seeking out and accepting help, how educational opportunities and support can change a life, and more.

An honest and personal account of a young woman who was born in the U.S. to Mexican immigrant parents. When the author’s parents had their visas denied and relocated to Mexico with a young brother in tow, Elizabeth had to rely on herself to manage her life and get through high school and college.

This memoir is a sincere look at what immigrant families go through while trying to make a living in the U.S. The author’s independent and determined personality shines throughout as she writes about her life’s many challenges, heartbreaks, and accomplishments. An excellent and well-written memoir that’s a must-read.

This is a moving memoir about a young Mexican American woman as she grows up as the daughter of undocumented immigrants and eventually has to cope with her family being divided by immigration policies.

I think this is an important story for Americans to read, especially those who have never had to worry about their family’s documentation status, deal with housing insecurity or had to go to bed hungry. Camarillo Gutierrez’s descriptions of the challenges her family faced during her childhood and young adulthood are frank and in writing this, she challenges the systems that perpetuate injustices that cause suffering for families like hers.

Camarillo Gutierrez is rightfully angry about many things in the world and the US, and her fire comes through in her writing. The style is mostly straightforward though at some times it feels as if she is forcing metaphors or other flowery language. For me, the most powerful moments were when she was just directly writing about her experience and her feelings.

I also really appreciated the way that she wrote about her mental health struggles. I think many high achieving people will find that her descriptions of anxiety resonate with them, and her openness about seeking treatment for her mental health is also refreshing to see when many people are still reluctant to talk openly about mental health.

Overall a solid memoir and a vital story for all American audiences. Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for the galley!

My Side of the River is many things, which is exactly what a great memoir should be. Elizabeth Camarillo Gutierrez recounts her childhood and experience coming to age amidst the rise in anti-immigrant legislation that ultimately forced Gutierrez to make a choice between pursuing her education and dreams for the future or returning to Mexico with her family.

My Side of the River is memoir, but it’s also family history, political history, and even environmental history. In some ways, it is a love letter to Tucson, Arizona, where activism connected seemingly disparate communities. At the same time, it’s a sobering reminder of how political violence- specifically Arizona’s “show me your papers” laws- is more than just bigoted discourse. It disrupts the lives of ordinary people in every corner of our world. Gutierrez shares what it is like to live day to day with the threat of family separation, and how the anxiety compounds over time.

Guiterrez troubles the stereotypes and one dimensional narratives constructed around immigration. She presents immigration as fluid and borders as permeable. In her story, people traverse across borders for many reasons. They look both forward and backward. One of my favorite discussions in the memoir was how Gutierrez was crafted into the good immigrant narrative. While this narrative can open professional and economic doors, it does nefarious and invisible damage to identities, families, and communities.

Gutierrez writes of how the pressures of capitalism often require us to commodify our trauma. Her story pushes back against this. The memoir is not written in a sensational way. Rather, it is honest and conversational. The hardships are real and Gutierrez does not hold back in calling out how capitalism and racism work together to produce the inequalities her family faced and the unenviable choices she made within this reality. I agree that readers of Educated by Tara Westover will enjoy this memoir, but I think they will get a very different perspective on education and success.

Thank you to Net Galley and St. Martin’s Press for an Advanced Review Copy of this book.