An Evening with Javier Zamora Explores the Story Behind ‘Solito’

UC Davis welcomed poet and author Javier Zamora to the Mondavi Center for an evening of reflection, storytelling and dialogue centered on his critically acclaimed memoir Solito: A Memoir, this year’s selection for the Campus Community Book Project. Jackson Hall was filled with students, faculty and community members eager to hear Zamora discuss the personal journey behind his bestselling book and the themes of migration, healing and belonging that have resonated with readers nationwide.

In a conversation with KVIE’s Donna Apidone, Zamora reflected on the experiences that shaped Solito, which recounts his 3,000-mile journey from El Salvador to the United States at just nine years old. What was expected to be a two-week trip instead stretched into more than two months, as Zamora traveled through Guatemala and Mexico with strangers who ultimately became a source of care and protection during the difficult journey. During the discussion, Zamora spoke candidly about the emotional process of writing the memoir, describing therapy and storytelling as key parts of his healing and self-understanding.

The evening also highlighted the broader mission of the Campus Community Book Project, which encourages members of the campus and surrounding communities to read a common text and participate in events that spark dialogue across perspectives. Following the discussion, Zamora answered questions from the audience about his writing, his relationship to poetry and the ongoing personal and creative work that has followed the publication of Solito.

Read the full article