Virtual Diversity Book Club | The Distance Between Us

Please join the Department of Medicine Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and UPMC Children’s Hospital as we host another robust Virtual Diversity Book Club. Our book of choice this month is The Distance Between Us: A Memoir by Reyna Grande.

Born in Mexico and raised by her grandparents after her parents left to find work in the U.S., at nine years old, Reyna enters the U.S. as an undocumented immigrant to live with her father. Filled with hope, she quickly realizes that life in America is far from perfect. Her father isn’t the man she dreamed about all those years in Mexico. His big dreams for his children are what gets them across the border, but his alcoholism and rage undermine all his hard work and good intentions. Reyna finds solace from a violent home in books and writing, inspired by the Latina voices she reads. After an explosive altercation, Reyna breaks away, going on to become the first person in her family to obtain a higher education, earning a B.A. and then an M.F.A. in Creative Writing. At a time when immigration politics are at a boiling point in America, Reyna Grande is an important public voice for Mexican Americans and immigrants of every origin. The Distance Between Us has the power to change minds and hearts.

Please contact Anastasia White, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Program Coordinator at whiteaj2@upmc.edu, if you have any questions.