Synopses & Reviews
A Colombian American journalist tries to save her career by taking an assignment somewhere she never thought she'd go — Colombia — in this heartwarming debut novel about rediscovering our family stories.
"A beautiful homage to a mother's bravery and to the grace and grit that is our inheritance." — Alicia Menendez, MSNBC anchor and creator and host of the Latina to Latina podcast
Twenty-five-year-old Melanie Carvajal, a hardworking but struggling journalist for a Miami newspaper, loves her Colombian mother but regularly ignores her phone calls, frustrated that she never quite takes the time to understand Melanie's life. When the opportunity arises for a big assignment that might save her flagging career, Melanie follows the story to the land of her mother's birth. She soon realizes Colombia has the potential to connect her, after all these years, to something she's long ignored: her heritage, the love of her mother, her family, and the richest parts of herself.
Colombia offers more than a chance to make a name for herself as a writer. It is a place of untold stories.
Inspired by real-life events, An American Immigrant is a story of culture and community, of abiding commitment to family, and of embracing our culture and the generations that have come before.
Review
"Not only does An American Immigrant celebrate tradition and cultural exploration, but it is a captivating journey of self-discovery that serves as a powerful reminder that it's never too late to go after your dreams on your own terms. Melanie's story is a must-read for anyone wanting to understand the power of family and the true meaning of home." — Courtney Dyksterhouse, media personality and former news anchor
About the Author
Johanna Rojas Vann is a professional writer whose work can be found online and within numerous publications. She is a second-generation Colombian American, with dual citizenship, and lives with her husband and children in Nashville, Tennessee.