An American Immigrant - by Johanna Rojas Vann (Paperback)

About the Book

"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."--

Book Synopsis

CHRISTY AWARD WINNER - 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

International Latino Book Award Gold Winner for Best First Book--Fiction; Silver Winner for The Isabel Allende Most Inspirational Fiction - Tennessee State Book Award Finalist

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 Quotes

"A beautiful homage to a mother's bravery and the grace and grit that is our inheritance. An American Immigrant is a clarion call to water our roots and refuse to allow those we love to be lost in translation."--Alicia Menendez, MSNBC anchor and creator and host of Latina to Latina podcast

"In a yearning and humbling journey to the place of her mother's birth, a fictional Miami journalist discovers her innermost worth by yielding to family truth, creative courage, and cultural clarity--which she needs to give both her heart and the hard world her authentic best. An enchanting, brave, and uplifting story of discovery, family love, and determined hope."--Patricia Raybon, Christy Award-winning author of the Annalee Spain Mystery series and My First White Friend: Confessions on Race, Love, and Forgiveness

"In An American Immigrant, Johanna Rojas Vann delivers a powerful exploration of the risks we face in pursuit of a better life. By weaving a compelling and emotional tale, she offers readers a fresh examination of identity, truth, generational sacrifice, and the real meaning of home. Ideal for book clubs, this story will have people talking."--Julie Cantrell, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of Perennials

"Johanna Rojas Vann takes readers on a journey that brings about knowledge, empathy, relatability, connection, and empowerment. The food and culture made me want to dig up recipes and follow in Melanie's shoes in An American Immigrant and celebrate the blessings God brings us. Readers don't want to miss this uplifting story!"--Toni Shiloh, Christy Award-winning author

"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

"I don't usually read fiction, but Johanna's storytelling gripped me from the start, and I wasn't able to put An American Immigrant down. I highly recommend this book!"--Jordan Raynor, bestselling author of Redeeming Your Time and Called to Create

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.