Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Start your free trial
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Across a Hundred Mountains summary
Brief summary
Across a Hundred Mountains is a poignant novel by Reyna Grande. It tells the story of two women from different backgrounds whose lives become intertwined as they search for a better future across the US-Mexico border.
Table of Contents
Across a Hundred Mountains
Summary of key ideas
The Dual Stories of Struggle
In Reyna Grande's novel, Across a Hundred Mountains, we're introduced to two compelling stories, one of Juana Garcia in present-day Mexico, another of Adelina Vasquez in the U.S, told through alternating chapters. Juana's life takes a devastating turn when her father leaves for the U.S to find work in the aftermath of her younger sister's tragic death, the family's poverty having kept them from affording medicine for her sister.
Left with a despairing mother who turns to alcohol and a domineering, abusive uncle, Juana decides to seek her father in U.S. Her journey is fraught with perils, including human traffickers, also known as "coyotes". Meanwhile, we discover Adelina's life as a social worker, filled with guilt over abandoning her own daughter under pressure from her controlling husband. After an encounter with an immigrant named Juanita, Adelina begins to scrutinize her own past.
Converging Journeys
As we delve deeper into Across a Hundred Mountains, the narrative becomes more entwined, turning into a haunting tale of loss, betrayal, and hope. Juana's harsh journey brings her to Los Angeles, where her journey merges with Adelina's. Their stories reveal the harsh reality of immigration, crippling poverty, and the extensive risks people are willing to bear for a chance at a better life.
Juana's arrival in L.A doesn't herald relief, instead, she is thrown into a world of danger and desperation. In her determination to find her father, she ends up in a brothel run by the unscrupulous Don Ernesto, where she finds another sort of family among the other girls trapped there. She also develops a romantic relationship with Don Ernesto's son, Lupe.
The Traumatic Truth
The hidden ties between Juana and Adelina come to light when Adelina spots a letter addressed to Juanita from her father in Mexico. The letter reveals the shattering truth – Juana and Juanita are the same person, Adelina's daughter whom her husband had told her died after childbirth. This realization prompts Adelina to search for the daughter she believed was long dead, a search that brings her to Don Ernesto's house.
In a tense climax, Adelina confronts Don Ernesto, leading to a scuffle that ends with Don Ernesto's death and Lupe's rejection of Juana upon learning about her real family. Heartbroken, Juana leaves with Adelina, who finally comes to terms with her past, acknowledging her deep regrets and her inability to escape her mistakes.
A Tale of Redemption
In the final part of Across a Hundred Mountains, we see both Juana and Adelina embark on a journey towards redemption. Adelina attempts to immortalize the hardships of immigrants like Juana in a book, and Juana strikes a humble life with her mother, content with the peaceful normalcy she long craved for.
Throughout this tale, Reyna Grande deftly presents the harrowing reality of immigration, the struggle for survival, and the driving force of familial bonds. She underscores the desperate lengths individuals are driven to in pursuit of a brighter future, illuminating the profound resilience, courage, and spirit of those who brave the uncertain, heartbreaking journey across a hundred mountains.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is Across a Hundred Mountains about?
This novel tells the story of two women, Juana and Adelina, whose lives become intertwined as they both search for a better future. Set against the backdrop of the Mexican-American border, the book explores themes of immigration, family, and the pursuit of the American dream. It is a poignant and beautifully written tale of resilience and the bonds that connect us across borders.
Across a Hundred Mountains Review
Across a Hundred Mountains (2006) tells a poignant story about two women on a quest for a better life. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- Raw and honest storytelling allows readers to experience the characters' struggles and victories firsthand.
- It addresses important themes such as immigration, identity, and the pursuit of the American Dream, offering insights and perspectives that resonate deeply.
- Through its compelling narrative, the book captures the complexities of human relationships and the resilience of the human spirit.
Who should read Across a Hundred Mountains?
- Those interested in exploring the complexities of immigration and its impact on individuals and families
- Readers who appreciate storytelling that intertwines personal narratives with social and political themes
- Individuals who enjoy discovering new perspectives and gaining empathy for others through literature
Categories with Across a Hundred Mountains
Book summaries like Across a Hundred Mountains
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
33 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
Across a Hundred Mountains FAQs
What is the main message of Across a Hundred Mountains?
The main message of Across a Hundred Mountains is the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring pursuit of hope.
How long does it take to read Across a Hundred Mountains?
The reading time for Across a Hundred Mountains varies depending on the reader's speed, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Across a Hundred Mountains a good book? Is it worth reading?
Across a Hundred Mountains is a captivating and thought-provoking book, making it worth the read for anyone who appreciates powerful storytelling.
Who is the author of Across a Hundred Mountains?
The author of Across a Hundred Mountains is Reyna Grande.
How many chapters are in Across a Hundred Mountains?
There are multiple parts in Across a Hundred Mountains, each with its own chapters. The book does not have chapter titles.
How many pages are in Across a Hundred Mountains?
Across a Hundred Mountains consists of 272 pages.
When was Across a Hundred Mountains published?
Across a Hundred Mountains was published in 2006.
What to read after Across a Hundred Mountains?
If you're wondering what to read next after Across a Hundred Mountains, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- How Children Succeed by Paul Tough
- Becoming Attached by Robert Karen
- All Joy and No Fun by Jennifer Senior
- The Opposite of Spoiled by Ron Lieber
- Minimalist Parenting by Christine Koh and Asha Dornfest
- Moms Mean Business by Erin Baebler and Lara Galloway
- Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother by Amy Chua
- Screamfree Parenting by Hal Edward Runkel
- Getting to 50/50 by Sharon Meers and Joanna Strober
- The Drama of the Gifted Child by Alice Miller