Alma Rivera - The novel's central protagonist, a housewife from Pátzcuaro, Mexico. She emigrated to the United States with her husband Arturo and daughter Maribel after Maribel suffered a traumatic brain injury, hoping to enroll her in a special school in Delaware. Alma struggles with homesickness, learning English, and guilt over Maribel's accident.

Maribel Rivera - Alma and Arturo's teenage daughter who sustained a brain injury that left her with impairments like memory loss and difficulty speaking. Her parents bring her to the U.S. to attend a school for students with disabilities.

Mayor Toro - A Panamanian-American teenager who develops a romantic connection with Maribel. He is an outcast at school but finds solace in his relationship with Maribel.

Arturo Rivera - Alma's husband and Maribel's father. He owned a construction business in Mexico but takes a job at a mushroom farm after immigrating to support his family.

Celia Toro - Mayor's mother, originally from Panama. She befriends Alma and helps her adjust to life in the U.S.

Rafael Toro - Mayor's father, also from Panama. He loses his job during the 2007-2008 financial crisis.

Other notable characters include Quisqueya Solis, a neighbor who witnesses Mayor and Maribel's relationship, and Garrett Miller, a bully who torments Mayor at school.

Immigration and the American Dream
The novel centers around the pursuit of the American Dream by various immigrant families from Latin American countries like Mexico, Panama, and Nicaragua. It examines the challenges they face in adapting to a new country, culture, and language, as well as the sacrifices they make for a better life.

Identity and Belonging
A central theme is the sense of being an "unknown American" - feeling invisible, misunderstood, and struggling to find one's place in American society. The characters grapple with issues of identity, assimilation, and acceptance in their new homeland.

Family and Community
The novel highlights the importance of family bonds and the formation of tight-knit immigrant communities. The characters find solace, support, and a sense of belonging within their cultural enclaves, even as they navigate the difficulties of adapting to American life.

Love and Relationships
At the heart of the story is a budding romance between two teenagers, Maribel and Mayor, from different immigrant backgrounds. Their relationship serves as a metaphor for the challenges and hopes of the immigrant experience.

Disability and Resilience
Maribel, the daughter of the central Rivera family, has a traumatic brain injury that affects her memory and cognitive abilities. The novel explores the family's resilience and determination to provide her with the best care and opportunities in their adopted country.

In summary, "The Book of Unknown Americans" is a touching exploration of the immigrant experience in America, touching on themes of identity, belonging, family, love, and resilience in the face of adversity.

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The novel received praise for its compelling narrative and rich character development. Critics have highlighted Henríquez's ability to create an empathetic and engaging portrayal of immigrant experiences.

Critics have commended the novel for its insightful and poignant depiction of the immigrant experience in the United States. The stories of individual characters provide a mosaic of challenges, hopes, and dreams.

Henríquez's use of multiple perspectives has been praised for adding depth and complexity to the story.

Readers have found the book to be relatable and humanizing, offering a window into the lives of people often marginalized or overlooked in society. The characters' stories are seen as heartfelt and authentic. The novel appeals to a wide audience, from those interested in social issues to readers looking for compelling, character-driven narratives.

Many readers have expressed that the book fostered a greater understanding and empathy towards immigrants. The personal stories resonate on a deep emotional level, making the struggles and triumphs of the characters feel real and significant.

Educators have used the book to teach about the immigrant experience, multiculturalism, and empathy. Its accessible prose and rich content make it a valuable resource for discussions on these topics.

"The Book of Unknown Americans" is highly regarded for its empathetic portrayal of the immigrant experience and its compelling narrative structure. Both critics and readers have praised its emotional depth, cultural relevance, and the way it humanizes the stories of its characters. The novel continues to be a significant and impactful work in contemporary literature, contributing to the conversation on immigration and identity in America.