Ni De Aqui, Ni De Alla: A Soul Suspended Between Two Worlds

by JORGE XOLALPA, Elite Book Writers (Editor)

Ni De Aquí, Ni De Allá: A Soul Suspended Between Two Worlds is a raw, intimate memoir about identity, resilience, and the healing power of storytelling. From the dusty streets of Mexico to the uncertain promise of the American dream, this is the journey of a boy caught between two cultures, two languages, and two versions of himself — never fully belonging to either.

Brought to the United States at the age of nine, the author chronicles a life shaped by immigration, DACA status, and the invisible weight of existing in liminal space. But beyond the legal battles and cultural dissonance lies a deeper struggle — the fight to love oneself in a world that insists you don’t belong.

Told with unflinching honesty and poetic vulnerability, this memoir explores the darkness of depression, the light of unexpected love, and the spark of a dream born from nothing more than an iPhone and the will to create. Through low-budget films, quiet revelations, and the fierce drive to be seen, the author reclaims his voice and, in doing so, offers hope to anyone who’s ever felt like they were "ni de aquí, ni de allá" — neither from here, nor there.

This is not just a story of survival. It’s a story of becoming.

299 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 12, 2025

Reviews

[Maria Useche · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was very conflicted reading Jorge’s book. His life and family stories are everything I hoped to read about to feel seen in this country. Unfortunately I don’t think this book is successful in presenting stories completely. I say that with a frustration of wanting these moments to simmer in Jorge’s head before hitting the pages of this book. There are moments where his words read like poetry and scenes are painted like his movies. But the majority of the book feels rushed and concludes to the lessons he’s learned without letting the reader live the lessons with him. The book also lacks a connecting thread of either time passing or lessons building on each other, simply jumping abstractly through his life. So instead of a memoir I would say this is more of a collection of life reflections. I also wish his editors pushed back harder and cleaned up the writing. You can tell which chapters were written with a flow state and which were rushed. I wanted to give this 5 stars because it’s mere existence is the revolution, but the editing and direction of this book frustrated me because I wanted to feel the moments from the author’s life and not just hear the life lessons.

[Cynthia Marin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book because it hit close to home. There were some parts that were a bit repetitive, but overall the story was inspiring-- to say the least. My biggest takeaways would have to be to never settle, because its okay for us to want more even if this country is continuously pushing us aside. That we must make ourselves fit into these places & assert ourselves because we belong just as much as everyone. I also loved how he lifted his mom up throughout & reiterated the fact that the obstacles that they have overcame together don't make her a bad mom or make his life a bad one. He learned, grew, and has risen from what he went through. If that doesn't describe what living in the United States as an undocumented immigrant than I don't know what does. Also, as a fellow DACA receipient-- thank you for shining some light on what the program is & what it lacks.

[Carolina Chavez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a beautiful book and really a special one.

[Fernando Garcia · Rating 1 out of 5]

One word: SEEN