Podcast
Questions and Answers
How old was Luis in the memory he recalls at the beginning of the book?
How old was Luis in the memory he recalls at the beginning of the book?
9
Where did that memory take place that is described at the beginning of the book?
Where did that memory take place that is described at the beginning of the book?
Union Station
What did Luis's mother buy him in the memory at the beginning of the book?
What did Luis's mother buy him in the memory at the beginning of the book?
A comic book
Why was Luis's father angry in this memory at the beginning of the book?
Why was Luis's father angry in this memory at the beginning of the book?
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Where did Luis's father meet his mother?
Where did Luis's father meet his mother?
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What was Luis's father doing when he met his mother?
What was Luis's father doing when he met his mother?
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How old was Luis's dad when he married Luis's mom?
How old was Luis's dad when he married Luis's mom?
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Who has children from previous relationships between the relationship between Luis's mom and dad?
Who has children from previous relationships between the relationship between Luis's mom and dad?
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Who is Seni?
Who is Seni?
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Who took care of Seni for so long that she didn't recognize her own father?
Who took care of Seni for so long that she didn't recognize her own father?
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Why was Luis's father jailed after his parents were married?
Why was Luis's father jailed after his parents were married?
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Where did Luis allegedly commit a crime?
Where did Luis allegedly commit a crime?
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What happened in the accusations against Luis's father?
What happened in the accusations against Luis's father?
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What did Luis's father vow after the accusations in the beginning of the book?
What did Luis's father vow after the accusations in the beginning of the book?
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In what country did Luis's family originally live?
In what country did Luis's family originally live?
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What city is Watts in?
What city is Watts in?
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How does Luis describe his family's house in Watts?
How does Luis describe his family's house in Watts?
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Who is Rano?
Who is Rano?
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How was Luis's first Christmas in Watts?
How was Luis's first Christmas in Watts?
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What did Luis do with his toys that first Christmas?
What did Luis do with his toys that first Christmas?
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What does Luis's mother occasionally do for work?
What does Luis's mother occasionally do for work?
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Who is often ill in the family?
Who is often ill in the family?
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What happens the first time Luis begins school in America?
What happens the first time Luis begins school in America?
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What seem to be the only kinds of jobs Luis's father can find when he first comes to America?
What seem to be the only kinds of jobs Luis's father can find when he first comes to America?
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What type of job does Luis's father get in the flashback in the beginning of the book that prompts him to buy a better home and other things?
What type of job does Luis's father get in the flashback in the beginning of the book that prompts him to buy a better home and other things?
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As part of a shopping spree after Luis's dad gets a new job, what does Luis's mom get?
As part of a shopping spree after Luis's dad gets a new job, what does Luis's mom get?
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Why does Luis's father get fired from his new job?
Why does Luis's father get fired from his new job?
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How long did Luis's father's new job last?
How long did Luis's father's new job last?
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Who does Luis's family move in with after his father loses his great job?
Who does Luis's family move in with after his father loses his great job?
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Where does Luis's family have to put all of their possessions when they have to move after the father loses his job?
Where does Luis's family have to put all of their possessions when they have to move after the father loses his job?
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What happens when Luis's family has to move in with a relative?
What happens when Luis's family has to move in with a relative?
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Who is Luis with when he finds the police at their home?
Who is Luis with when he finds the police at their home?
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Whose fight prompted the police to come to where Luis's family was staying in the beginning of the book?
Whose fight prompted the police to come to where Luis's family was staying in the beginning of the book?
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What was the weapon used in the fight that prompted police to respond?
What was the weapon used in the fight that prompted police to respond?
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Who was injured in the fight that prompted police to respond?
Who was injured in the fight that prompted police to respond?
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Study Notes
Early Memories
- Luis recalls a memory from age 9 at Union Station.
- In this memory, his mother buys him a comic book, bringing a moment of joy.
- Tension arises as Luis's father expresses anger over his refusal to return to Mexico.
Family Background
- Luis's parents met in Indianapolis while his father was involved in a foreign study program.
- Luis's father was 40 years old when he married Luis's mother, who had children from previous relationships.
- Seni, Luis's half-sister, was primarily cared for by their grandmother, contributing to her not recognizing her own father.
Legal Troubles
- After marrying, Luis's father was jailed for stealing but was later found innocent of the allegations.
- A significant accusation involved Luis's father allegedly committing a crime at a school, which fueled family turmoil.
- Following the accusations, Luis's father vowed to leave the country.
Relocation and Adaptation
- The family originally lived in Mexico before moving to Los Angeles, specifically Watts, where their living conditions were cramped, described as "a matchbox of a place".
- Luis's first Christmas in Watts was disappointing, marked by the destruction of his toys.
Employment Struggles
- Luis's mother occasionally worked as a caretaker or cleaner, while his father struggled to find work, mainly securing labor jobs initially.
- A flashback reveals Luís's father obtaining a substitute teaching position, leading to hopes for a better life, including a move to a new home.
- This teaching position was short-lived, lasting less than a year due to communication barriers caused byhis accent.
Family Dynamics and Tensions
- After losing his job, the family had to move in with Seni, leading to an environment filled with constant fighting.
- Their belongings were stored in the garage, symbolizing their unstable situation.
- An incident involving a fight between Seni and her husband resulted in police involvement, as a nail file became a weapon during the altercation.
- Seni's husband was injured in this conflict, escalating family tensions further.
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