- 25 Mar, 2021
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- 1 Min Read
Writer’s Choice
Directions for discussion: respond to two of the discussion questions below with thoughtful, well written answers (approx. 100 word count each).
General notes:
Each story is like a snapshot into various lives. He writes about different ages, different generations, different paths. Most stories have a depressing undertone. They reveal realistic and complex storylines through flash fiction/ short stories. The stories in this book illustrate that you don’t necessarily need a whole novel length book to connect with characters. He also writes in Spanglish, which makes it feel authentic and true to his voice.
P. 15-18
“I finally took off in the early evening…” to “They asked me to come back and I said that I would.”
What is being illustrated here about the duality of being Mexican American?
Is Victor discovering a new world? A new part of himself? Who can relate to walking in more than one world?
P. 19 (mid paragraph mid page)
“I told her I loved her…” to “ for they were desolate too.”
What does he mean about becoming an old man? Does the excitement of life depend solely on new experiences?
P. 44
“At once, her front door rattled widely…” to “limp chain”
The author employs very poetic language here. Do you think there is really a demon in her house, or is it metaphorical?
P. 50
“There is no audience except me..” (top of page) to “She was the one I wanted.”
Why do you think he tells the story in flashbacks intermittently while he’s being attacked? Is love what we’ll remember in our final moments? What does Sofia represent? Missed opportunities? Regrets? Romance?
The Last Tortilla and Other Stories p. 65-112
P. 66
“Ay, Princey Hermoso” to “like a cloud.”
Very poetic imagery and word choices. Also, what are we learning about this character?