... as well? The dreams the mother had for her children did not materialize in the manner she had hoped for, something better and less limiting than the stifling culture of Santa Ana. Even Carmen's escape to a life in Washington has not brought about the desired lifestyle. The book implied to me that we carry our baggage with us wherever we go ... with an unstable political situation and its corruption. All combine to transport the reader to a place and time that could not otherwise be experienced. You get the impression that "home- (Santa Ana) for Carmen has not really changed. It portrays...

• Word Count: 1377
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: High School

... reference we see is the constant use of, then crucial, historical figures. For example, in this passage he refers to the patron saint of the city of Lucca, "I bring you Santa Zita's Elders!" The authors gave me a view of the people while the lectures provided more of a visual picture of the country. One lecture, by David Alexander, talked about the Culture ... ...

• Word Count: 2032
• Approx Pages: 8
• Grade Level: High School