Choose one of the characters in the novel and discuss the way that their personal experiences and perspective informs their actions. How do their perceptions reflect the reality of the situation?

Manny, Lucia, Miranda, and Yonah all struggle to find a balance between their obligations to others and their personal desires. Compare and contrast two of these characters and the way they handle this conflict.

“Parentification” means that a child is regularly placed in the role of “parenting” their parents or siblings through emotional or financial support. How has Miranda’s upbringing impacted her life? How does this “parentification” affect her character development throughout the novel?