In Grand Rapids, the Vietnamese community congregates around the Saigon Market, where Bich's father buys Bich and her sister sweet and sour plums, rice candy, and bags of dried squid. The owner of the Saigon Market starts throwing big parties, where the men play Vietnamese poker and the women gather in the kitchen to gossip. Noi is usually in charge of cooking.

Bich’s household is modern in that Noi is the head of the family; she sits at the head of the table, gets the first serving at meals, and rides in the front seat of the car. She is responsible for raising the children and taking care of the home. Bich’s father is supposed to be the breadwinner, which he thinks means he doesn’t need to ask permission to do whatever he wants. Rosa is in the middle; she is also a breadwinner, but frustrated by her husband’s behavior. Rosa and Bich’s father fight about how he spends his time.

During the parties, Rosa spends her time in the kitchen, where she feels ostracized. Anh and Bich hang out with the other Vietnamese children, who are playing Atari and watching TV.