Book Discussion Guide for Reading Groups

for Carlos's ma's Friends


1.    Have circumstances ever led you to move to a "different" neighborhood, one you weren't familiar with or used to? How did you feel the first week? How do you think you would feel?

2.    Would you fix up a dilapidated rental house if you thought you weren't going to live there for long?

3.    Are you comfortable with neighbors "dropping in"? Why or why not? Did you grow up in a "drop in" household?

4.    Have you had someone close to you die? How did that affect your outlook on life the first month? The first year? Did their age matter? Did yours?

5.    How did you feel about Sara's reaction to the egg throwing boys? How would you have reacted?

6.    What was your reaction to Ramon? Would you have let him into your life?

7.    Do you know any young people who live pretty much on their own, with little help from a parent or guardian? How do they manage? Are there other adults who help them? Do you?

8.    Have you ever tried to physically work away anger or hurt? Did it help? Do you think the work or the contact with Sara helped Ramon?

9.     Would you have invited Paul and Ian into the house?

10.    Would you have gone to the impromptu concert? Enjoyed it?

11.    When you are deeply bothered by something, do you talk about it or keep quiet?

12.    How did you perceive the different characters? What nationalities or backgrounds, accents or skin color? Why? Did it matter to the story? To your involvement?

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