Book details
Cuba 15 (Random House Reader's Circle)
Description
Violet Paz has just turned 15, a pivotal birthday in the eyes of her Cuban grandmother. Fifteen is the age when a girl enters womanhood, traditionally celebrating the occasion with a quinceaero. But while Violet is half Cuban, shes also half Polish, and more importantly, she feels 100% American. Except for her zany familys passion for playing dominoes, smoking cigars, and dancing to Latin music, Violet knows little about Cuban culture, nada about quinces, and only tidbits about the history of Cuba. So when Violet begrudgingly accepts Abuelas plans for a quinceaeroand as she begins to ask questions about her Cuban rootscultures and feelings collide. The mere mention of Cuba and Fidel Castro elicits her grandparentssadness and her fathers anger. Only Violets aunt Luz remains open-minded. With so many divergent views, its not easy to know what to believe. All Violet knows is that shes got to form her own opinions, even if this jolts her family into unwanted confrontations. After all, a quince girl is supposed to embrace responsibilityand to Violet that includes understanding the Cuban heritage that binds her to a homeland shes never seen. This is Nancy Osas first novel.From the Hardcover edition.
Age
11-12
Text complexity
intermediate
Length
304 pages
Why to read
- Cultural Insight: 'Cuba 15 (Random House Reader's Circle)' provides readers with a rich portrayal of Cuban-American culture, traditions, and the complexities of having a bicultural identity. It's an excellent opportunity to gain understanding and appreciation for the Cuban heritage and the experiences of immigrants and their families.
- Coming-of-Age Story: The novel explores the universal themes of growing up and self-discovery through the lens of a young girl preparing for her quinceañera. It's a compelling narrative that resonates with anyone who has navigated the challenges of adolescence.
- Engaging Characters: Nancy Osa crafts relatable and dynamic characters, particularly the protagonist, Violet Paz, whose journey to understand her cultural roots and personal identity is both engaging and thought-provoking. Readers will find themselves invested in her story and the colorful cast of family members that surround her.
- Book Club Discussions: As part of the Random House Reader's Circle, 'Cuba 15' is an excellent pick for book clubs. It comes with discussion questions and is designed to spark conversation about cultural identity, family dynamics, and the immigrant experience, making it a great choice for group reads and discussions.