I had never heard of the poet Pablo Neruda until I read this book. And at first I was confused as to what he had to do with the book since the park in the book was name Nothar. But as I continued to read it made much more sense. I’m glad I was able to read a book that allowed me to understand the ramifications of gentrification on a community and a family.

Luz and I are in alike in some facets of life. We both have heavy expectations from our parents by getting good jobs in fields that are starkly different from theirs. We also both have the weight of being the go to person to explain things when our parents or other family members don’t understand them. The one thing that does set us apart is the financial support that Luz provides to her family. I have been very lucky I don’t need to financially support my parents, but I can understand that struggle.

The interaction between Luz and her mother is also something that should be explored. My relationship with my mother is very similar. We live together and most of the time she is my best friend. It was interesting to see our relationship on the page. I learned a lot from reading about Luz and how she and her mother handled the the changes around them. It mirrors some of the changes that are happening in my own life currently and I am glad to have a bit of a road map of how to deal with them.

This is a book that I world recommend to anyone. I’m just sad it took me so long to read it.