“Mum says Orchard Street is depressing. She says India is better for her and Daddy, but here is better for me and Kiku.” 

Meena’s parents, like many other immigrants, come to America in hopes of giving their children more opportunities and a better life. Even though it’s difficult for her parents to leave their home and culture, face financial strain in America, and go through the arduous citizenship process, they are willing to make these sacrifices for Meena and Kiku. This quote hints at the complex family relationships that result between immigrant parents, who are primarily loyal to the culture of their upbringing, and immigrant children, who adapt more readily to the new culture

“Mawmaw quit going to church a long time ago because the preacher said something about women’s rights that made her mad, and she never did go back. But every Sunday she reads to us from the Bible and she prays all the time, loud.” 

Even though Mawmaw no longer attends church, she still practices her faith by praying and reading the Bible. In the South, where Christianity is prevalent and small-town communities take note of who does or does not attend church, Mawmaw’s actions probably invited judgment from others about her faith. However, Mawmaw still lives out Christianity in the ways that count, showing that religion is more about one’s heart rather than one’s church attendance. 

“I can’t tell my friends at school these things because they’d make fun of me too bad. I am real good at basketball, so that’s all I talk about with them. Let’s say right now that we can tell each other our secrets and we won’t make fun of each other. Don’t take this the wrong way, but you sound weird, too. I am glad of it, because I can be my own true self with you.” 

River and Meena decide to be vulnerable with one another in a way they would not be with their school friends because of fear of judgment from others. The distance and differences between them allow them to share their secrets in a way they are not able to with their peers, which results in a strong friendship closer and truer than those they share with other friends.