Xiomara was delivered via caesarean section fifty minutes after her twin brother, Xavier, was born. Discuss the symbolism of this scenario from Mami’s point of view.

The only pieces of prose in the novel are assignments that Xiomara has written for Ms. Galiano’s English class. Compare and contrast Xiomara’s prose style to her poetry style; what do the differences in style reveal about Xiomara’s personality?

Write a character sketch of Xiomara’s mother from the perspective of Caridad, Xiomara’s oldest friend. Focus on the elements of Mami’s character that Xiomara might find difficult to see.