I would also like to acknowledge the influence of an amazing, Pulitzer Prize winning, six-part series in the Los Angeles Times, “Enrique’s Journey,” written by Sonia Nazario and photographed by Don Bartletti, later expanded and published in book form. This work had a powerful effect on me, ultimately finding its way into Alma’s journey in the form of Manuel.
I would also like to thank the following: writer/editor Elizabeth McKenzie, whose insights and suggestions, after reading an early draft of this novel, helped me enormously in the confusing stages of revision; Professor Jayne Howell, Department of Anthropology and Co-Director, Latin American Studies, Cal State University, Long Beach, for her helpful email correspondence regarding the education of young girls in Oaxaca; Leticia Mendoza, for patiently checking my use of Spanish throughout the novel; Patricia Daniels, for her thorough proofreading of my final copy; and finally, Carrie Barnett and Alma Villegas Torres, colleagues and math teachers extraordinaire, for taking the time to check my Alma’s math problems and solutions for any errors.
To my She Writes Press and BookSparks team: Brooke Warner, Samantha Strom, and Crystal Patriarche, this novel could not have found a better home and, literally, would not have seen the light without you.
And most especially, to my family. I’d like to thank my mom and dad, Alice and George DiFulvio, for showing me what love of family truly means. How I wish you could have seen this book in print! To my sister, Dee Osier, whose love and devotion touch all those around her. To my soul-sister, Margaret Walsh, how I treasure our special friendship. To my son and daughter, Dean and Claire Daniels, thank you for giving me the greatest joy in my life—simply loving you both, and to their partners in life and love, Megan Daniels and Wayne McClammy. To Calvin and Max Daniels, you fill my heart to bursting. And finally, to my husband, Bruce Thomas: thank you for believing in my writing and encouraging my passion; it was your love that gave this book life.
Reading Guide
Topics and Questions for Discussion
1. Alma states that she has given her daughter Luz the safer story, rather than the truth. What do you think about this decision? Is it possible that, one day, she will tell Luz the truth/la verdad? How might Luz react to this?
2. Discuss the many ways that Alma’s father’s disappearance changes her life.
3. What is your opinion of Alma’s mother? What were her choices, and what decisions did she ultimately make? What might you have done in her place?
4. How are Alma and Rosa alike? How are they different?
5. What options did Alma and Rosa have after fleeing Chiapas? Discuss the possible consequences of each. Was heading for el norte a good decision? How was it any better, or worse, than the other options?
6. Discuss the secret letter. What did it represent to Alma? Why do you think she didn’t tell Rosa about the letter? Once she has fallen in love with Manuel, in what ways has her belief in the letter intensified?
7. Why does Alma feel responsible for Rosa’s fate? Is she? Discuss.
8. Discuss both Ana and Senorita Garcia. What motivates each to help Alma in her journey?
9. Who did you connect with the most in this novel? Explain.
10. What does the image of one white calla lily on a deep blue background, found on both Alma’s little box of stars and her math journal, represent to you?
11. Discuss the math problems that Alma creates on her journey. What role did they play?
12. Consider Berta’s story: the loss of her fiancé, her sister’s death, her role in Diego and Juan’s life. What do you think of her decision regarding Diego and the truth about the secret letter?
13. What role does Dolores Huerta play in the novel? How does she influence Alma’s decisions along the way or boost her spirits during difficult times, and, finally, in what ways does she help bring closure to Alma’s journey?
14. Discuss Luz as a coming of age novel. How does Alma change from the time her father disappeared until her meeting with Dolores?
15. Discuss Luz’s journal entry at the end. How does it bring closure to the novel?
16. Discuss the possible meanings of the title, Luz.
About the Author
© Bruce Thomas
Originally from Binghamton, New York, Debra Thomas has lived in Southern California for most of her adult life. She holds both a bachelor’s and a master’s in English from California State University, Northridge, and attended the UCLA Extension Writers’ Program. She has taught literature and writing at a Los Angeles public high school and English as a Second Language to adults from all over the world. Her experience as an advocate for immigrant and refugee rights led her to write Luz. She is currently at work on her second novel.
SELECTED TITLES FROM SHE WRITES PRESS
She Writes Press is an independent publishing company founded to serve women writers everywhere. Visit us at www.shewritespress.com.
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The Rooms Are Filled by Jessica Null Vealitzek $16.95, 978-1-938314-58-2
The coming-of-age story of two outcasts—a nine-year-old boy who just lost his father, and a closeted young woman—brought together by circumstance.
American Family by Catherine Marshall-Smith $16.95, 978-1631521638
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