Pushing a window out to open it instead of pulling it up. A cage of parrots all the rainbow colors of Lulu sodas. 'Sweets sweeter, colors brighter, the bitter more bitter. As soon as the border is crossed, the world transforms: That of so many Mexican-American children, is divided between 'up here' and 'down there'. Journeys to visit the woman Lala calls 'The Awful Grandmother' and the rest of the family back home are an annual routine. Originally from Mexico City, the three Reyes brothers have moved to Chicago where they run an upholstery shop, but Remember when you first realized your parents weren't perfect? That they had a life of their own that existed before and apart from you? Those are not easy revelations for anyone, and coming as they so often do while a young person tries to define their own role within the family and identity away from family, they can be overwhelming. In the recollections of Lala Reyes, the baby and only daughter of the close-knit Reyes clan, Cisneros has captured the multiple struggles of growing up as a Hispanic girl with roots in two cultures and coming to terms with an imperfect family. Although Cisneros has focused on one ethnic group, the appeal of this book, like any great story, is universal. Anyone who has been involved in the Mexican-American culture will recognize the truth of this book.

There are so many perfect moments in this book, blocks of words that will make you laugh, cry, and most importantly, think. It is tastiness with substance, good for you. But this book is not candy - more like an energy bar. Caramelo is deliciously chewy, almost painfully sweet.

Caramelo sandra cisneros sparknotes