José's grandmother often told him, "If you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans." In what ways did José's plans change throughout this story? And in what way did God get involved in José's plans and change them?

José is described as a good-looking man. Why do you think he now wears a long beard and shaggy hair? In what ways does that help him heal after the tragedy he caused?

José's name means "he will enlarge," and one of the meanings of the name Nina is "mother." In what ways do these character's names define their destiny?

Food is a significant part of this story. How did the flavors of the Mexican culture weave their way into the lives of the major characters--those with Hispanic heritage and those without?

Pieter is particularly cold to Nina when she discovers she is pregnant with his child. What motivates and informs his decisions in life? Why does he strive so much to "kiss up" to Manny?

Manny's restaurant is a successful, high-end establishment. He demands the absolute best from his employees and himself. Where does his drive come from and how has he become so successful as an immigrant? How does this influence his relationship with his brother?

Eduardo, Manny, and José are very distinct personalities. Their differences are quite obvious. Take some time to compare them--what do they have in common?

How does Nina feel about her pregnancy, other than not being ready to mother a child? Is she embarrassed by her condition? Does she worry about what others will think? Is she concerned at all about what her mother will think or say?

Celia clearly loved her daughter, Lucinda. And Lucinda's death was an earth-shattering tragedy for her. Do you think she will ever be ready to open lines of communication with José? How do you think she feels about the fact that José visits Lucinda's grave every morning?

José has, every day since the accident, lived with the guilt of killing Lucinda. It has changed his life in every way. At what level is Fernando also guilty of Lucinda's death? Celia?

Nina's father is described as a heavy drinker and inconsistent. But he is also someone who loved to have fun--scooping her up to dance the shag or take walks on the beach. Why is Nina so drawn to him in her memories? Does she think her life would be better now if he hadn't passed away?

When Nina first meets Maria, José's mother, she thinks: This is what women should strive for. This is beauty far deeper than the skin, beauty that mirrors the heart. How is Nina's longing--to be a good, kind, beautiful persona--exemplified in the story?

At the end of the story, Nina decides to step into Bella's life. To what extent do you think she will be Bella's mother? Do you think she will be a good mother, or will she continue to struggle with her fears and doubts? How will José and Nina balance the roles of mother and father to Bella?