The Distance Between Us, by Reyna Grande
Discussion Questions for GVSU’s 2013 Community Reading Project
By Maureen Wolverton, Liberal Studies Department
Spoiler Alert! This book provides the reader with many surprising moments.
Engage these questions by section only after reading the chapters to ensure that these
moments remain intact.
Book One – Mi Mamá Me Ama
Prologue
1) Before reading this book, consider your views on immigration. What stereotypes
exist within this topic? What is your understanding of current US policies on
immigration? Recommended: TEDx talk by Jose Vargas called, "Actions are Illegal:
Never People" .
2) Additionally, reflect on associations that you have with Mexico. Examine stereotypes
and reflect on how your views of Mexico and Mexicans were shaped growing up.
Recommended: View “The Danger of a Single Story” by Chimamanda Adichie on
TED.com.
3)Why do you think that Reyna Grande is writing this book? What does she hope that
you will learn by reading it?
Chapters 1-5
1) Why does Reyna’s father leave for El Otro Lado and why does he send for his mother
two years later? What dreams does he have for their family?
2) Describe Reyna’s siblings, grandmother, and grandfather who the children will live
with after their mother leaves. Describe the house and the room that Reyna must
now call home.
3) Why does Reyna become so angry with the baker’s wife? How does Élida’s presence
impact Reyna? How does Mago try to curb Reyna’s anger?
4) How is Reyna’s name important? What is the story of how you were named? How is
the story of Reyna’s birth critical to her identity? Do you know the story of your own
birth?
5) How does hair come to represent the vast differences between Élida’s treatment and
that of Reyna and Mago?
6) Reyna’s father left school in the third grade to harvest crops. How does Reyna forge
a relationship with the “Man Behind the Glass” as a child? How does she try to keep
the memory of her mother alive?
7)How does Mami’s pregnancy announcement impact Mago? How do the children
respond to their harsh punishments?
8) Discuss the significance of the birthday cake and pictures sent to El Otro Lado along
with the coming of age ceremony for señoritas, the quinceañera. What coming of age
ceremonies are practiced in your family?
9) Chapter Five closes with fantasies of how Papi and Mami would return. Everyone
dreams of a better life in the future. What dreams did you have for your family at a
similar age? What became of these dreams? What do you think will happen with
Reyna’s family?
