Fresno

Fresno is the city where the novel takes place. The majority of the action occurs in the barrio where Eddie lives, which is the poverty-stricken, drug-infested part of town where he grew up. There is a part of Fresno, the north side, where residents are wealthy and Eddie rides his bike to each day looking for work.

City College

This is the local technical college where Eddie enrolled in classes to learn air conditioning repair, but dropped out. Eddie thinks the mortuary students will be the most successful, because so many people die every day in Fresno due to the crime and drug problems.

The Cafeteria

This is a place where Eddie can sometimes get free food because the cashier thinks he is cute and sneaks food to him.

Cuca's Restaurant

Eddie dines here with Josy while Josy is visiting on military leave. They buy onions from...