1. How does Ortiz Cofer weave the theme of storytelling and storytellers into her novel? What are some of the sociocultural and literary implications of this theme?

2. How does mysticism and spiritualism affect the lives of the women in Salud?

Of the men? Of the women in El Building? Of the men?

3. How is life in Salud different for boys and girls? For men and women? How is life in El building different for boys and girls? For men and women?

4. Other than the changing point of view (from largely third person to first person), how does the writing style change from the first half of the book to the second half? How are these stylistic changes significant?

5. How does the author use dialogue to develop the relationships among characters?

6. Was Guzman really a nino del diablo (demon child)? How much...