Mr. Secrets, Chapter 1 Summary

Richard's parents still see a separation between Americans and Hispanics, and public and private life. Richard's mother has learned to speak English and fit in with the public crowd, but she still considers this different from the way she should address her family in private. Richard comments that his mother's voice is high pitched, when she is speaking to a stranger. Richard and his siblings have learned to expect her voice, when they are out in public or meeting a stranger. His mother uses this voice, even when addressing her children's friends and spouses. It is from this separation that Richard's mother begs him to not write about his family anymore. Richard's mother just does not think that Americans should know the kind of effect education has had on him and his family life.

His mother also doesn't blame...