Julia is a first generation Mexican-American, a fact that creates tension between her and her parents often. Explain the cultural differences seen in chapter 3.

Julia is living in an abusive family that is full of secrets and lies. She does not fully understand who she is because more often she is referred to as a troublesome girl who brings many problems to her family. Ama is very strict with unrealistic goals for Julia. Mostly Julia Reyes disagrees with her mother because she does not accept the standards set for her. Olga, on the other hand, is highly secretive and keeps distant from Julia. Ama and Apa consider Olga as a saint but see Julia as a troublemaker. Apa is a silent father who always minds his business without taking the interests of Julia seriously. All these scenarios leave Julia confused and fails to understand her purpose in life. She is later blamed for Olga’s death by Ama who claims that it is her fault that she failed to go to pick Olga.