A follow-up to "Waiting for Snow in Havana", this book begins with Eire's arrival in Miami, At eleven years old, he is totally unprepared for the world in which he lands. Privileged, educated, raised to be polite, Carlos find life in a foster home, a group home, and eventually in the home of a distant uncle challenging at every level. One to love books, Carlos' approach to adjustment is very different than Tony's, his brother whose first impulse is to fight. In order to become American, Carlos becomes Charles, then Charlie, and finally Chuck. Cuba becomes farther away, but the values one learns as a young child can never be fully thrown aside.

Language, school, customs, and friendships are all a challenge as Eire goes from a loving Jewish foster home to a cold, overcrowded group home filled with young Cuban boys of far different backgrounds. Eventually, he comes to the home of his uncle in Bloomington, Illinois and after years, his mother is able to join them, but they are far different than the young boys she sent away.

Eire jumps from childhood to events in his adult life which were so influenced by those childhood experiences. Tony's life takes a much different route as he descends into alcoholism and violence. Hard work, incredible adjustment, and an unfailing sense of faith in something better sustain Carlos in this journey. At times, funny, and at other times very sad, this book is a view inside the mind of a young immigrant. Great writing and plenty of food for thought. ( )