This is the first book of Julia Alvarez's that I have finished all the way through. It was somewhat informative, but there should have been two books. I imagine when writing about your own culture it is difficult to ignore the parallels of your own life, but including so much personal information discredits the research she has done. I realize she probably wasn't aiming towards a serious academic work, but one needs to be written. By publishing this "fluffy non-fiction she has not filled a void, she has almost added to it. As a Hispanic woman that was not quite Hispanic enough to have a Quince, it was interesting to read. " I especially enjoyed her take on "throw your house out the window" economics, which is something I have experienced first hand. Overall, a great book to read if you are stuck in a room with only this book. For the purpose of a class, or research, it will only serve you as a good place to find the names of other books. Enjoy?