I have only read the first story in this collection, titled "the fashion show,bar-b-que, and grand opening memorial service." One theme of this story is being happy even when life seems to fail. In the story readers first see this theme in place when the dad, Troy Evans, is sick and diagnosed with cancer.Even though the dad is ill, he would like his family to move on with their lives and to open the shop and be successful. Later in the story when the shop was just bought the theme is shown again. The Evans family knew Troy wouldn't come back from the hospital, but there was still happiness because Troy was proud that his family was going to succeed in life even if he wasn't going to be there. In the ending, this theme is shown once again when Curtis gave a speech at the opening of the shop. There is happiness even after Troy dies because Curtis knows he will be able to get support from his community when be goes to be a soldier.