”You must remember to come back for the others. A circle, understand? You will always be Esperanza…You must remember to come back. For the ones who cannot leave as easily as you.”

This series of vignettes comprises a profile of a community surrounding the titular House on Mango Street. Moreover, focusing on the young Esperanza, it is also a coming of age story and a remarkable one given the short-lived nature of adolescence. An interesting theme that recurs is the evocation of shame and guilt when a character is unable to meet society’s (often impossible) needs. I would expand more, but given how short this book is, I would just recommend reading it and seeing for yourself. What a treat.