The House of Broken Angels by Luis Alberto Urrea 336 pages
A story of family and extended family. Big Angel, the eldest of his father's sons is celebrating his birthday throwing one last unforgetable family fiesta. He also invites his father's youngest son, by a gringo mother he married after he left Big Angel's mother. Big Angel's half brother is known as Little Angel. Little Angel has always been known of since his birth, but never quite completely accepted due to his birth status being half gringo. Little Angel while visiting his father's people was somewhat accepted (his mother was not and was never a part of their family gatherings nor was she welcomed in any way - she was seen as a harlot who stole Big Angel's dad away). Big Angel had some love for his little brother regardless. Little Angel was barely acknowledged by his other other half siblings but after getting over his jealousy of him, Big Angel had no problem with him. As the birthday celebration gets under way, Big Angel's mother passes away. She was nearly 100 years old, had lived a good life, loved her children and her family members. Big Angel is in Stage 4 Cancer that he will eventually share with his loved ones but first the party! There is so much good storytelling here and humor and love I think anyone from elementary schoolers on up to senior citizens will enjoy this author's tale of familia.
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