We Were Here

Consider the informal language and casual tone that Miguel uses to express himself throughout the book. How does this approach to narration influence the reader’s perception of Miguel as a character?

The author introduces this story with Miguel’s account of his entry to the Juvenile Hall Detention Facility. Later in the book, he uses flashbacks to add to information about Miguel’s prior life. Why is this technique effective?

The novel is written in the form of first-person journal entries by the protagonist, Miguel Castaneda. How would the tone of the book have been altered if it had been written in the third person?

Consider the concept of a “reliable narrator,” i.e., one whose account of event may be trusted to be accurate. Does Miguel qualify as a reliable narrator? Give textual examples to support your response.

Mong spits on Miguel immediately after their first meeting in the group home, yet the pair eventually execute an escape plan together. Trace the chronology of their relationship, noting the important events that change the dynamics of their interaction.

The group home residents are required to make a phone call to a family member each Sunday. After Miguel’s first unsuccessful attempt to reach his mother, he determines that he will dial a random number and conduct a false conversation during his next call. What are the factors that determine this decision?

Miguel has a very brief romance with Flaca, a beautiful young Mexican girl. Despite the fact that he hardly knows her, he reveals more of his recent history to Flaca than he has to anyone else to date. Why might Miguel have chosen a virtual stranger as a confidante?

Consider Rondell’s view of religion and his tendency to attribute all wrongdoings to the intervention of the devil. How might he have developed this outlook, and how does it impact his view of the world?