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The Border Between Us
The Border Between Us is a poignant coming-of-age novel from one of the most exciting voices in fiction.
Ramón López was born along the US-Mexico border but is determined to get out and embrace the American dream--and he's not sure whether his complicated family is a help or a hindrance. As the son of immigrants, as Ramón grows, his admiration for his entrepreneurial father sours as he watches his dad's dreams of success wither on the vine. Ramón's mother is constantly preoccupied with his younger brother, who struggles with intellectual disabilities. And the outside world is rife with danger and temptations threatening to distract Ramón from his dreams of making it to New York and succeeding as an artist.
As dreams clash with reality and values conflict with desires, Ramón finds the American dream within his reach--but will it demand too big a sacrifice?
Award-winning author Rudy Ruiz brilliantly captures the beauty and the danger of border life as Ramón struggles to understand his home and his place in the world. The Border Between Us is a stunning, compassionate story about a son's fraught relationship with his father, the challenges of pursuing a creative life when you come from humble beginnings, and the power of embracing the whole of who you are.
This discussion guide was shared and sponsored in partnership with Blackstone Publishing.
Book club questions for The Border Between Us by Rudy Ruiz
Use these discussion questions to guide your next book club meeting.
When we first meet Ramón, he and his father embark on a mission across the border. What does Ramón begin to learn during this experience?
When Ramón receives a free donut at the end of the first chapter, what do his subsequent actions symbolize?
What does the story about the chile show us about Ramón’s character and his internal reflections about the balance between ethics and aspirations?
In “That Boy Could Run,” why do you think Uncle Bobby does what he does? If you had been in Ramón’s shoes, what might you have done the same or differently?
In “Allegiance,” Ramón must choose between his own goals and loyalty to his family. Have you ever been in that position? What do you think about Ramón’s choices in this situation?
Why do you think Ramón’s father faces so many challenges in pursuit of his American dream? And how does that impact his relationship with Ramón?
How do you think Ramón’s brother, Rubén, influences Ramón’s journey?
As Ramón grows into a teenager, he faces a range of challenges. Which stood out to you as the most difficult? Have you ever encountered similar situations in your life? How do you think they impact Ramón in his personal growth? How did your experiences impact your life and your sense of self?
The Border Between Us Book Club Questions PDF
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