The House of Broken Angels by Luis Alberto Urrea

What are the sights, smells, sounds that stick with you from scenes on both sides of the border? Urrea was born in Tijuana, Mexico, before moving across the border, and then to San Diego, where this book is set.Does this book read as deeply personal to you? Urrea said this book was inspired by the death of his eldest brother, for whom his family gave a funeral that was actually more like a big party.What about this family reminded you of your own?.Urrea writes that he loved reading “The Godfather” growing up, because it was about “La Familia.” How is “The House of Broken Angels” his own take on this theme?.Write down a sentence you particularly enjoyed. Urrea uses vivid language, description and metaphor throughout the text.Many characters wander through this book.Where do Big Angel’s insecurities come from? Where do Little Angel’s?.Why do you think Urrea chose the title “The House of Broken Angels”?.How is this story both a tragedy and a comedy? From the start, it’s clear this book will revolve around both a party and a funeral.An epigraph to this book comes from singer/songwriter Rick Elias: “This is my confession of love.” Why do you think Urrea began the book this way?.Urrea will answer reader questions on the NewsHour broadcast at the end of the month.

You can also submit your own questions for Urrea on our Google form here. Learn more about the book club here.īelow are questions to help guide your discussions as you read the book over the next month. Our July pick for the PBS NewsHour-New York Times book club is Luis Alberto Urrea’s “The House of Broken Angels.” Become a member of the Now Read This book club by joining our Facebook group, or by signing up to our newsletter.

The House of Broken Angels by Luis Alberto Urrea