Discussion Questions for
Barefoot Heart
Developed by Barbara Christie with assistance from Mimi Gingold for the University of Michigan School of Nursing's Office of Multicultural Affairs' 2002-2003 Book Club Reading Guide.
- For the author, writing this book was a way to integrate her dual existences - the Mexican-American migrant world of her family and her chosen, mainstream life as a Stanford-educated mathematician and computer scientist. How did you respond to this dualism in her book?
- In the Prologue the author says of Hispanics who have integrated into the dominant society, "We play the game well and it looks as if we are happy. Sure we're happy."
- One consistent theme in this book is closeness to and separation from family. How is this theme the same or different in your family? Your culture?
- Who were the significant people in the author's life during her childhood? Her adolescence? How did they influence her development?
- Were there any "realities of daily life" in this book that were new to you? Did you feel differently about any of those realities after you read the book?
- Many of the author's stories about growing up reminded me of my father's stories of life during the depression. Did any of the experiences in the book remind you of your families' experiences? If so, what were the similarities?
- The author describes her father as quite a hard taskmaster, yet she obviously loved him too. How do you think he was able to find the balance to achieve this outcome? What is the message in this for parents today?
- In Chapter 7 the author describes how a young woman storyteller, opened her mind to the power of imagination and stories. What other kinds of role models did you find in this autobiography? How did they influence the author?
- What did you think of the Mexican dichos at the beginning of each chapter? Were there any that particularly resonated for you?
- Consider for a moment Hart's style of writing. How did you respond to it? What about her use of metaphors?
- What, in your thoughts, were the significant lessons of her childhood? How do these lessons serve her in her adult life?
- Some of the themes in this story seemed to me to be universal. What themes, if any, touched you? Did you identify with her at any time?
Developed by the Division of Student Affairs at California State University, Stanislaus.
- How is a memoir similar to a diary or personal journal? How does it differ?
- How did the author view herself as a child? Why did she feel this way? Be ready to cite specific situations from her memoirs that demonstrate her reasons for this view point.
- The author's siblings were Rudy, Luis, Delia, Delmira, and Diamantina. What roles did each brother or sister play in Elva's life? In your opinion, which sibling had the most influence on her? Why? Compare your own family to Elva's. If you have siblings, what roles do your brothers and sisters play in the dynamics of your family?
- Explain the role that oral stories and books played in Elva's life. What parallel or different experiences have you had with books and story telling in the oral tradition? Are these two aspects part of your life? Why or why not?
- Each chapter of the book begins with a Mexican dicho. What is a dicho? Select a chapter dicho that has special meaning or significance to you personally and be prepared to tell why.
- Think about the games and activities of the author and her friends as they grew up. What was recreation like for this migrant family? How would you categorize Elva's "growing up" experiences? How are your own experiences alike or different?
- What conditions of the migrant workers and their families did you find most compelling, overwhelming, or difficult to accept in this memoir? What jobs, tasks, or chores have you had that required intense physical labor – or difficult working conditions?
- How did Elva's life experiences as a migrant child, and those of her family, impact the choices later made by the author?
- There is an angry tone and a tone of loneliness throughout this book. In your opinion, what is the basis for Elva's deep anger and loneliness? How did the author overcome it? Or has she? Be ready to explain your point of view.
- In Chapter 2, Elva recalls a pleasant scene with her mother making tortillas. She reflects, "I bit into my childhood. It tasted sweet and salty and hot and clean. It tasted of my mother. Of her hands and her love for me. It tasted pure and clean and good." What other images or metaphors does the author use in the story to capture important elements of her life?
- As a high school student, Elva commented that her teachers came in two basic flavors (p. 175). What did she mean? Then think of your own schooling experiences. Identify the flavors or types of teachers you have encountered. Which ones were most significant to you? Why?
- How did the author's parents view discipline? What unusual practices did they use? Do you agree or disagree with their approaches. Why?
- Elva has personal "heroes" in her high school career. Why were these people heroes in her eyes? Now reflect on your own high school years. Who was a personal hero from your high school experience? Why? (Writing option: write a diary entry about someone you admired.)
- From the author's viewpoint, what does "home" mean? Do you agree or disagree? Be ready to support your response with examples from the book that reflect your choice.
- Why did the author and/or her editor divide the book into three distinct parts? How would you define or describe each individual part?
