In A Dream Called Home, Reyna Grande recounts her journey from being a creative writing student at UCSC to becoming a successful author while dealing with personal and professional challenges, including familial strife, cultural identity issues, and balancing motherhood. Sensitive topics such as abuse, abandonment, and immigration are interwoven throughout the memoir.

Reyna Grande’s memoir, A Dream Called Home, captivates readers with its heartfelt exploration of identity, immigration, and resilience. Praise focuses on its emotional depth and relatable narrative, though some critique the pacing as uneven. Overall, Grande's story of perseverance resonates powerfully with audiences.

Readers who would enjoy A Dream Called Home by Reyna Grande are typically interested in personal immigrant narratives and stories of resilience. Fans of The Distance Between Us by the same author or The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls would find this memoir's focus on overcoming adversity and striving for academic and personal success particularly compelling.

Inspirational / Emotional / Contemplative / Hopeful

**Reyna Grande**  
The book’s narrator, a former teacher, and professional writer. She crossed the US-Mexico border as a child and became a Green Card holder at 14. Reyna faced numerous hardships during her childhood, including abuse and poverty. Her perseverance leads her to success in college, as a writing fellow, and as a professional writer. Reyna has two children: a son named Nathan with Francisco, and a daughter named Eva with her husband, Cory.

**Natalio Grande**  
Reyna’s father, a traditional man focused on providing for his family. He leaves his family in Iguala to work in the US, resulting in a broken family dynamic. Natalio values education despite his limited schooling but struggles with alcoholism and manual labor.

**Juana Grande**  
Reyna’s mother, a Mexican immigrant who prioritizes her own needs over her children’s. She leaves her children for personal pursuits, exacerbating their trauma. Juana’s interest in Reyna’s writing develops only after attending one of her book presentations.

**Magloria Grande (Mago)**  
Reyna’s older sister who drops out of college. Despite her reclusive life after marriage, Mago stays emotionally supportive of Reyna. The sisters maintain a close relationship.

**Carlos Grande**  
Reyna’s older brother. He marries early and drops out of college, but remains generous, allowing Reyna to live with him after her graduation. Carlos has a teasing nature towards his siblings.

**Betty Grande**  
Reyna’s troubled younger sister and an American citizen. Her challenging behavior stems from the abuse she faced. Betty eventually earns her high school degree and becomes a responsible mother.

**Francisco**  
Reyna’s older post-college boyfriend and the father of her son, Nathan. He is unambitious and has five children with different women. Despite a sense of adventure, he eventually drifts away from Reyna’s life.

**Cory Rayala**  
Reyna’s husband and the father of her daughter, Eva. He is a teacher with a background in theater but values stability. Cory appreciates Reyna’s tenacity and supports her despite their different upbringings.

**Diana Savas**  
Reyna’s professor and mentor at PCC who supports her writing talents. Diana offers Reyna a home when needed and plays a critical role in guiding her educational and writing career.

**Marta Navarro**  
A Chicano literature professor at UCSC and mentor to Reyna. Marta nurtures Reyna’s writing, helping her gain confidence and accept her dual identity as a strength. She connects Reyna with a supportive writer's group.

**Micah Perks**  
A Creating Writing Department professor at UCSC and mentor to Reyna. Micah advises Reyna to write the book she wants to read, supervising her senior project that becomes her first novel, *Across a Hundred Mountains*.

**María Amparo Escandón**  
A professional writer and teacher who mentors Reyna post-college. María helps Reyna develop her voice and encourages her participation in the Emerging Voices Program, aiding her writing career development.

Reyna Grande

Adult

Autobiography / Memoir

Nonfiction

Guide

Study Guide

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Overview

Get ready to explore A Dream Called Home and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

A Dream Called Home Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Book 1: “Twice the Girl I Used to Be”

Book 1, Chapters 1-5

A Dream Called Home Book 1, Chapters 1-5 Summary & Analysis

Book 1, Chapters 6-9

A Dream Called Home Book 1, Chapters 6-9 Summary & Analysis

Book 1, Chapters 10-14

A Dream Called Home Book 1, Chapters 10-14 Summary & Analysis

Book 1, Chapters 15-18

A Dream Called Home Book 1, Chapters 15-18 Summary & Analysis

Book 2: “The Home I Carry”

Book 2, Chapters 19-23

A Dream Called Home Book 2, Chapters 19-23 Summary & Analysis

Book 2, Chapters 24-28

A Dream Called Home Book 2, Chapters 24-28 Summary & Analysis

Book 2, Chapters 29-33

A Dream Called Home Book 2, Chapters 29-33 Summary & Analysis

Book 2, Chapters 34-38

A Dream Called Home Book 2, Chapters 34-38 Summary & Analysis

Book 2, Chapter 39-Epilogue

A Dream Called Home Book 2, Chapter 39-Epilogue Summary & Analysis

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Key Figures

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Themes

A Dream Called Home Themes

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A Dream Called Home Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

A Dream Called Home Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

A Dream Called Home Essay Topics

A Dream Called Home

Before You Read

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Who Should Read A Dream Called Home?

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