Character-Specific Versions of the American Dream in 'Bodega Dreams' Anonymous 9th Grade

“The American Dream is that dream of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement.” Formulated by James Truslow Adams, this is the first official definition of the term “American Dream”. Behind the idea of so-called equal opportunity and a better life, however, is hard work, risk-taking, and sacrifice. Throughout Bodega Dreams by Ernesto Quiñonez, the narrative pulls us into a Spanish Harlem which is ruled by drugs, sex, and theft. Different characters in this neighborhood are trying to build up the life they pursue: Chino hopes to create a happy environment for his family, Bodega is looking to improve this unchangeable neighborhood, Vera wants to be wealthy and so on. However, these characters were connecting as they failed to achieve their targets and rely on each other through unlawful things. In this book, the characters were working hard to make accomplishments, but it leads them to do illegal things while they failed to build the life they want.

Our narrator of the book, Chino, is trying to build a good quality of life and happy environment for his family while working hard in school, but he made a deal with Bodega that might bring...