What are two motifs in the novel?

The groves in Tangerine are the one thing connected to the earth by roots. Unlike the houses in the Lake Windsor development that are built on top of torn-up trees, the groves have a solid foundation. Paul loves working in the groves—as though by spending time in them he feels connected to a more substantial and solid world than the one he lives in. While Erik derides the Cruz kids for being field workers, it’s by working hard together that the family stays united.

Class status is also a recurring theme in the novel.