46 pages • 1 hour read
Catherine Ryan HydeA modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Chapter Summaries & Analyses
Raymond asks his father to write a note to his high school principal so he can get an excused absence to attend the trial of the woman who shot Luis. His father asks why Raymond does not request the note from his mother. This prompts Raymond to admit that his mother knows nothing about Millie, Isabel, or Luis. Though he is supportive, Malcolm realizes that writing the note without involving Raymond’s mother would cause real disharmony.
Raymond goes to the principal to ask for an excused absence. The principal quickly realizes that Raymond’s mother knows nothing about the trial. He says he will consider excusing Raymond’s absence if his mother writes a note.
Raymond walks with Millie to deposit a check in her bank account. Though it is not his family’s bank, Raymond’s mother waits inside to cash a check. He introduces her to Millie, who praises Raymond for being her caretaker. After the encounter, Raymond tells Millie that he has never told his family about her—not because he is ashamed of her—but because he is ashamed of his family. Millie advises him to work out his differences with his relatives.
Raymond’s mother expresses astonishment: While other moms have disciplinary issues with their children, Raymond is secretly the caretaker for an elderly woman.