Summary

Bakersfield, California is the birthplace of both Gonzalez and his brother. In the chapter entitled "Bakersfield, California, 1970-72" Gonzalez tells readers how his father courted his mother, how he and his brother came to be born in Bakersfield, and why the family ended up leaving Bakersfield. Gonzalez's father had boxed before Gonzalez was born. He had tried to use his skills to woo Gonzalez's mother's family while he and Gonzalez's mother were dating. He had lost the fight almost as soon as it began, however. Gonzalez's mothers family still made fun of him because of that. This setback had not deterred Gonzalez's father, though. He had still pursued Gonzalez's mother in spite of the fact that her family had not approved of him. Finally, the two had eloped.

Afterwards his father had...