Summary

Chapter 1 is titled “Number Four.” Zomorod introduces herself and her family as they set out for their fourth move. She was born in Abadan, Iran, moved to Compton, California when she was in second grade, then back to Iran two years later where they remained for a year. The previous year, they moved back to Compton, and are now moving to Newport Beach, California. They arrive at the condominium where their landlady, Mrs. Mavis, awkwardly greets them and gives them the list of rules and a pool key with a warning that she will charge 50 dollars to replace it. Zomorod's father, Mohsen, instructs Zomorod to read the rules and tell her mother, Nastaran. Zomorod says she has encouraged her mother to learn English, but she always says it is too late for her to learn.

Chapter 2 is titled “Trash Talk.” Zomorod begins to...