Summary

Neva grew up with her mother and grandmother in Colorado. Neva’s father left before she was born, and her mother worked in a strip club before moving them to California. They moved together into a small carriage house rented by a man named Casey, and Neva’s mother looked for jobs. On Neva’s thirteenth birthday, her mother does not have any gifts for her, a fact which causes her much anguish. When they go to the grocery store for treats, Neva tells her mother that they cannot afford anything. Neva’s mother tells her that she should enjoy her special day. Her mother stole much of the food.

Neva’s mother and Casey begin seeing each other, and eventually they no longer have to pay rent. Another day, Neva comes from home school and finds Casey and her mother arguing. They...