Rodrigo Pardavé is just eight when his father immigrates from Mexico to the United States in search of a better life for his family. Although his father writes and sends money often, it is never enough to satisfy the basic needs of the family. Finally, five years later, Rodrigo's father is able to bring his family to Chicago where he hopes they will all immerse in their adoptive culture. However, Rodrigo is not as willing to assimilate to the American way of life as his father had hoped.

Rodrigo, feeling confused and isolated living in the United States, finds refuge in his identity and heritage as he embarks on a coming-of-age journey through adolescence during the turbulent 1960s. When he turns eighteen and registers for the draft, heated and intense arguments erupt between his parents about Rodrigo's military duty. His parents send him back to Mexico City just as the Vietnam conflict begins. Three years later as the war rages on, Rodrigo realizes that his impulsive younger brother is about to turn eighteen. Knowing that his brother will likely register for the draft and choose to fight in Vietnam rather than flee the country causes Rodrigo to reflect on his own character and ultimately face a difficult decision.


In this fascinating tale based on true events, a young Mexican man attempts to acclimate to a new way of life and somehow survive the American dream during 1960s America.