One-line summary:

Tangerine is a captivating coming-of-age novel that explores themes of identity, family, and the power of perception.

Paul Fisher, a legally blind seventh-grader, moves to Tangerine County, Florida, with his family, where he discovers a world filled with secrets, lies, and unexpected friendships.

Discovering a New World in Tangerine County

Paul Fisher, the protagonist of Tangerine, is a legally blind seventh-grader who moves to Tangerine County, Florida, with his family. As Paul settles into his new home, he begins to uncover the truth about his family’s past and the dark secrets that have been hidden from him. Through his unique perspective, Paul navigates the unfamiliar landscape of Tangerine County, where he encounters a cast of eccentric characters and experiences a series of strange occurrences.

One of the most significant aspects of Paul’s new world is the stark contrast between the two communities he becomes a part of: Lake Windsor Downs, an affluent neighborhood where his family resides, and Tangerine, a lower-income area where many immigrant families live. This divide becomes a central theme in the novel, as Paul grapples with his own identity and the prejudices that exist within these communities.

Identity and Family Dynamics

Throughout the novel, Paul struggles with his identity and the expectations placed upon him by his family. His older brother, Erik, is a talented football player who receives constant praise and attention, while Paul’s own passion lies in soccer. However, due to his visual impairment, Paul’s parents often overlook his achievements and focus solely on Erik’s success. This dynamic creates tension within the Fisher family and drives Paul to prove himself in his own way.

As Paul delves deeper into his family’s history, he uncovers a shocking truth about his brother’s involvement in a tragic incident that left a classmate severely injured. This revelation forces Paul to confront the dark secrets that have been kept hidden within his family, ultimately leading to a reevaluation of his own identity and the relationships he holds dear.

The Power of Perception

Tangerine explores the theme of perception and how it shapes our understanding of the world. Paul’s visual impairment allows him to see beyond the surface and perceive the truth that others may overlook. As he witnesses the injustices and prejudices faced by the immigrant families in Tangerine, Paul becomes determined to challenge the stereotypes and misconceptions that exist within his community.

Paul’s friendship with a Tangerine resident named Luis Cruz becomes a catalyst for change. Through their shared experiences and conversations, Paul begins to question the assumptions he has made about others based on their appearance or background. This newfound perspective empowers Paul to take a stand against injustice and advocate for equality within his community.

• Key takeaways from Tangerine:
• The power of perception and the importance of looking beyond surface-level judgments
• The impact of family dynamics on individual identity
• The consequences of keeping secrets and the healing power of truth
• The importance of friendship and empathy in challenging prejudice

“I’m not the same person I was when I lived in Houston. I’m not the same person I was when I lived in Tangerine. I’m not the same person I was when I lived in Lake Windsor Downs. I’m not the same person I was when I lived in Tangerine again. I’m not the same person I was when I lived in Lake Windsor Downs again. I’m not the same person I was when I lived in Tangerine again. I’m not the same person I was when I lived in Lake Windsor Downs again. I’m not the same person I was when I lived in Tangerine again. I’m not the same person I was when I lived in Lake Windsor Downs again. I’m not the same person I was when I lived in Tangerine again.”

Tangerine is a thought-provoking novel that explores themes of identity, family, and the power of perception. Through the eyes of Paul Fisher, readers are taken on a journey of self-discovery as he navigates the complexities of his new environment. The book serves as a reminder that our perceptions and preconceived notions can often blind us to the truth, and that true understanding and empathy can only be achieved by looking beyond the surface.