91 pages • 3 hours read
Caitlin Alifirenka, Liz Welch, Martin GandaA modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Summary
“Caitlin: September 1997”-“Martin: November 1997”
“Caitlin: January 1998”-“Caitlin: May 1998”
“Martin: June 1998”-“Martin: October 1998”
“Caitlin: December 1998”-“Martin: April 1999”
“Caitlin: May 1999”-“Caitlin: June 1999”
“Martin: June 1999”-“Caitlin: December 1999”
“Martin: January 2000”-“Caitlin: February 2000”
“Martin: February 2000”-“Caitlin: September 2000”
“Martin: November 2000”-“Caitlin: December 2000”
“Martin: January 2001”-“Martin: April 2001”
“Caitlin: April 2001”-“Martin: July 2001”
“Caitlin: September 2001”-“Martin: June 2002”
“Caitlin: August 2002”-“Martin: September 2002”
“Caitlin: October 2002”-“Martin: December 2002”
“Caitlin: January 2003”-“Martin: April 2003”
“Caitlin: April 2003”-“Caitlin: July 2003”
“Martin–July 2003”-“Martin–August 14, 2003”
“Caitlin: August 15, 2003”-“Caitlin: October 2015”
Key Figures
Themes
Symbols & Motifs
Important Quotes
Essay Topics
Caitlin’s gift for Martin arrives in the mail. Martin excitedly waits until he arrives home to unwrap the package and is delighted to find a Reebok t-shirt with a “Made from America” label. Martin has not received a birthday present since he was 10 years old, as his family could not afford one. When Martin turned 10, his father bought him a Fanta soda, which was one of the few times the family could afford a present for him. He had to share his Fanta soda with the rest of his family, as it was such a rare luxury. Given these circumstances, Martin is especially moved by Caitlin’s gift. His family is similarly excited by this gift, too. They take turns wearing the shirt.
Meanwhile, workers are being laid off at the paper mill where Martin’s father works. One day, Martin’s father comes home drunk from work, inciting an argument with Martin’s mother, who is furious with him for spending money on beer when they barely have enough money to buy food for the family. There are also other circumstances of economic turmoil in Zimbabwe. There are violent riots and protests in various cities that have resulted in numerous casualties.