How to Leave Hialeah is a small collection of short stories by Jennine Capó Crucet, a Cuban-American novelist. “Relapsing, Remitting” focuses on Isabel, who suffers from multiple sclerosis and is struggling to deal with that with her supporting husband, Javier. Throughout the story, the couple goes to a medical center to receive a diagnosis on her condition, after which Javier and his daughter, Melisa, are taken on a class trip.
I thought the story was somewhat interesting because throughout the story I felt that Javier was supportive of his wife but was a bit off trying to deal with and accepting Isabel’s disability. For example, when suggested by the doctor to go to the MS support group meetings, Javier was hesitant on going and even suggested he wait in the car while Isabel attended.
The most interesting part for me was around the end when Isabel made a joke about her disability and fell on the ground laughing. I felt like it was her accepting the way she is now, which is why she’s my favorite character because she never stopped giving up.
I would recommend How to Leave Hialeah based on this story because it’s a great representation of going through the stages of dealing with something. Isabel went through the shock and is now moving toward acceptance while Javier is going through shock and denial.
Get the book! For Hispanic Heritage Month, some members of the BMCC Reads team are reading stories from How to Leave Hialeah by Jennine Capó Crucet and sharing their thoughts. You can read stories in the book yourself in BMCC’s e-book collection—use your CUNYfirst ID to log in and start reading! Print copies are also available at BMCC’s Library.
About the author Linda is a young Brooklyn native who developed an interest in books during the pandemic. Her creative mind makes her an avid reader of young adult, fiction, and romance novels.
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