So, I was re-reading this Pulitzer-Prize winning novel today. I do immensely like it, but I've got some questions about various parts of it. I don't know if anyone here has read it (but there are a lot of bits that remind me of you guys- not just the Ghetto part!).

But anyway. This is a thread for fans, haters, etc. And there will probably be spoilers.

My first question is, there are two parts of the book where Junot Diaz blanks out a three-word phrase, like this: ---------- ---------- --------------. He says the mongoose says this to Oscar, and that if Yunior had said it to Lola, they would have turned out okay. Is it supposed to be 'I Love You' or is that just me? Because I can't imagine the mongoose saying that to Oscar. Which reminds me, next question:

Like, what is the mongoose all about? I mean, I think I get the Man With No Face stuff he's got going on, but the mongoose? J-j-just what is he supposed to mean?!

Sorry Rand, can’t say I have… :(