"Fifteen-year-old Ana Canciâon never dreamed of movign to America. But when Juan Ruiz proposes and promises to take her to New York City, she must say yes. Their marriage is an opportunity for her entire family to eventually emigrate from the Dominican Republic. So on New Year's Day, 1965, Ana leaves behind everything she knows and becomes Ana Ruiz, a wife confined to a cold apartment. Lonely and miserable, Ana plans her escape, until Câesar, Juan's free-spirited younger brother, convinces her to stay. As the Dominican Republic slides into political turmoil, Juan goes back, leaving Câesar to take care of Ana. Suddenly, Ana is free to take English lessons, lie on the beach at Coney Island, dance at the Audubon Ballroom, and imagine a different kind of life in America. When Juan returns, Ana must decide once again between hear heart and her duty to her family."--Back of book.