69 pages • 2-hour read
The Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School
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Chapters 17-22Chapter Summaries & Analyses
Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of antigay bias, suicidal ideation, and cursing.
Chapter 17 Summary: “Remember Thy Ancestors. Keep Them Holy.”
Though Bo’s family has a no-presents rule at Christmas, Yami feels like she should give Bo’s parents a thank-you gift for letting her stay with them over the break. She worries about facing her mother when she returns home, fearing that she’ll discover that Yami is gay. While lying awake at two o’clock in the morning on Christmas, Yami overhears Bo’s parents discussing her and wondering why she didn’t go to Mexico with her family. Feeling like a burden, she packs her bags to leave but is caught by Bo’s father, Rick, who explains that they’re concerned about her, not burdened by her. Rick comforts her when she becomes emotional and admits that she misses her father.
The next morning, Rick makes chorizo burritos for Yami. Yami appreciates the gesture and enjoys the burritos, though they don’t taste like her mother’s. The Taylor family has a tradition of spending time together instead of giving material gifts for Christmas. They decide to watch Yami’s favorite movie (Selena) and later visit a baile folklórico (a traditional dance) festival. During the movie, Yami becomes acutely self-conscious about sitting near Bo, hyperaware of their physical proximity. At C-Fu, a Chinese restaurant that Bo loves, Bo enthusiastically explains different fish to Yami. Later, Yami gives Bo’s family a beaded family portrait as a thank-you gift, which moves them deeply. Cesar calls Yami Christmas, apologizing for their previous disagreement.
When they attend the baile folklórico festival, Yami feels nervous about revealing this aspect of her culture to Bo and her parents. Bo’s parents are nearly the only white people there, and Yami worries that they’ll feel uncomfortable. During the performance, Yami notices Bo scrolling through Jenna’s Instagram, which hurts her feelings. At home afterward, Bo confides in Yami about feeling disconnected from her Chinese heritage and jealous of Yami’s cultural connection. Bo explains that her white adoptive parents try to help her connect with Chinese culture, but it feels inauthentic. Yami comforts Bo, assuring her that there’s no “right way” to be Chinese. Bo admits that she avoids hugging female friends because she doesn’t want to make them uncomfortable, leading Yami to invite her into a hug and tell Bo that she can call her “Yami” instead of “Yamilet,” signifying their deepening friendship.
Chapter 18 Summary: “Thou Shalt Not Commit Adulting”
The morning after the festival, Yami wakes up with an urge to dance. She teaches Bo how to cumbia, and they dance to Selena’s “Baila Esta Cumbia” (263), with Yami confidently dipping and twirling Bo. The next day, Bo asks Yami to accompany her for moral support as she confronts her parents about their approach to Chinese culture. Bo explains to them that she wants to explore her heritage on her own terms rather than having her parents do it for her. Her parents apologize and listen supportively, and Yami leaves them to discuss the matter privately.
For New Year’s Eve, the Taylors take Yami ice blocking—sledding down a hill on blocks of ice with frozen-in handles for steering. During their sledding adventures, Bo and Yami playfully bump into each other, and when Bo attempts to “surf” on her ice block, she crashes into Yami. They watch fireworks together, sharing a blanket and cuddling to stay warm. They discover that their names share the same meaning (“beautiful”) and discuss their New Year’s resolutions—Bo resolves to take things less personally, while Yami promises to be braver. When Bo asks why Yami didn’t go to Mexico with her family, Yami avoids mentioning her father’s rejection of her sexuality. Bo also reveals that she looks at Jenna’s Instagram out of anger, not interest. Though Bo invites Yami to be open about where she lives, Yami admits that she’s probably not ready to let Bo see her house, hurting Bo’s feelings.
Chapter 19 Summary: “Addendum: Thou Shalt Commit Adulting”
Yami leaves Bo’s home reluctantly but is happy to reunite with her mother and Cesar at the airport. Back at home, Cesar reveals that their father spoke negatively to him about Yami in Mexico but didn’t tell their mother about Yami’s sexuality, saying that he believes it’s just a “phase.” At school, Amber has an existential crisis about her future, which makes Yami reflect on her own limited options compared to her wealthier friends, who have the stability to explore their interests without pressure. While Amber worries about what to study in college, Yami is worried about saving enough money to live on her own in case her mother kicks her out when she learns of her sexuality.
Bo suggests that Yami work for her mother, Emma, as a secretary. After a phone interview in which Rick jokingly fires himself as the current secretary, Emma hires Yami for a trial period of a few days, letting her know that she’ll only be able to offer about 15 hours of work per week. That night, Bo calls to say that she’s been listening to Selena’s music since Yami left. Later, Yami stays up late making jewelry with Cesar, who apologizes for his earlier anger and admits that he’s having trouble sleeping. As January progresses, Yami establishes a demanding routine of school, homework, and work at both the jewelry business and for Emma, building her savings but missing out on social activities. When her friends learn that her birthday is approaching, they suggest ditching school to celebrate, even though it falls on Valentine’s Day. During the conversation, Yami realizes from Amber’s confused reaction that Bo’s girlfriend, “Jamie,” is fictional, leaving her puzzled about why Bo lied.
Chapter 20 Summary: “Thou Shalt Not Admit It’s a Date”
Maria takes Yami and Cesar to lunch for Yami’s birthday, but Yami eats quickly to return to work at Emma’s. She receives birthday texts from her friends and unexpectedly from Bianca (via Cesar). The following Monday (Valentine’s Day), Yami dresses with special care, noticing that Cesar looks especially tired. She and Bo prepare to ditch school for Yami’s belated birthday celebration and wait in Bo’s car for Amber and David. When the campus officer approaches them, Bo panics and nearly runs him over as they escape. They learn via text that Amber and David were caught trying to leave, so Yami and Bo will be spending the day alone.
Their adventure includes a failed attempt to eat at a board game café (while still wearing school uniforms), sneaking into Bo’s house for civilian clothes while evading her father, and collecting free samples at Costco. When a Costco employee assumes that they’re a couple and wishes them a happy Valentine’s Day, Yami instinctively pretends that they’ve been together for nearly a year. Startled by the interaction, she drops her phone and cracks the screen. They continue holding hands even after leaving, and Yami realizes that she doesn’t feel anxious about being perceived as gay. At an arcade, they get free ice cream by pretending to be a couple again when Bo points out a Valentine’s Day special. Throughout the day, they maintain the couple charade, holding hands even when no one is watching. Yami feels carefree and childlike with Bo, enjoying their pretend relationship until she spots Bianca at the mall.
Chapter 21 Summary: “Thou Shalt Step on Legos, Bitch”
When Bianca calls out to Yami at the mall, Yami initially ignores her but eventually confronts her when Bianca grabs her shoulder. Bianca expresses approval that Yami has “moved on,” and Yami coldly states that she moved on long ago. After Bianca introduces herself to Bo with a smug smile, Bo politely ends the conversation, and they leave. Bo asks about what happened, but Yami doesn’t want to discuss Bianca and ruin her good mood.
After leaving the mall, Bo drives Yami home for the first time—a significant step for Yami, who has always been too embarrassed to show Bo where she lives. Noticing Jamal’s car in the driveway instead of her mother’s, Yami stays in Bo’s car, not wanting the day to end. They discuss how everyone assumed that they were a couple throughout the day. Finding courage, Yami takes Bo’s hand and leans in for a kiss. After their kiss, Yami confesses that she lied about being straight, while Bo admits that she invented her girlfriend, “Jamie.” They laugh about how they both “gay panicked” during their early interactions, with Yami claiming to be straight and Bo inventing a girlfriend. Just as the moment seems perfect, Yami’s phone rings repeatedly. It’s Jamal, urgently telling her that Cesar is in the hospital. Yami rushes inside without explanation.
Chapter 22 Summary: “Drop the Commandments. Live by the Code.”
Jamal drives Yami to the hospital, explaining that Cesar called him in a suicidal state. Though Jamal arrived before Cesar hurt himself, they called a hotline and then Yami’s mother. Yami berates herself for not recognizing the signs, recalling Cesar’s earlier comment that “tomorrow wasn’t guaranteed” (310). At the hospital, Maria initially blames Yami for not being there when Cesar needed her but then embraces her with assurances that Cesar is physically okay.
When they visit Cesar in his hospital room, a nurse sits in the corner monitoring him. Cesar is distant and angry, especially with Yami. He admits that he didn’t call her because she’s always too busy to answer, stating that neither Yami nor their mother can help him. The mental health worker and his intern inform them that Cesar will be transferred to the Horizon Behavioral Health Facility for a minimum three-day inpatient stay, followed by outpatient treatment. Despite Cesar’s concerns about the cost, the mental health worker makes it clear that this is not optional, treating Cesar dismissively. The worker’s insensitive approach angers Yami, particularly when he ruffles Cesar’s hair and patronizingly says, “Atta boy.” Unable to help further, Yami leaves when her mother sends her home with the car keys, promising to handle the situation herself.
Chapters 17-22 Analysis
These chapters explore the theme of Finding Self-Acceptance Despite External Judgment by juxtaposing Yami’s growing comfort with her sexuality against Bo’s struggle with her Chinese identity. Bo articulates her cultural alienation, explaining that she feels trapped between worlds: “I barely even know any other Chinese people […] I don’t even really feel like I can claim being Chinese. And I feel guilty for feeling that way, like I’m throwing that part of myself away” (256-57). This prompts Yami’s crucial insight that “any way you engage with your own culture is authentic, because it’s yours” (258), a realization that applies equally to her own acceptance of her sexuality. Reyes structures this exchange as a turning point where both characters recognize their similar struggles with aspects of their identity. For Yami, this moment shifts her understanding of privilege, as she recognizes that Bo—despite the privileges of wealth and parental acceptance—faces some struggles that Yami doesn’t. When Yami later confidently holds Bo’s hand in public, allowing a stranger to perceive them as a couple without discomfort, this demonstrates significant growth from her earlier fear of being seen as gay.
The motif of secrets and lies serves as both barrier and protection throughout these chapters, exposing the psychological toll of hiding aspects of one’s identity. Both Yami and Bo maintain elaborate deceptions—Yami pretending to be straight and Bo inventing a fictional girlfriend, “Jamie”—that ironically keep them from the very connection they desire. Their Valentine’s Day “fake” relationship becomes a space of truth: “[W]e were both just gay panicking” (307), Bo explains after their kiss. The author demonstrates how these protective lies become increasingly difficult to maintain, particularly when Yami realizes that Bo’s girlfriend doesn’t exist, creating dramatic tension for readers who recognize the characters’ mutual attraction. This pattern is mirrored in Cesar’s more dangerous secret keeping, as he hides his suicidal thoughts while presenting a functioning exterior, demonstrating how secrets can protect but ultimately harm.
Cultural artifacts and expressions function symbolically as bridges between alienated identities. Yami’s gift of a beaded family portrait for Bo’s parents represents her attempt to reciprocate acceptance through sharing an art form from her culture. The family’s response—“We can put it on the wall with the other family pictures! We have to frame this” (249)—validates both Yami’s skill and her place within their family circle. Similarly, the folklórico festival scene reveals how cultural expression can create belonging and alienation simultaneously. Yami notes, “[W]hen I’m watching my people dance […] I feel like my ancestors have been with me all along” (254), while Bo experiences the opposite effect, feeling jealous of Yami’s cultural connection and worrying about her own connection to her Chinese heritage. These contrasting experiences highlight how cultural expressions can both heal and highlight wounds of displacement.
Moments of genuine vulnerability between characters highlight The Importance of Supportive Communities. Bo’s parents offer Yami unconditional acceptance when she attempts to leave, with Rick telling her, “You’re the furthest thing from a burden to us” (239). This creates a stark contrast with her father’s conditional love and makes Bo’s home a space where Yami can explore her identity safely. The connection deepens when Bo confides her struggle with her Chinese identity, revealing that, despite seeming confident, she also has insecurities. When Bo explains to her parents how their actions make her feel, they listen supportively and apologize for their missteps, further demonstrating that their house is a safe place in which to explore identity. These exchanges develop the found-family aspect of their friendship circle, showing how chosen connections can provide safety that biological families sometimes fail to offer. When Bo calls Yami by her nickname instead of “Yamilet,” this linguistic intimacy signals their deepening bond.
Reyes creates structural irony by juxtaposing Yami’s romantic awakening with Cesar’s mental health crisis. While Yami experiences the euphoria of her first kiss with Bo—“Kissing Bo is like being in a sensory deprivation tank. The world around us disappears” (305)—her brother reaches a breaking point. The author purposefully interrupts their romantic moment with news of Cesar’s suicidal ideation, highlighting how connections can be formed and broken simultaneously. Cesar’s accusation—“I didn’t call you because you wouldn’t have answered. You never answer. You’re always busy” (313)—reveals the unintended consequences of Yami’s focus on financial security and her relationship with Bo. His rejection of the Mayan Code—“‘In lak’ech…’ is all I can manage to say about it. ‘Don’t.’ His fists clench” (314)—symbolizes his disconnection from the philosophy that previously grounded him, revealing the limitations of cultural wisdom in the face of mental health struggles and demonstrating the complexity of healing fractured identities.
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