A Second Chance on Earth / Una segunda oportunidad sobre la tierra

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In Juan Vidal’s A Second Chance on Earth, Marcos’s emotional journey is shaped by his connection to Gabriel García Márquez’s novel One Hundred Years of Solitude. The book becomes more than literature—it’s a thread tying him to his late father, to his father’s hometown of Cartagena, and to a larger cultural narrative that grounds his identity. Through Garcia Márquez, Marcos begins to understand not only the depth of his father’s inner life but also the complexities of his own. Invite students to reflect on their own literary or artistic touchstones and explore how a particular work has shaped their identity, understanding of family, or cultural belonging.

Begin by facilitating a class discussion on the impact of One Hundred Years of Solitude in Marcos’s life. Ask students to identify scenes in which the book serves as a bridge—between Marcos and his father, Miami and Cartagena, grief and healing. Encourage them to consider: How does reading Garcia Márquez open doors for Marcos that nothing else does? What does this say about the role literature can play in connecting us to others or to parts of ourselves we’re still discovering?

Then ask students to think about a book, poem, song, or work of art that has had a similar impact on them. It might be the first book they couldn’t put down, a poem they often reread, a song that reminds them of a loved one, or a film that made them feel seen. They should reflect on what drew them to that work, what emotions or memories it surfaces, and how it speaks to their identity, culture, or family history before writing their own free verse poem that captures why this work matters to them.

Provide an opportunity for students to share their poems aloud in small groups or as part of a classroom gallery walk as you celebrate how stories—and storytellers—shape who we are.

Questions for Discussion or Reflective Writing

1. How does Marcos feel about being labeled “the man of the house?” How does this feeling shape his relationship with his sister and mother? What tension exists between who Marcos wants to be and who his family needs him to be? Do you think Marcos finds a balance between personal freedom and family duty? Why or why not? Have you ever been expected to take on more responsibility than you felt ready for? How did you respond, and what did you learn about yourself?
2. How does Marcos’s grief manifest itself? In what ways does his trip to Cartagena help or hinder his healing process? Do you think Marcos fully processes his grief by the end of the story? Why or why not? What would help you cope or find comfort? How could creative expression (writing, music, art) play a role in healing?
3. How do all the male characters in Marcos’s life reflect or challenge ideas of what it means to him to be “a man”? How does Marcos challenge or embrace traditional notions of being a young man? How does Marcos’s perception of masculinity shift over the course of the novel?
4. What draws Marcos to Camilo, and what role does their shared love of Garcia Márquez play in their friendship? What parallels might Marcos be drawing between Camilo and Papi? How does Camilo’s confession challenge Marcos’s sense of trust and loyalty? What would your reaction be if you were in Marcos’s shoes?
5. Who in the novel are offered second chances, and what do they do with the opportunity? What role does forgiveness play in offering people a fresh start? How does the idea of forgiveness tie into the larger themes of healing and growth? What experiences do you have getting or giving someone else a second chance?
6. Have you ever read a book where a character’s story felt very similar to your own? How did that affect the way you thought about your own experience? How do you think seeing himself or his father in One Hundred Years of Solitude helps Marcos interpret his own life?

Related Resources

A Second Chance on Earth Reading Group Guide from Holiday House
I Remember That Book: Rereading as a Critical Investigation from ReadWriteThink
First Chapter Read Aloud of A Second Chance on Earth