appealing qualities in relatives, and this causes them frustration and anger, since they had no choice in establishing the relationship.
             There are a number of theoretical criteria that the average person uses for developing a relationship with an individual. This includes a vast array of items such as appearance, race, intelligence, friendliness, personality, humor, dedication, and overall pleasantness. In the book American Knees, there are two main characters named Raymond and Aurora, who exemplify this process. In particular, Raymond was attracted to his first wife Darleen, as well as Aurora, based primarily upon heritage. The entire subject of race and heritage is critical to each of them. There are many complicated feelings they each have about this subject and to some degree it overshadows all of the aspects of their lives. In many ways they do not learn more about each other since the complications of race are all encompassing. It appears as if Raymond initially neglects considering other important qualities about Aurora. His first thoughts are about race, "Was she part Korean or Japanese? Maybe he was altogether wrong and she was native Alaskan, Indian or Latino. What a relief that would be." He is almost joking to himself here, saying that this would simplify the entire thing. It seems that he is overly concerned about this aspect. Aurora also thinks of this subject from the start. Aurora thinks, "... hoped to god, he wasn't an insecure Asian male who would talk only to her." And " ...-just Asian enough to bring home to mother..." She next thinks through about what their first conversation would entail. She specifically thinks through questions, he will ask her, in order to deter
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