Chronically Dolores: Chapters 13–15

by Maya Van Wagenen
This novel, inspired by the author's real life, follows Dolores Mendoza as she struggles with a chronic illness and discovers the power of unexpected friendship.

Here are links to our lists for the book:
Chapters 1–3, Chapters 4–6, Chapters 7–9, Chapters 10–12, Chapters 13–15, Chapters 16–18, Chapters 19–21, Chapters 22–24, Chapter 25–Epilogue
25 words 14 learners

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Full list of words from this list:

words only definitions & notes
  1. profound
    of the greatest intensity; complete
    I returned to Terpsichore’s room with a plate of cookies and a profound sense of confusion.
  2. incubation
    the time it takes for a pathogen to manifest symptoms
    “It’s far too loud and highly unsanitary. Do you think they disinfect the finger holes on the balls? No, never. The whole scheme seems designed to be some kind of experiment on disease incubation and spread.”
  3. suggestive
    (usually followed by `of') pointing out or revealing clearly
    There was the twin bed against the wall, but sitting there felt wrong, suggestive of a casual intimacy that Terpsichore and I didn’t have yet.
  4. assume
    take to be the case or to be true
    “I assume that’s why you’re hesitating,” she continued, without glancing over at me.
  5. casually
    in an unconcerned manner
    “I’m allowed to use the internet all I want,” she said casually.
  6. anecdotal
    based on stories rather than data or scientific observation
    “You know, there’s only anecdotal evidence to support the IC diet, anyway,” Terpsichore said casually.
  7. deviation
    a variation from the standard or norm
    “It’s a neurological difference, with a lot of unique presentations. Tons of people have had it that were never diagnosed. It’s not wrong; it doesn’t hurt me or anyone else. It’s just a deviation.”
  8. banshee
    a female spirit who wails to warn of impending death
    The little kid shrieked like a banshee and kicked the smoldering box against the house, sending a flurry of little red embers into the air.
  9. per se
    with respect to its inherent nature
    It wasn’t survival per se.
  10. sermon
    an address of a religious nature
    Unfazed, St. Denis picked up his still-talking severed head and walked with it for miles, giving a sermon the whole way.
  11. clergy
    the entire class of religious officials
    “Your age, well, I wanted to be a movie star. But that changed. Then the dream was bartender. Then long-distance truck driver, ranch hand. Vera wanted one of us boys to go the clergy route, of course.”
  12. seminary
    a school for training ministers or priests or rabbis
    Priest: I’m afraid dream interpretation wasn’t a big part of my seminary training.
  13. appropriate
    suitable for a particular person, place, or situation
    I flicked through the hangers looking for something party appropriate.
  14. patronizing
    characteristic of those who treat others with arrogance
    Mateo gave a patronizing smile.
  15. fathom
    come to understand
    I couldn’t fathom who they were trying to fool with all this frippery.
  16. frippery
    something of little value or significance
    I couldn’t fathom who they were trying to fool with all this frippery.
  17. ordeal
    a severe or trying experience
    Terpsichore shook herself off and straightened her glasses, which had gone wildly askew in the ordeal.
  18. windbag
    a person who talks a great deal about uninteresting topics
    “How long have you been a smart-mouthed windbag?”
  19. heathen
    a crude person lacking culture, manners, or refinement
    “That’s why all her stuff eventually ends up beige. She’s a heathen.”
  20. dismal
    causing dejection
    Two rounds later, my lead had turned to a dismal last place.
  21. counterpart
    a person or thing having the same function as another
    Shae, age eleven, is still played by her fourteen-year-old counterpart, but with the addition of braces and pigtails.
  22. deliberately
    in a careful unhurried manner
    Slowly, deliberately, she turns to face the camera.
  23. bittersweet
    tinged with sadness
    Mateo leaned his head on his shoulder and gave us a woeful, bittersweet smile.
  24. vicariously
    indirectly, as, by, or through a substitute
    “I’ve given up on finding happiness for myself. But you two, I can live vicariously through whatever this is. Ow, Dolores!”
  25. uncouth
    lacking refinement or cultivation or taste
    “You’re so uncouth.”
Created on Fri Mar 14 05:54:39 EDT 2025 (updated Mon Mar 17 09:20:30 EDT 2025)

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