Chronically Dolores: Chapters 19–21

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
20 words 16 learners

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Full list of words from this list:

words only definitions & notes
  1. funky
    stylish and modern in an unconventional way
    The warm wood paneling, the funky geometric paintings, the Sputnik chandelier.
  2. shadowy
    lacking clarity or distinctness
    I shook my head and squinted out at the shadowy faces in the basement.
  3. entourage
    the group following and attending to some important person
    Terpsichore and Emelia walked over to us, leaving behind the entourage of fans.
  4. timpani
    a large brass or copper drum
    Her heavy breathing mixes with the low drone of the timpani as she waits in terror.
  5. stiletto
    a shoe with a very thin, very high heel
    The two girls have bold, backcombed hairstyles and sharp stiletto heels that click on the floor like the raptor claws in Jurassic Park.
  6. anaphylactic
    related to or caused by a severe allergic reaction
    Watching Terpsichore made my throat feel like it was closing up in anaphylactic shock.
  7. solidarity
    a union of interests or purposes among members of a group
    He held up his fist in solidarity.
  8. ditty
    a short simple song
    “But I’m really not having a good time, so if you could manage not to sing me a rhyming ditty about my misery, that would be great.”
  9. haphazard
    dependent upon or characterized by chance
    “If you’re mistaking this haphazard, dark-closet apology for friendship, someone has really screwed with your head.”
  10. extravagance
    excessive spending
    Thus, this single, solitary half bath tucked around a corridor is a true mark of extravagance.
  11. superfluous
    serving no useful purpose; having no excuse for being
    Its existence is superfluous, a toilet for no one.
  12. defile
    spot, stain, or pollute
    This bathroom makes one feel unworthy, as if to merely step into the room would defile it.
  13. livid
    furiously angry
    The woman looked livid, like a cartoon character who was about to blow steam out of her ears.
  14. resigned
    accepting that something unpleasant cannot be changed
    She looked like Anne Boleyn approaching the swordsman: defiant, dignified, resigned.
  15. assent
    agreement with a statement or proposal to do something
    There were mumbles of assent from the gathering teens.
  16. articulate
    speak, pronounce, or utter in a certain way
    I said, finally able to articulate a comprehensible sound.
  17. curtly
    in an abrupt and discourteous manner
    “I’ve thought about it plenty,” Mrs. Berkenbosch-Jones answered curtly, opening the passenger door for her daughter.
  18. wispy
    thin and weak
    He’s grotesquely unattractive, with a creepy, wispy mustache.
  19. histrionic
    characteristic of acting or a stage performance
    I’d pulled some authentic snippet from my useless, histrionic brain.
  20. travesty
    a distorted, debased, or absurd imitation of something
    Playing over the travesty of the evening, I couldn’t be sure of what everyone said.
Created on Fri Mar 14 05:55:17 EDT 2025 (updated Mon Mar 17 09:17:04 EDT 2025)

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