How does rafa learn to read in drown?

In "Drown" by Junot Díaz, Rafa learns to read through a combination of self-initiative and the influence of his environment. He finds solace in comic books and stories, which inspire him to decode language and develop his skills. His reading journey is shaped by the challenges of his immigrant experience, highlighting a desire for escape and understanding in a new world. This process reflects both personal growth and the complexities of identity in a bilingual setting.