My favorite reading so far this semester is Bless Me Ultima, by a landslide vote.
Bless Me Ultima is the first book that I could really
connect with and the only one where I would look forward to reading the
assignment. I even read ahead- if you know me this NEVER happens with a
schoolbook. The way Anaya tells his story is very powerful. I’m a visual and
kinesthetic learner so his words and imagery really hit me hard. I don’t always
enjoy the graphic scenes or language but they certainly make me feel. This
book gives perspective and insight on what it really means to live.
I like a book or movie that makes me forget the real world
around me. Bless Me Ultima did this
but then, sometimes, there were startling truths about my own life that would
jump off the page and bring me back to a new sense of my reality. It seemed to
build on everything we had read so far but was so much more enjoyable as the
sum of all the parts. Anaya had me crying, laughing, shocked, strengthened in
Christ, grateful, wishing I could do better, and seeing examples of people I
want to be like.
Ultima is the kind of woman that I want to become. She is
excellent at nurturing and caring for others. She is sure of herself in the
face of evil and opposition. She is always kind and loving. She has these
incredible healing skills/talents that she uses for everyone’s benefit. Along
the way she is a teacher- who helps Antonio learn by experience and hands-on
practical life training. She is not
afraid to sacrifice. Ultima sees the bigger picture and becomes an anchor and a
steadfast example. She knows who she is and what her purpose is, and she
fulfills that purpose! She is committed, loyal, faithful, strong, articulate,
brave, and overall someone that I want to be like.
