Bless me, Ultima (Albuquerque, Santa Rosa, Pecos: public school, price, store)

[lukeache]

Has anybody here read "Bless me, Ultima" by Rudolfo Anaya. I love this book and it so perfectly describes life in a small town in New Mexico, the New-Mexican Hispanic experience and the local culture from the eyes of a young kid. This book was the first exposure I have ever had to New Mexico and I found it so interesting. It seems people either love or hate this book though, it is almost like you either get it or you don't. Great American classic. What did you think of the book?

[Cathy4017]

Originally Posted by lukeache

Has anybody here read "Bless me, Ultima" by Rudolfo Anaya. I love this book and it so perfectly describes life in a small town in New Mexico, the New-Mexican Hispanic experience and the local culture from the eyes of a young kid. This book was the first exposure I have ever had to New Mexico and I found it so interesting. It seems people either love or hate this book though, it is almost like you either get it or you don't. Great American classic. What did you think of the book?

I think I have it in my TBR pile, but haven't gotten around to it yet.

It is now still in one of my packing boxes, unless I donated it to the Friends of the Library booksale before I moved.

[Towanda]

Hey Lukeache.....thanks for your post.

I have never heard of the book before, but I will get a copy and read it.

I generally like almost any book about New Mexico.

[lukeache]

Originally Posted by Towanda

Hey Lukeache.....thanks for your post.

I have never heard of the book before, but I will get a copy and read it.

I generally like almost any book about New Mexico.

This book is an American classic, Rudolfo Anaya is originally from the Santa Rosa area, a town called Pastura but his family moved to Albuquerque. He was a public school teacher in Albuquerque and I think, he still teaches at UNM. Unfortunately, some people categorize it as "Chicano" literature, but it should be American literature. I am usually not a big fan of fiction, but a lot of the references in the book are actual places in the Santa Rosa-Pastura area. I was so fascinated by his account of life in small town New Mexico after reading this book that I decided to visit New Mexico for the first time in 1997. I love this book.

[desert sun]

has anyone read the book Tales of Withcraft in the Pecos Valley,it is very very interesting,it has the old residents of the towns up north telling stories that were passed down to them about the devil,evil spells and so on.Some of these Ive heard from my grandma who is from the Villanueva/Sena area.

[nmguy]

Originally Posted by desert sun

has anyone read the book Tales of Withcraft in the Pecos Valley,it is very very interesting,it has the old residents of the towns up north telling stories that were passed down to them about the devil,evil spells and so on.Some of these Ive heard from my grandma who is from the Villanueva/Sena area.

'Tales of Witchcraft' was written by Nasario García. He will speak at Bookworks on Oct. 30 at 7:00 p.m. Bookworks is located on 4th Street in the Los Ranchos area.

BTW, John Nichols spoke there yesterday, promoting his latest novel, "Empanada Brotherhood". Iteresting talk by a fascinating man.

[Towanda]

Originally Posted by desert sun

has anyone read the book Tales of Withcraft in the Pecos Valley,it is very very interesting,it has the old residents of the towns up north telling stories that were passed down to them about the devil,evil spells and so on.Some of these Ive heard from my grandma who is from the Villanueva/Sena area.

Okay, now I am starting to really feel culturally deprived, as I have never heard of this book either.

I am going to add it to my list. I am especially interested in it because the Pecos Valley is so near where I will be moving.

Hey desert sun ~ we were in Villanueva and Sena several weeks ago when we took the state road that goes through there. What BEAUTIFUL country!!!!!

[lukeache]

Both books deal with some of the same elements. Witchcraft, folk tales, occultism and spirituality in small town New Mexico. Some of these New Mexican traditions were initially brought by the Spanish and became part of New Mexican culture. This state truly has a very unique and fascinating history and you have to understand its past to understand the present. A lot of the problems I see with New Mexico today can be explained through history

[Towanda]

I went to the Half Price Book Store today and got a copy of Bless Me, Ultima. They didn't have the other one.

So I will start with this one, and let you all know what I think....

Thanks again for the book tips, you guys.

[gabygirl]

Loved it! I am not a fiction reader, believe me, but I just couldn't put this one down. There are so many descriptives of the land, culture, and way of life in NM, it is fascinating. Highly recommended!