Bless Me, Ultima by Rudolfo Anaya

Bless Me, Ultima, Rudolfo Anaya. Boston: Grand Central Publishing/ Hachette Book Group, 1972, 1979. e-book, 225 pps.


     Bless Me, Ultima is both a classic and a book that has experienced banning. In this haunting fiction about a family living in New Mexico-- and particularly a boy named Antonio and the curandera Ultima who comes to live with his family-- ways of power are described along side the ways that humans have of being with each other. Antonio experiences many changes and he grows up.

sapphoq reviews says: Rudolfo Anaya's book transported me to New Mexico. His lyrical breath-taking descriptions of the beauty of the llano and a disappearing way of life touched me greatly. The use of New Mexican folktales added to Bless Me, Ultima greatly. I think it is a great compliment to the authors who have written books good enough to be banned or censored. I hope someday to have one of my books in that category. 
     Bless Me, Ultima was banned because of religious beliefs expressed in it. The mixture of Catholicism and folk beliefs occurs throughout the world. Missionaries have allowed this intertwining in order to win converts. I found it odd that such a thing was a reason to ban this fine book. Highly recommended to all mature readers who are able to tolerate and embrace present cultural realities as they relate to the path of shamans.

Solomon's Oak by Jo-Ann Mapson

Solomon's Oak, Jo-Ann Mapson.  New York:  Bloomsbury USA,  2010.
     Solomon's Oak is an outstanding novel.  From the first pages, I was transported into the life of Glory Solomon, a widow still grieving for her husband.  She has money problems and hits on an ingenious way to address the bills coming in.  She hosts a wedding in the chapel which her late husband built.  In the midst of the festivities, a social worker drops off Juniper, a teen with a bit of an attitude and nowhere else to go.  Glory's camera quits and a guy named Joseph with a camera happens to wander through, saving the day.  What happens afterwards is a delight.
 
     sapphoq reviews says:  I found much about this book to love.  The lyrical language and vivid descriptions in Solomon's Oak transported me almost immediately into the world of the small Californian farming community.    The characters were well-drawn and likeable.  Each character had a history and a family history attached.  There was a flavor of Mexico throughout the book and I found that to be appealing.  Even the farm animals were imbued with personalities and their own quirks.  Every detail built up to the crescendo and then led me to a satisfying ending.   
     If you are seeking a fast-action book, look elsewhere.  If you want a book that is far more than chick lit that is to be slowly read and savored, this is the book for you.  Highly recommended.