Blog numero tres.

And here we are again, more discussion of the novel "Daughter of Fortune." I'm now getting into the GOOD stuff :) I am a weakling when it comes to love and romance and restricted love is even better! The way that Eliza falls for Joaqu’ n is so sweet and fairytale like in the sense that he does not come from the same social class and background as she does. For this reason and for the passion Eliza was experiencing her family pulled her away from him, in order to attempt to protect her. Well of course I disagree with their decision and it upset me but it gives to good suspense and hopeful excitement! Eliza fell hard for Joaqu’ n and i know that there is no way that she is giving up on him nor letting her family control her like that in any sense. Eliza obviously thinks the world of her family considering they accepted her into their family and gave her everything and anything she could imagine, as if she was a true daughter of theirs. You can tell she is appreciative of everything they have done but if she ignores their warnings and goes against their requests that will prove and exemplify her growing love and admiration for Joaqu’ n. As a consequence of this secretive love affair Eliza becomes pregnant and is left with the breaking news that Joaqu’ n is leaving for California where gold has been discovered. Coming from a poverty background Joaqu’ n feels its his duty to go there to find wealth in order to support his new family as well as his mother.
Sadly, I don't think he completely understands what he is putting Eliza through. She is now a mother at a very young age and her first love is leaving her. Yes hes leaving with good intentions but that doesn't make it any less hard on Eliza. Can you imagine caring so much for someone like she does and they just pick up and leave. I would feel hopelessly desperate. I wouldn't know exactly what to think or how to live, as dramatic as that may sound. I would imagine that this is similar to how people with spouses or loved ones fighting overseas feel. They have extremely good intentions to protect our country but there is so much waiting, so much uncertainty. Joaqu’ n promises to return in a sense but how can Eliza know for sure. It's just like we all hope our loved ones return for fighting but if they don't the rest of your life is empty and missing something that will never be found. I feel for Eliza, for the fact that she fell so hard for this one man who had little to offer and she put everything on the line and is now left with nothing in return except for a child that she will have to raise alone. It would be hard and i don't know how i would handle myself in this situation of Eliza's or that of a spouse going overseas. Your life is just as much in their hands as their own life. I am intrigued to see what ends up happening with Eliza. I hope she follows him to California to ensure that they are together but I feel like nothing could be that easy. I am Eliza's side and hope that whatever ends up happening with her allows her and her baby to stay safe and protected, not only physically but spiritually and emotionally.

"what matters is what you do in this world, not how you come into it" (pg 11- 'Daughter of Fortune' -Allende

I am now getting more intrigued into the story and history of "Daughter of Fortune." I was intrigued by the story of Eliza, and am being anxious to figuring out her true story. While thinking about the possibilities of her history I was thinking what the history of the importance of the women in society held in the Chilean culture. I was thinking that it may have been similar to the Chinese culture only allowing a certain number of children in family and not being as fond of the women of the culture.
This was my main idea or purpose for why Eliza was left alone to only be picked up by a true loving family. So i did a little research to help me start understanding where Eliza is from. Well I first discovered that the story itself was based in the 1840's. At this point in the Chilean history Chile was in a time of war between the 3 Andean provinces of the old Peru. After three years of fighting Chile comes out ahead. Few years later there is more warfare between the same nations, economically to fight for deposits of nitrates. Surprisingly enough Roman Catholicism was a huge part of the social life in this time period in this nation. In correlation with this family was very important, and celebrating times together. This really threw me for a loop. The war and lack of peace had led me on to see a lack of respect for the daughters because they weren't as useful in the fighting of wars, however it was the opposite; everyone in the family was to be respected and brought together to love. Now instead of understanding more, or feeling a lead to the reason for the absence of Eliza's true family I feel more lost and intrigued. Something quite poignant must have occurred to have broken up the strong catholic family dynamic, and I am anxious to continue unveiling the pieces of the puzzle.


"History of Chile." WorldRover - Country and Travel Guides. Sept. 2010. Web. 10 Feb. 2011. .

"Fortune is what you make it not what you hold onto"

I am reading 'Daughter of Fortune' by Isabel Allende. It is a story that takes place in the 1940's in Chile. Eliza is a young Chilean girl growing up around English family and friends. At this point I am not too far into the novel but I already am enjoying the insightful thoughts of Eliza. I even quoted her once already as my Facebook status :P She just thinks so advanced for her age and situation. I find it interesting that her two 'talents' are smell and memory. I feel like the disconnect between the two of those senses will come back later as a symbolic connection or major foreshadowing. As of right now I'm slightly confused about all of her family and background. I know that her brother is John Sommers and hes a sailor but at this point I'm confused to if he is English or if he is in the same situation as Eliza. I think i just have to read a little more into it, but at this point I'm leaning towards him being English like a the rest of Eliza's 'family.' Then her other siblings are Rose and Jeremy, of which are both English. I am excited to continue reading to discover more/figure out the puzzle of Eliza's mysterious past. Who left her on the door step and why? Does she know them?
I just have a lot of questions I cant wait to discover. The book has captivated my attention to this point- plus it was an Oprah Book Club read so I know I have a good book in my hands ;)

Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else. ~Judy Garland

I absolutely love this book, and yes I am fully aware that I have already mentioned that but the deeper I get into it the more I enjoy it! I absolutely adore how easy it is to relate to. There is great romance, good humor, real real life and just those things that make you think "Oh my Goodness you do that too?, thank goodness I'm not the only one." I also enjoy the profound quotes that are spoken between the sisters or even Codi to her classroom. I think the classroom setting is hilarious. I can just see me loving her as a teacher. Who wouldn't adore a teacher wearing purple cowboy boots?(MR KNUTH?!?) The main classroom setting really made me laugh because of the fact that she referred to the hair of the boys as "skateboarders haircuts" and how perfect of imagery is that? Most importantly I love the 'romance' between Codi and Loyd even though she left Carlo to come to Grace. I am such a softy when it comes to romance. I just love how Codi and Loyd have a past that encourages her to think about HER past. Not only does the "secret child" add a lot of intensity to their relationship but it really opens you up to the character that Codi is. I can see many people not being a fan of Loyd, like right now i see Julie Mullen just shaking her head at him as she reads, but as I said when the protagonist starts falling for someone I always hope they end up getting with them. Since the minute they 'shared a moment' at the party i have fallen in love with the idea of "them" as a couple. The romance is a great aspect of this novel.
I also enjoy the deeper meaning, not referring to the idea of finding yourself but being thankful for everything you have. I find myself relating to Hallie's thoughts and letters quite often. This quote from a letter Hallie wrote really hit me and got me thinking "I want to be like that. Not like the man selling shrimp. Like his machine. To give myself over to utility, with no waste." It honestly opened my eyes to thinking about purpose. I personally know what I want to do with my life and that revolves around helping people and making a great impact on peoples lives but could I ever just give over myself to do nothing but help people. Could I ever "give myself over to utility." It made me start feeling guilty about who I am and what I do in my free time but then I honestly wonder if its possible to turn over your entire life to a cause. I know i could never do that, and I am not a selfish person in the slightest but I just would not be able to do that.
I just feel that the whole novel is very 'real.'I can see every event truly occurring and I truly appreciate the honesty. I get a kick out of the family Codi stays with. They are so scattered and disjointed like any American family however they have that love that can bond them through anything, and only some families are lucky enough to hold on to that bond.
My least favorite part of the novel, not for the reason that it doesn't fit or that its poorly written, is Codi and Carlo's relationship. Its just so frustrating for me to see Codi feeling that she holds on because she feels that their 'love' and physical relationship is the only 'medicine' she has. Its truly sickening and it deeply reveals her true self of not knowing who she is and not being a person of strong will. She is dependent on a physical part of a relationship in order to get through her pain and hurt and no girl should ever feel that way. I just sit and shake my head at her naivety. I think that may be why I like Loyd so much is because there is genuine love and passion there that is tangible. He cares about her and he shows it in his genuine and heartfelt actions.
Another huge aspect of this novel that gets to me is the description. I love how its described in a down to earth sense but you still get a great image in your mind, be it the skeleton or the face of a pregnant Codi that looks just like her mom when she was pregnant. Or even the flowers in Mexico and a banana tree under the sink. The setting of Grace just seems so lovely and 'homey.' I love reading into the setting and seeing myself as a citizen, and Kingsolver makes that easy to do. Her description makes it harder for me to choose ONE scene to analyze but Im planning on taking an excerpt from the beginning of the scene when Hallie is leaving and how hurt Codi is and how its tearing at her inside. I believe this really sets the tone of the story and is just a vivid image of how Codi is so dependent on everyone else except for herself because she doesn't have a "me" to be dependent on.
This book makes me:
laugh
think
cry
giggle
smirk
sigh relief
make me thankful for everything i have
question myself?
all of which make me LOVE this book and its message.

"I remembered being on the ship with the nine Gracela sisters and their peacocks"

I would like to start off this blog, blog #2 (out of 3), for my AP English class, by saying i had missed so many 'hints' from earlier in the novel. I am not sure to what i was looking for but now reading further into this fascinating novel i have come across some symbolism and so much more self-actualization related topics.
First off I missed the whole idea of symbolism with Codi going off to find herself. A she is going back to her dad she is going back to her roots not only to help him but as a way of finding herself. I feel that this is a subconscious realization or desire but she is still being observant of her surroundings. At the beginning she was settling for the very least and now that she is back to her roots and hometown she is slowly realizing or "rediscovering" who she is. Seemingly, she has been compared to her sister a lot and she is noticing that now at home. Codi has come home to memories and thoughts that she forgot about when leaving and moving away. A great example of this is a quote on page 49 (Animal Dreams,Barbra Kingsolver) when Emilina, the high school friend of whom Codi is staying with, says "You used to have a hissy fit when we'd go over to Abuelita's and shed be killing chickens...remember even when we were big, twelve or thirteen" and Codi replied with "No that was Hallie. She is the one that had such a soft heart. We've always been real different that way. She'd cry if she stepped on a bug" This really exemplifies how Codi is the "forgotten" daughter considering one of her best high school friends can't even remember a difference between herself and her highly appreciated sister Hallie. There was also another section later on when Codi was talking about how she was not a fan of her body type but everyone loved Hallie.
Personally I feel bad for Codi. She held such high hopes and dreams for herself but since she didn't fight for her beliefs and held higher standards for herself. SO instead of being a doctor she is now a biology teacher at the town of Grace. No one even knows where that was. I want to step in for Codi and just yell at her to step out of the shadows of everyone else and BE YOU. I have a feeling that her epiphany will be coming soon enough and I can not wait to read about it. I see her as a strong intelligent character, but sadly most people don't even see her as Codi, but Hallie's sister.
Finally I just wanted to briefly verbalize (well in this case; type) my interest on this quote found on page 66 "This is my problem—I clearly remember things I haven't seen, sometimes things that never happened." I find it interesting that Codi has such a good memory because she was always following someone. She was observing her surroundings and i believe she didn't always see life through her eyes but through those eyes of those who she was easily comparable to, such as Hallie. She may not have ever lived her life but just those of others; seeing, feeling, and experiencing experiences through others but never through herself. I am intrigued by the mystique of this quote and truly hope to have more information revealed about it as the book goes on.
I am still deeply enjoying the description and vivid imagery of the scenes in this book. One includes when Codi was walking through the field and the kids were attacking the bird. I had a perfect image in my head that set up the scene so perfectly. I also enjoy the subtle humor. It always tends to lighten up the mood in needed times, such as when Codi's host family was about to kill the chickens. I am enjoying this intriguing novel however i can not wait to see how everything comes together, because i feel like there is a lot at risk. I want Codi to believe in who she is!! Fingers crossed!

"Dreams animals dream" -neon trees

As of today I am about 25 pages into “Animal Dreams” By Barbara Kingsolver. As a result of asking Mr Knuth for a book relating to self-actualization he sent me in this direction, and I must say I am fairly impressed (at least to this point). Through these pages I have learned to adore Kingsolver's unbelievable word choice and vivid description that adds so much depth and emotion to the story line.
Reading up to chapter 4, I have met a variety of characters in this novel including Dr. Homero Noline and his 2 daughters, Cosima and Halimeda. By meeting this family you realize that the motherly figure is not present, however Homero cares for his children enough for him and the missing figure.
After chapter 1 there is a rather awkward jump, in my opinion, from thoughts.  The two girls were so youthful, naive and vulnerable at the end of chapter one and now they are now 'renewed' characters whom had moved away from where they had grown up. The sisters and Carlo, Codi's boyfriend, lived together in Tucson where Hallie was a 7-11 clerk.
Doctor Homer was sick so this resulted in Codi returning home,to Grace, a place she hadn't been since she graduated from high school. Here Codi plans on living with an old high school friend and teaching at the local high school in order to assist her ill father.
In chapter 3 the father, doctor Homer, dreams a terrifying dream when he loses his daughters (momentarily) as they are out gathering fruit during a huge flood. This "dream" was caused by a memory of his, when the girls were stranded on the other side of the bank while trying to save coyote pups.
So, yes, these are the main points thus far. I'm sorry if this seemed to just be jibberish or rambling but i haven't really dug deep enough to notice any self actualization in any of the characters. Aka if you got this far in reading this, i am HIGHLY impressed.
Here come more simple thoughts. Not only do i love the word choice and description of this novel but i am intrigued by how the book is set up. Before every chapter is a name of a character, saying who's point of view you are reading about. Up to now i have read from 2 points of view, Cosima and Homero. I feel like this truly does add a lot to the story by showing emotion and hidden feelings of two completely different angles of two different people.
Overall i am interested in "Animal Dreams" thus far, and for me that's monumental since i have never enjoyed a "forced read"! I can't wait to continue to read and look more into the vivid description and thoughts of these 2 characters, Homero and Cosima. I feel that this book has potential to become a story that could change the way I look at things in the world. While reading to find self actualization in characters, i would love to take away something about myself as a part of something bigger with the guidance of this novel
well until next time (is that too tacky?) whatever anything goes. :)