I really wasn’t going to join another challenge. I know, you are all smiling and saying “sure” but I was really planning to hold off until the Once Upon a Time challenge came around and then yesterday I saw Sylvia’s, México 2010 Reading Challenge and there goes my resolve.
But, how can I not join this challenge when it’s about a place dear to my heart. I was born in México, most of my family still lives there, I used to spend all of my summers there when I was a little girl and not a day does by without me speaking Spanish, reading news in Spanish or somehow staying connected to my roots. So I’m joining the challenge!
In honor of the tricolor, the flag of México, the challenge is to read three books of Mexican literature, history, or art.
I actually have quite a few to choose from but for now my choices are (and yes, I may switch these out as my reading whims take me):
- The Crystal Frontier by Carlos Fuentes. I’ve had some mixed reactions to Fuentes’ novels but I can say that they’ve always made me slow down and pay close attention.
- Women With Big Eyes by Angeles Mastretta. A collection of mystical stories, shot through with sex and laughter, about the lives of extraordinary and eccentric women, and the intuitive powers that all women share.
- La Noche de Tlatelolco by Elena Poniatowska. A chronicle of the massacre of student and civilian protesters that took place on October 2, 1968.
Alright, now I guess it’s time for me to go read some books and maybe make a dent in one of my challenges. Ha.
Have fun with the challenge, Iliana! I can’t wait to read your reviews on them. 🙂
Ok, we will let you join this one,LOL, you are entitled as it is your birthplace. How lovely to come from such a rich culture. I went to Mexico for my honeymoon and loved it. Enjoy your challenge.
I like that Sylvia’s challenges always have such realistic reading levels so you can complete them and that they are awesome and different from anythign else around.
You know, it’s very sad to say that even though I grew up in San Diego, spent lots of time near San Felipe in Baja and took Spanish is school, I don’t know much about Mexican literature. I thought about doing the challenge and thought, wow, finally I’ll read … but it turns out … is from Chile or Uruguay or Brazil. So I am hoping to learn about some new authors and good books from all of you doing the challenge!
Melody – Thank you! I’m excited. I have tons more Spanish books but some of them are still in boxes. Yikes 🙂
vivienne – hee,hee… I’m so glad you enjoyed Mexico! I love it and have traveled a bit but definitely still need to see more and learn more!
Jodie = I know! Although I say that I can finish just 3 books and watch me still not complete the challenge. Ha.
Stefanie – I think unfortunately a lot of times we just learn about politics or all the problems Mexico has and yes, it has problems but there is so much more to the country. I’m really glad Sylvia is hosting this challenge and encouraging readers to learn more. I’ll keep you posted on the books 🙂
have fun, those sound like good reads! Especially Women With Big Eyes.
bookworm – The premise for Women with Big Eyes sort of reminds me of Like Water for Chocolate. I hope it’s as good!
While I won’t join any challenge this year, I’ll keep an eye on titles suitable for this challenge that might interest me. I love traveling to Mexico and would like to read more about the culture. 🙂
I saw this and am very tempted to join in as well. I have lots of books about Mexico or by Mexican authors. I went through a huge reading phase about ten years ago when I first met my husband. Maybe it’s time to see which books are unread on my shelves!