lit. letter 8
February 27, 2009Esperanza Rising
Author: Pam Munoz Ryan
Although this book was not precisely for my reading level but the middle-school’s, I enjoyed it thoroughly. Its story was so touching and true I could not care less about feeling ashamed of reading this tale. I really like Esperanza’s character in this book. She’s the main character who went from riches to rags…yes; this phrase is often used the other way.
I can actually relate to her in my own way. I remember the time when, after my mom, my sister also had to leave. I had to be in charge of the household while ‘mothering’ my little sister. It certainly felt like a nightmare at first. However, as Esperanza in the story had gotten used to laundry, sweeping, and taking care of the babies, I had gotten used to baby-sitting, cooking, working around the house myself as well. Or actually, I still am trying to fully get used to it. As I am a student, it is not exactly easy for me to have both jobs of studying AND sweeping around.
Also, there were times when her mother had been seriously ill, and Esperanza had to finally act like a lady without being so dependant on her parent for life. She literally worked so she could pay off hospital bills, but desperately missed her mom. She would describe in details about her mother’s graceful movements she missed, her soft touches, her laughs that she longed to hear, how she would cry to sleep because she didn’t want to lose her mother after her father. This chapter nearly brought me near tears; I couldn’t help getting emotional. This section had been especially touching to me; I could completely relate to how much I desperately missed my mom that way. I know it sounds immature for an old teenager to say, but I seriously truly saw a greater meaning to a mother through this book, and what she can hugely mean to one.
Esperanza was not the kind of a spoiled brat any one would hate or get irritated of. In my opinion, she was really cute. The way she tried to learn how to handle kids and do chores around the house just for the sake of her mother was very considerate and adorable. I don’t have to say what I would do if I was in her situation, because I have been in her shoes and I can wholly understand what she went through.
Honestly, terrific book. I give it an A.
WOW hiba, i think this is a great book too. I would love to read this. I had a same problem, like a month ago. Though it was a bit different. My mom was planning to go to PAkistan and leave me here, because she wasn’t feeling well, and she used to get depressed here. so she wanted to go to her relatives. I used to cry a lot, even in school, IT WAS BAD!!! however thank god my mom is not leaving me now. I can’t live without her. And i am not a lady like person as well who takes care of the house :p i hate it.
ANYWAYS, i like the sotry of the book i seriously want ot read this now!!!