La Reina Tuerta

I knew nothing about Bear Grylls when I saw him on an episode of Hot Ones, the YouTube show on which celebrities eat increasingly spicy chicken, or chicken substitute, wings and answer thoughtful questions. I may not remember his answers, but I remember his extraordinary grace and his ability to relate to the host and commonalities between their shows. It made me interested enough to order his book from the library. Before completing this write-up, I decided to keep the book. Again, I don’t remember his exact anecdotes but I do remember my feeling of inspiration at his candor and wisdom, however hard-earned it may have been for him to gain or even me to recognize in my life today. Above all, he inspires me to keep chasing my goals, to never give up, and to not be afraid of making mistakes or not doing things perfectly. I remember how much I have always loved challenge and adventure in my life. Somewhere after my past obstacles, I may have taken the wrong lesson, that is, that I was mea...

I am only rediscovering fiction after a long hiatus. This book is a perfect reminder why. I picked it up on my way out the library, having had recognized it from recommended reading lists, and instead of benefiting from winding down without screens in the bedroom, I read the book cover to cover in one sitting, a few hours past my normal bedtime. I'm sure the indulgent Saturday afternoon coffee didn't help. It was surprising for the number of themes it incorporated, the rape scene and references, the corruption of the Catholic church and institutions purporting to help the less fortunate, women's rights and opportunities in the 20th century, the idea of childcare, family structure, older adoption practices, and the power dynamic allowing powerful leaders to falsely assume credit for their own work. I found it touching that the root of the story is a meant-to-be relationship between two people who never understood or focused much on relationships. Certain lines stand out, lik...

It was immediately apparent why this book is a classic and how it captures the heart of most. I knew that I was not going to get entirely captured by the language style, as the absurdity and deliberate games felt false to me. I wonder if my overly exercised foreign language muscle is the cause or perhaps my very under-exercised absurd humor and science fiction muscles. Still the commentary on the absurdity of the human experience and our extremely self-centered points of view sit well with me. It may have even influenced the easy name for this blog, to not take myself too seriously, to remember the sheer number of things I don’t know or understand, even as I actively partake in dedicated efforts to try and know them. At the dog park, I catch myself enthusiastically participating with the other dog parents discussing the behavior of dogs. Every now and again I catch myself reminding the group that, if dogs begin their interactions with nose to butt, then as well as we think we may be do...

I thought I could read a few chapters, just enough to grab my interest, while I ate breakfast. I finished the book the same day and remembered why I stopped reading fiction for pleasure. It’s like suffering from an addiction. The characters drew me in. The pacing of the language was a pleasure. Very quickly I was surprised at how emotionally attached to the characters I was and how relatable I found their experiences, long before the book began touching on the heavier race, socioeconomic status and gender themes in the book. I was grateful that by the end Aunt Alexandra was given redeeming qualities and touching signs of humanity, as well as realizing that the primary slur thrown against the family is one the family had worn with pride for generations. How am I not being brave where I should be? What do I see in our culture today that I want to stand against quietly through my behavior? Where can I live as an example for others? May my loved ones be as proud of me as these children lea...