The Big Read's "Bless Me, Ultima"

University of Redlands (UoR) and A.K. Smiley Library continue to encourage a love of reading for all with the help of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) in association with Arts Midwest. Considered an American classic, Rudolfo Anaya's "Bless Me, Ultima" was the honorary work of the NEA's The Big Read held March 1 at the UoR's Orton Center. Part of the festivities included free copies of Anaya's work in English and Spanish. In addition to opening with the embracing mariachi sounds of Aztecas de Oro and closing with traditional dancing by Ballet Folklorico Cultural, University of California Riverside Emeritus Professor of History Carlos Cortés lectured on the importance of this novel and its development by the author. Dan Slato, Adult Services Librarian of Smiley Library stated, "The themes of 'Bless Me, Ultima' are universal. It's a coming-of-age story that's part of every culture. It's a part of the human condition," suggesting that although Anaya's novel is steeped in Mexican and Native American culture, it can be appreciated by all. Before Professor Cortés's lecture, UoR's Associate Dean of Campus Diversity and Inclusion Leela MadhavaRau invited attendees to take free copies of Anaya's work as well as aids, such as audio and reader's guides for those who would venture to host their own book reading clubs. The reader's guide explains, "The novel presents a world where everyday life is still full of dreams, legends, prayers, and folkways." In light of a 2004 NEA report, "Reading at Risk: A Survey of Literary Reading in America [that identifies] a critical decline in reading for pleasure among American adults, The Big Read addresses this issue by bringing communities together to read, discuss, and celebrate books and writers from American and world literature." With "Bless Me, Ultima" much of the main character's (Antonio) "struggle stems from his desire to understand the 'correct' source of miracles - the Catholic Church, or the curandera," Ultima, the elderly healer who "uses her herbal cures for good." Though many in the novel mistakenly suspect her of practicing witchcraft, Ultima is one who knows "the herbs and remedies of the ancients, a miracle-worker who could heal the sick." During Professor Cortés' lecture, he shared Anaya's experience of the book's evolution, "This is a story I heard Rudy tell...when he started writing 'Bless Me, Ultima'. At that time during the mid-'60s, he was a high school English teacher in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and he was having a terrible time getting it written." So, one evening, when Rudy would write late into the night after working all day at school, Professor Cortés explained, "One night, he felt something. And, he turned around, and Ultima was standing behind him." And, she's asked him, "'Why are you having so much trouble my son?'" And, Rudy responded, "'I'm trying to write my story.'" To which Ultima replied, "'You didn't put me in the book.'" So, Rudy said, "'At that moment, I put her in the book, and the whole book changed, and my life changed.'" Nancy Tune, whose friend invited her to the event stated, "I love to read, and I love the Hispanic culture. So, it was a win win. It was a great event. I loved it." Her friend, Gayle Hall, who's participated in The Big Read events before shared her one disappointment, "This place should be packed." Those who would like to hear a sample of Mendoza's local mariachi band, a link is provided below: https://app.box.com/s/rb8b15rvqicn4akrbhf4 Those who would like to hear Professor Cortés's lecture, a link is provided below: https://app.box.com/s/x4rtcx7acjskflbfz1hm