The front page of this book is really interesting to me. It has a small front cover, it is all yellow and that color makes me think of the sun and the good things that are supposed to come in the future. based off the name of the book, my assumption would prove to be contradicting according to the title of the book. when someone loses their accent, it shows that they lost a part of culture and they are undergoing a subliminal change. The front cover has the legs of what seems to be a salsa dances. I know in Hispanic cultures, salsa dancing is a big part of their life and plays a big part in family traditions. The front has plenty of information that can be gained from looking at it and pondering about it. on the rear of the book, it talks about how the book is special and how many people enjoy it. I don't believe in these reviews, i need to read the book to see if it is foolishness or not.
From looking at the family tree, it is evident that the Garcia family has an extended history and this may be important to them. It seems like they have come a far way from where they originally was. This makes me believe that from the family having such a extended history, it will be a huge thing that they will lose their accents.
From reading the first couple of pages i have realized that he author, Julia Alverez, has a distinctive writing style, it actually makes me want to read the book. Personally, i have never read a book in its entirety, but from reading these first couple of pages it grabs so much of my attention that I will read the whole book!
I think that your interpretation of the cover page was very enlightening and interesting. The cover page that you have is different from mine and I feel that since the novel have several different cover pages, somehow they could link together to create one overall meaning. I agree with your analysis of the importance of family. Usually there is a dedication page before the novel begins and usually that is what is important to the author. Since the family tree is shown in the beginning of the novel maybe is has meaning to the author. My cover page is different and has a bunch of hummingbirds with a flower inside a bottle, how that connects with what I have read so far is still a mystery to me. It could represent the Garcia family trying to preserve what little of their "accent" that they have left. I also thought that the novel couldn't keep my interest, we will see how the rest of the novel plays out.
ReplyDeleteI find it very interesting how you interpreted the front cover of the book Gary. I only looked at the picture on the cover and saw that it was a girl in the short skirt and I interpreted it as the Garcia girls assimilating into American culture by wearing American clothing. It was very interesting that you also analyzed the colors on the cover. Now that I have read your post, I agree that the colors on the cover can say something about the book. You mentioned that your assumption of the book would contradict the "happy" colors of the cover but I think that the colors are just there because they are Hispanic colors and it relates to Hispanic culture. I agree with you on the fact that Julia Alverez has a very "unique" writing style. Most other books I have read are not too exciting in the beginning but this book captures my attention right from the start. I cannot wait to read the rest of the book to see how the story plays out. Gary, how does the beginning of this book compare to that of To Kill a Mockingbird and The Bonesetter's Daughter?
ReplyDeleteGary you're a funny dude. Ok so, your somewhat intellectual analysis of the front cover of this book was actually kind of captivating; not quite like anything you'd expect to hear in an English class. The way you described the colors and how they're brightness signifies a bright future was endearing and quite sophisticated. Hmmm what else. OH and I do agree with your inquiry about how reviews really don't mean anything. Reviews are just someone else telling you how they felt. I agree that you need to actually read the book and formulate your own opinion about how you like the book. Despite some of the grammatical and spelling errors, your insightful commentary about the family tree was all true. Maybe some of the older ancestors will come into conflict with the younger siblings. Perhaps? Also regarding your praise of Julia Alvarez's writing style, it seems like she does the same thing as J.K. Rowling and Harry Potter (obviously no one can out-do J.K. Rowling). Hopefully you do actually read the book... It might be a new experience that you'd like?
ReplyDelete