Tell us what you think

Now that you've read Bless me, Ultima , tell us what you thought about it. Had you read it before?



If you didn't get a chance to attend a discussion group at any of the East Los Angeles area libraries, feel free and tell us what your impressions were. Here are some helpful topics for discussion:



1. Bless me, Ultima is a coming of age story that chronicles several rites of passage for Antonio. Which aspects of his development are universal, and which are particular to his Hispanic Catholic culture?



2. How does Antonio's perception of Ultima differ from the opinions of those in his town?



3. How does the legend of the Golden Carp resemble the New Testament story of Jesus Christ, or the Mexican story of the Virgin of Guadalupe?



Feel free discuss whatever you like!



It's not too late

You still have time to attend some of our events. Check out our calendar here. You can still catch the book discussion at Cal State Los Angeles, enjoy the "Timeless Tales of New Mexico", the film "The Cry" and our Finale Event at East Los Angeles Library. Join us!

Bless me , Ultima Live!

April 10, 2008
7:00 pm
Theatrical Adaptation of 'Bless Me, Ultima'
Location: Cal State L. A., Music Hall, Los Angeles, CA 90032


Come and enjoy a theatrical adaptation of Bless Me, Ultima adapted and directed by Prof. Theresa Larkin with Alejandra Flores playing the role of Ultima. Please come early and note that campus parking is 50 cents per hour. Seating is limited, call to make reservation (323) 449-4942.

Here is an article from the California State University, Los Angeles Campus News for more information. Please join us for a special evening.

Natural Remedies

Herbal remedies is a big theme in Rudolfo Anaya's Bless me, Ultima. To help our community understand it further we are having two events that showcase the special healing powers of herbs. Please join us!


HERBAL REMEDIES Workshop

Saturday April 5, 2008
11:00am
East Los Angeles Library
4837 E. 3rd Street
Los Angeles, CA 90022
(323)264-0155

The East Los Angeles Farmer's Market will be presenting Herbal Remedies. Come and enjoy a presentation on "Herbal Remedies" by Martin Lopez! Don't miss this event that will educate you on remedies created using Mexican herbs. All are welcome to this free event.


Film Series: ANCIENT ROOTS MODERN MEDICINE

Wednesday April 9, 2008
6:30pm
East Los Angeles Library
4837 E. 3rd Street
Los Angeles, CA 90022
(323)264-0155

The Chicano Resource Center and the East Los Angeles Library would like you to join them for a FREE screening of "Ancient Roots Modern Medicine: The Borderlands USA/Mexico." With guest speaker Adrianna Jackson, Anthropology professor at the East Los Angeles College, South Gate Educational Center. All are welcome.

Film Series

With the help of our local community speakers East Los Angeles is proud to present our Big Read Film Series. Based on themes on the book Bless me, Ultima these following films touch on areas that were most prominent in the book. Hope you can join us for the screening, refreshments and discussion.

March 26, 2008 - Wednesday 6:30 pm

"From Curandera to Chupacabra: The Stories of Rudolfo Anaya"

Location: East Los Angeles Library, Meeting Room, Los Angeles, CA 90022

Please join us for a FREE film series screening of "From Curandera to Chupacabra: The Stories of Rudolfo Anaya". It will be hosted by Beatriz Tapia, Chicano Literature Professor at East Los Angeles College.

April 2, 2008 - Wednesday 6:30 pm

"Lady of Guadalupe"

Location: East Los Angeles Library, Meeting Room, Los Angeles, CA 90022

The Chicano Resource Center and the East L.A. Library would like you to join them for a FREE film screening of "Lady of Guadalupe." With guest speaker, Fr. Antonio Garnica of Sagrado Corazon Y Santa Maria De Guadalupe Church.

April 9, 2008 - Wednesday 6:30 pm

"Ancient Roots Modern Medicine: The Borderlands USA/Mexico"

Location: East Los Angeles Library, Meeting Room, Los Angeles, CA 90022

The Chicano Resource Center and the East L.A. Library would like you to join them for a FREE screening of "Ancient Roots Modern Medicine: The Borderlands USA/Mexico." With guest speaker as Adrianna Jackson, Anthropology professor at the East Los Angeles College, South Gate Educational Center.

If we build it, they will come...and they did!

Over 150 people attended our Big Read kick off on March 15, 2008. It was held at East Los Angeles library with participation by the California State University, Los Angeles and East Los Angeles College. After enjoying a boxed lunch the community of East Los Angeles enjoyed the lecture by Dr. Cantu, "La Santa Tierra: Land, History, and the Sacred in Bless Me, Ultima, by Rudolfo A. Anaya". With the beautiful backdrop of Belvedere Lake, everybody enjoyed the afternoon breeze.


College Students

If you are a student at East Los Angeles College, visit The Big Read information table at the Helen Miller Bailey library. You can also participate in the Art Contest and enter your art inspired by the novel Bless me, Ultima. Prizes will be awarded on April 19, 2008 at East Los Angeles Library. Visit the library for more information or visit our website www.colapublib.org/libs/eastla.

Dream Interpretations

Have you ever wondered what your dreams mean? Our neighborhood libraries of City Terrace and East Los Angeles have put together a dream interpretation workshop to help you find out. Visit our Big Read calendar here and find out where they will be held near you.

Speaker Donna D'Amore author of Dreams: The Window into Your Soul



I've Read it. Have you?!
It's not too late to pick up your copy of Bless me, Ultima at your local library. Find out what everybody in East Los Angeles is talking about.

4/03/08 @ 4:00pm City Terrace Library in the meeting room.

4/12/08 @ 1:30pm East Los Angeles Library in the meeting room.

Come to our Big Read Kick Off

"Bless me, Ultima" by Rudolfo Anaya

The East Los Angeles Big Read Kickoff takes place

Saturday

March 15, 2008
1:00pm

East Los Angeles Library
4837 E. 3rd Street
Los Angeles, CA 9002

Highlighting the festivities will include the keynote speaker Dr. Roberto Cantu from California State University, Los Angeles, distinguished professor who has a joint appointment in Chicano Studies and English. He will be presenting his lecture "La Santa Tierra: Land, History, and the Sacred in Bless Me, Ultima, by Rudolfo A. Anaya".
A complimentary box lunch will be served.

After the program, pick up Big Read info bags containing bookmarks, reader's guides, events calendars and more. And kids -- spin the Reading Wheel of Fortune to win a prize.

The Anthony Quinn, City Terrace, El Camino Real libraries will be having events and through this month. Check your local library calendar here.

Visit your local library and pick up a copy of Bless me, Ultima and join the Big Read today!