UNDER THE MESQUITE

Poetic Perfection!

Ali W.

When choosing a book to read for this unit I didn’t have high expectations. Although reading can be enjoyable to me I’m very specific of what I like and what I don’t like. I immediately went with under the mesquite by Guadalupe Garcia McCAll because the writing seemed easier to read and poetic. Upon starting to read the opening page of the book I was instantly engaged. The writing was fluid and interesting. After choosing the book and reading about 15 pages I didn’t pick it up again until a week later. When I began reading again I was still engaged by the poetic language and thought provoking metaphors. Before starting this book understand that even though the book is about heavy stuff it’s still a light read. The author talks about struggles of money, self identity, and sickness especially apparent in Mexican-American families. In the midst of juggling life as a highschool student Lupita also wants to help out her mother the best way she can as the oldest of 8 siblings. The book is very fast paced and covers significant parts of Lupita's high school experience in a 200-page novel. Despite it being fast paced, It is easy to identify with the main character and her story through high school. One of the major themes in under the mesquite that we discussed in class was nature. Throughout the book, nature helped Lupita and her mother cope with their personal struggles. They both recognized the beauty and evil of nature. The mesquite tree is Lupita's escape from the chaos at home. Self identity is definitely a major theme in this book that I found very impactful. Overwhelmed by change she uses the healing power of words to help her overcome her struggles. She is trying to find herself and figure out her future in a society with rigid expectations. The book is emotionally honest and filled with love.

Ali H.

While looking through books to read for the personal choice reading section, I was looking for a book that I would be able to relate to and one with a compelling story. “Under the Mesquite” by Guadalupe Garcia McCall, Lupita’s heartbreaking story, was very engaging. While reading the opening page, I was able to get a perspective on Lupita’s family life and culture. While going through tough times in the house, Lupita had to care of her four siblings along with herself. The book was a fully engaging read because it showed the everyday struggles of a family who did not have much money, had to take care of a sick family member, and had to provide for one another. While reading, I found myself putting myself in Lupita’s shoes and trying to relate to what she was going through. When the book introduced the fact that her mother, “Mami” was sick with cancer, I wanted to find out what was going to happen to her and the rest of the family. As Lupita was terrified at the fact that she may lose her mother to cancer, she tried to care and support her mother as best as she can. Not only did she have to deal with school, unsupportive friends, and her passion for acting, but also she had to deal with her own emotions through the hard times ahead.

Before starting this book it is helpful to know that each and every person has their own personal struggles and the story of Lupita’s family is one to remember. The continuous themes of self identification, nature, and hardship attract many different types of readers. Lupita goes through struggles with finding herself while her mother is sick. She realized her true selfless character as she had to take care of her entire family while her mami and papi are away at the hospital. The theme of nature comes into play when Lupita wrote poems under the mesquite as an escape from her problems. Nature played a major role in the book as well as what we have been talking about in class in the sense that it is featured in Frankenstein and the Bible. Lupita used nature as an escape from her problems as she goes to write poems under the mesquite. In Frankenstein, nature was a main theme because Victor goes against nature to create a being which leads him to many problems. Lupita benefits when using nature, while Victor uses it in the wrong ways going against God resulting in hurting his family members. The concept of nature is featured many times in the Bible with the creation of earth and the story of Adam and Eve. Under the Mesquite by Guadalupe Garcia McCall was an engaging poem that conveyed the story of a young girl and her difficult yet inspiring childhood.

Ellie K.

Author Guadalupe Garcia McCall’s book Under the Mesquite tree is a rainy day in the physical form. She her verse writing, the syllables placidly fall upon the page, as you are gently lulled into the story of teenage Lupita. I have always been a fan of stories in verse. The simplicity of the method allows more attention to be paid to the beauty of the word choice and description. Author McCall uses a youthful voice with full bodied adjectives to create a story that is refreshing and still satisfying. The sprinkling of Spanish words and phrases also add extra spice to the mix. .This book is beautiful, although heartbreaking. In the short 224 pages, you see a girl lose her innocence and fully transcend into the responsibilities adulthood. Many of her struggles and voice are relatable, such of moving to a new town or struggling in school. But many of her struggles are something I couldn’t imagine going through and make the reader think about many things we take for granted. Like moving to a new country, learning a new language, or taking care of her siblings alone, while her mother and father are away at a cancer treatment center. She replaces her own wants and needs, as well as her high hopes and dreams, with other’s needs as the books progress.Page 110 starts the chapter “What’s gone” and begins, “I used to look forward to the weekend the way I looked forward to the spring. Now one day is the same was the next. Outside everything is green and full of life, which makes everything inside our house that more depressing. “ Lupita is so aware of her transition from childhood, and occasionally mourns her losses. But she does not feel sorry for herself. Her resilience, like the resilience of the mesquite in a rose garden is what makes the reader feel so much sympathy for her character.

`As a teen I appreciated the way Guadalupe Garcia McCall wrote the character Lupita. Often when adult writers write from the point of teens, they reduce their intelligence and maturity to match their perceived idea of teenagers, but this author thankfully allows Lupita to be mature with room to still grow and develop. Another large difference between Under the Mesquite and many YA novels is the lack of a romantic interest. The true love story is between a mother and daughter, and her need to help her family.

This books shines through its simplicity. It’s a quick read but Lupita’s family will quickly charm you into falling in love with their story. If you are looking for an artistic novel with a strong yet believable teen character, this is a book for you.