Key Book Omitted From Literature List

In Mary Yarber’s education column dealing with ethnic literature in the schools (Times, Oct. 25), she omitted mention of a book that is a favorite of Hispanic students here at Venice High School, Rudolfo Anaya’s “Bless Me, Ultima.” It is a lyrical portrait of a youth growing up, torn between his mother’s and his father’s wishes for him and for themselves. Written in English and Spanish, the novel focuses also on the boy’s struggle to determine whether his grandmother is a bruja (evil sorceress) or a curandera (a benevolent one), so students get to examine mysticism, spiritualism and alternative healing, all rich aspects of Hispanic culture. To omit “Bless Me, Ultima” is to omit a masterpiece!

WENDY FAIRBANKS

English department,

Venice High School