Hi there friends! I've been faithfully reading a chapter each week to finish this book by the time we meet next month. I'm now on the chapter titled "The Fort". I've been working on this book now (lets see, I'll count the chapters read so far...) for 10 weeks. It has helped me grow as a reader of fat books, and the history is so cool! Every one of my friends at work, and my family is learning historical trivia as I become excited over new facts.
For example, why were the black soldiers called Buffalo soldiers (hint, it is in the hair)?
And, I tell any listener who looks the least bit interested, did you know Texans were first Texicans to rhyme with Mexicans, then Texians, then Texans?
It is really an awesome book. Right now I'm reading about Rattlesnake Peavine and Comanche Chief Matark. What bastards. Anyone who thinks life isn't fair should read a bit of history. Yes, it isn't fair that your insurance company denies your claim, or that you are the only one in the family washing dishes, but how about having your ears burned off a little bit at a time by Comanche? Or, how about being hung by Texas Rangers because you happened to be Mexican?
I really enjoyed the book and learning a part of the Mexican and our American history that I didn't learn in high school. More later. Barb
ReplyDeleteI was delighted to find that this book started differently than other Michener books I have read. As always, he writes in a beautiful, descriptive manner. The first two chapters, however, seemed to never end. However, the third chapter was more interesting to me. This chapter clearly describes the various racial prejudices in the various early cultures in Texas. Interestingly, the same prejudices were in place in Colorado as I was growing up in the early 1960s. I couldn't understand the prejudices then, but at least now I understand their beginnings. When groups of people teach their children that their culture is better than others or that their religion is the only true religion, a very sad situation occurs. Sadly, in the Task Force comments to this chapter, the expert clearly describes the problems existing today between the United States/Mexico borders. The fourth chapter describes the different religions and how they affect the followers of each. I loved Mattie for her work ethic and for her ability to love each and every one no matter their ethnicity or religious background.
ReplyDeleteI have read nine chapters so far and will start on "The Fort" next.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite chapter was the story of Trinidad Saldana in "El Camino Real". Even though Domingo Garza turned out to be the best man for Trinidad, her grandfather sent his family away because he wanted her to marry a man from Spain. This thing about pure bloodlines seems to cause a lot of trouble throughout history. I loved the part where Domingo beats up Mordecai Marr to avenge Trinidad's honor. And all this happened to Trinidad between the ages of 15 and 17.
I agree with Terrie about Mattie Quimper. She ran that ferry with a lot of determination. Her son Yancy was a first class weasel though.
Around the time of the Alamo, Santa Anna published some rules including this:
"Absolutely no further immigration of any kind from the American states into Tejas or any other part of Mexico". Now it is 160 years later and it is the other way around.