OYENTE

LUIS MARTINEZ

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“Between Cross and Owl: The Spiritual Awakening of a Boy in Bless Me, Ultima”

Total
5 out of 5 stars
Ejecución
5 out of 5 stars
Historia
5 out of 5 stars

Revisado: 05-07-25

Rudolfo Anaya’s Bless Me, Ultima is a deeply moving coming-of-age novel that blends spirituality, cultural identity, and moral complexity through the eyes of young Antonio Márez.

What stood out most to me was the richness of the spiritual and cultural traditions—especially the character of Ultima, a curandera (healer) whose wisdom, mystery, and quiet strength anchor the story. Her relationship with Antonio is tender and transformative, guiding him through the turbulent questions of faith, good and evil, and the clash of tradition and modernity.

The book is layered with themes: the tension between Catholicism and indigenous spirituality, the struggle between destiny and free will, the definition of good and evil, and the role of nature and the supernatural. Antonio’s inner turmoil—caught between his mother’s dreams of priesthood and his father’s longing for freedom—mirrors the broader cultural conflicts of Mexican-American identity.

I would recommend this novel to anyone interested in literature that’s both poetic and profound. Anaya’s lyrical prose and symbolic storytelling invite readers to reflect on their own journeys of belief, identity, and conscience.

Book vs. Movie:
While the 2013 film adaptation captures the basic storyline and visual beauty of the New Mexico setting, it lacks much of the depth and nuance of the novel. Key internal monologues and philosophical reflections—especially Antonio’s spiritual crises—are simplified or omitted, which softens the impact of the story’s deeper themes. Characters like Ultima and Gabriel are portrayed well, but the emotional and cultural complexity feels compressed.

Does it change the story substantially?
Not in terms of plot, but definitely in tone and depth. The movie is a faithful surface-level adaptation, but it doesn’t convey the full richness of Anaya’s symbolism, moral ambiguity, or inner conflict. For the full experience, the book is essential.

Additionally, I listened to the audiobook. THAT is a whole “other” experience, which gives the Listener a “fireside chat”-type of experience that cannot be replicated by merely reading the book. It’s like you’re there with the author, while he conveys an autobiographical experience with you. I highly recommend the audiobook as well.

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Trump’s commitment to excellence.

Total
5 out of 5 stars
Ejecución
5 out of 5 stars
Historia
5 out of 5 stars

Revisado: 02-26-25

Trump is real, Trump is right, and Trump is one of the greatest leaders of all time. There is love here; there is compassion; and there is a genuine concern for people and country. No wonder he is our President today—and, without a doubt, he is the best President in my lifetime and perhaps the best President of all time.

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VULNERABLE INSIGHTFUL POWERFUL

Total
5 out of 5 stars
Ejecución
5 out of 5 stars
Historia
5 out of 5 stars

Revisado: 01-05-24

The vulnerability and honesty of the author is compelling, especially in the audio version. This is a LIVED experience and Dr. Challinor’s Scriptural references regarding purity were entirely relevant and on point. I will absolutely recommend this book to all my brothers and sisters in Christ. I actually have a weekly purity Class for Men (online) and I plan to use Dr. Challinor’s outstanding book in our next session. Thank you for this gift to the kingdom, Ricky!

Luis J. Martinez
Harvard University MPP
Doctoral Candidate ICCM

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