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I think that each story we've read from week 1-6 has been interesting. Each has exposed me to something new and intriguing. However, I think that Mexican Gothic is my favorite so far. I would absolutely recommend it to others. I really enjoy Moreno-Garcia's writing style. I am fascinated by and enjoy researching folklore/ the supernatural/etc. so I really enjoy the nods she gives to things like the ouroboros, evil eye, and Noemi's general love for anthropology. I also really enjoy that the author did so much research on a variety of things and pulls multiple topics together. She merges superstitions, history, culture, and ideologies so well. This was something I admired about Octavia Butler and "Bloodchild" as well. I think it is very impressive when an author can weave multiple topics that seemingly have no connections together.

I chose the above selection from Ch. 11 in Mexican Gothic because I liked the use of imagery here. When describing the house in Noemi's dream as a sickly body, Moreno-Garcia paints this so vividly I can imagine it easily. It's not often that I read a book and can see what the author is describing so clearly. I also appreciate that Moreno-Garcia only uses a few sentences to do so, yet it's so effective.

I would recommend this book for multiple reasons. To begin, it had me hooked from the beginning. All of the characters are intriguing, the descriptions are done very well, and I can't figure out what is going on! Sometimes I read a book and can figure out the plot too quickly. This one has so many details and possibilities. I have some theories as to what's happening, but it still keeps me guessing.

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The Company of Wolves - Angela Carter

I choose this selection from The Norton Anthology of Literature by Women, Vol. 2, pages 1223-1224. I think its a great attention grabber to continue wanting to read this modern-day retell of Little Red Riding Hood. Elements like the "...carving knife in the basket.." and mention of the "...harsh liquor" (Carter 1224) tucked in the basket make it dark and mature content. Also, a hit of nostalgia with mention of the iconic "...thick shawl...over her head.." (Carter 1224). I would hope this selection would lead the reader to be intrigued to continue.

Diana Gast

Diana Gast

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Out of all the stories we have read so far "Mexican Gothic" has definitely been my favorite. The wat Moreno Garcia writes about her characters and writes about the scenes makes you feel like you are in a thriller. I chose this part because I liked how much Noemi refused to agree that the home was cursed. "It all sounds tragic, but I'm not sure I'd call it a curse.", "...The Doyles and their servants were all and odd lot, but a curse? No." Every negative thing said about the High Place is shot down Noemi, even after she goes back and thinks about her nightmare. Why I like this section and this book so much is because of the superstition all around it. Moreno gives enough foreshadowing to keep you interested, and also gives enough fascination in her stories. I also love how different and creative her stories are, even though she is trying to stray away from the horror "gothic" and doing psychological "gothic", but still connecting them.

-Barbara Sides

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Of all our readings we have done from weeks 1-6 the reading there are two I want to address. The first story is the one I found most interesting, Bloodchild by Octavia Butler this is a unique role reversal and the use of a male main character is a unique trait to the female gothic category but it does an excellent job addressing female struggles. The story is powerful and produces a strong visceral reaction from the audience. It really is unlike anything I’ve read before. While I found Bloodchild to be the most interesting my favorite story we have read so far is Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia it feels modern and is interesting and does a good job incorporating female gothic traits. The story is definitely doing a good job of building suspense and foreshadowing to keep the readers interested. For everything that is revealed 3 more questions follow. Mexican Gothic is a book I would definitely recommend to all my friends and that they wouldn’t believe is a book I’ve read in class.

-Mya Reyes

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I am finding the Mexican Gothic to be really interesting, more so than I thought I would. I chose the underlined quote specifically because I thought it showed that Florence knows what Neomí is doing with her smart remarks/sassiness.

I feel as if Florence has been and experienced life outside of the High Place and she knows that beauty can bring women attention but the same attention that causes people to look at them and gain attention can have negative effects.

Like Florence isn’t just seeing nor saying that as an observation either. That she’s older now and may be more plain and simple and just not drawing attention to herself while she lives in the High Place but I feel like she knows what she’s talking about potentially from personal experience like we find out that she lost her husband and ended up right back at the High Place, that the Doyle family is destined to remain there so there’s no purpose in fighting to get out. But in a way Florence is telling Noemí that she needs to watch her actions because the quick witted comments can cause her trouble if she’s not careful and just because she’s pretty it won’t get her a pass at the consequences of any potential bad actions all the time.

- Hillary

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I picked this section of the book because I think it is a very relatable topic for many women. Navigating relationships can be difficult when a lot of the men you meet do not seem to have the same respect for you as you do for them. Marriages and relationships are portrayed in such a whimsical way in books and movies, causing us to build this dream up in our head when in reality most relationships do not work like that. It can be a devastating contrast when you enter the dating world realizing you my never get that dream.

I would use this passage to recommend this book to others because it is refreshing to hear this view of relationships portrayed in a book instead of the fairytale romance that is normally written.

-Greta Harkness

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I enjoyed reading Bloodchild by Octavia Butler. The change in my regular reading let me know I enjoyed this kind of genre. I’ve read the Harry Potter series but other than that, fantasy has never been on my radar. Bloodchild showcases the eminent power held over us through gender identity. By reversing the roles between men and women, Octavia Butler explains power dynamic. My favorite part of the story is when Gan takes his sisters place when he realizes T’Gatoi will take her to impregnate. He saw what it does and how rough it was and he wanted to protect her. It goes to show the pain someone is willing to go through to save someone else. As weird as the story may be to some, it was a sweet sentiment and a meaningful thought.

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The Company of Wolves- Angela Carter

I chose this selection because I thought that this was a very interesting read and I would recommend this to others. For me this reading made me take a step back and dissect the meaning of it. I liked it because it provided a bit of a challenge for me. I like the ending where she almost "tames" the wolf in a way or "tames" the man. "See! sweet and sound she sleeps in granny’s bed, between the paws of the tender wolf." (Carter 1228)

-Myra Thompson

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I have enjoyed all the readings so far. However, “The Company of Wolves” by Angela Carter, has by far been the most memorable this far. This piece made me pause in surprise a handful of times but more specifically this part “Then her second husband came in with wood for the fire and when the first one saw she'd slept with another man and, worse, clapped his red eyes on her little children, who'd crept into the kitchen to see what all the din was about,

he shouted: "I wish I were a wolf again, to teach this whore a lesson!" So a wolf he instantly became and tore off the eldest boy's left foot before he was chopped up with the hatchet they used for chopping logs.” (Carter 1223) I believe the intensity of the language followed by the randomness of the wolf “tearing off the eldest boys left leg” gave a quality to the story that had me engaged. I even stopped reading to run and read this specific section to family members telling them they should try looking up the short story. -Melanie McFarlane

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This passage is nearly devastating. After an adolescence of "performing," as Moreno-Garcia puts it, Catalina is at last living. Or, is no longer acting, or playing a role. She is immersed in the fantastic that, when reading about, is quite pleasant. However, now that she is living what she adored, she became so disillusioned that she fell ill.

It is precisely this idea of becoming disillusioned that is so devastating, and so real. The acknowledgment of reality and optimism are at a standstill. It seems that more often than not we hear stories of people striving to reach a position, only to hear that they find it not to be as glorious as they thought it would be. So, with this knowledge, how could someone have a true dream? It seems like we should anticipate the absolute worst, yet remain forward looking. We are taught to be critical thinkers, and when we think critically, we inevitably end up disillusioned. At this point, we can take a tincture crafted by Marta Duval; or, we can dress fashionably, smoke Gauloises, and march on. Passed High Place, passed the cemeteries, and into the clear mountain morning.

-spot

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My personal favorite reading was “Bloodchild” by Octavia Butler. I was skeptical prior to reading this story on whether I would enjoy it or not, but “Bloodchild” ended up being my favorite reading from class so far, and one of my favorite readings ever. I really loved the concept of this story too. One section from “Bloodchild” that really caught me by surprise was a quote that reads, ““I wouldn’t have shot you,” I said. “Not you.” She had been taken from my father’s flesh when he was my age”” (Butler 1320). This quote really made me emotional for two reasons. The first reason being that Gan deeply cares for T'Gatoi, even though she is a completely different species, and they aren’t supposed to care for each other so deeply. The second reason being that the process of birth, when pertaining to the Tlic, is a repetitive cycle that has affected someone very close to Gan, and this process will likely never end. The Terrans will probably always be hosts for the Tlic's offspring, even though many Terrans will continue to die. Overall, I really enjoyed this reading, and would recommend it to anyone! It’s a tragic, but also very rewarding piece of literature to read.

-Amber Hooker

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One of the most intriguing stories that I found during weeks 1-6 was “Bloodchild” by Octavia Butler. It was a bit confusing at first but after understanding it, the reader understood that the main protagonist was a male but the one who was in charge was a female. Even though this story is set on a alternate world with different species it’s clear that one species is superior to the other. The other species being mainly women that were superior. I found it to not only be the female gothic but also sci-fi. It was interesting how the author made a male the protagonist but made sure to let the readers know who was in charge in that world, women. I would recommend others to read this story.

“Mexican Gothic” has also been so different and intriguing. It’s very modern and shows more of the thriller, suspenseful side of female gothic storytelling. I’m very anxious to continue reading and seeing where the story goes.

~ Stephanie Mendoza

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For this padlet, I chose the entirety of Bloodchild, but specifically the chilling last words of the short story. I had already discussed a few weeks ago about this terrifying and manipulative relationship that T'Gatoi and Gan have, and I couldn't get it out of my head since. I've been recommending this short story to everyone and even recently saw something about centipede mothers holding their young in the same way as described in "Bloodchild". To be honest, I'm just freewriting here - I don't have anything very deep to say, just that the story has burrowed its way into my head in a way that a book or story hasn't in quite a while.

Daniel Walton

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I chose The Company of Wolves the most interesting story. I enjoyed the fact that it was based on the children’s store “Little Red Robin Hood”. It is a very dark story with an unexpected ending. I had to read this multiple times to get a different perspective of the story as it has very different concept than the children’s version. It is more scary and somewhat gruesome compared to other stories I have read. 

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Week 6 Reading from Week 1-6 “The Company of Wolves” by Angela Carter 

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Week 6 Reading from Week 1-6 “The Company of Wolves” by Angela Carter 

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Jessica Sherrod

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Of all the stories we have read from weeks 1-6 I find Mexican Gothic to be my absolute favorite. I really appreciate the uncommonly represented themes of the story and especially within their characters personalities and dynamics.

In particular, i really loved seeing the relationship between Noemi and her father. It brings a sense of recognition for me personally as a daughter who feels that the expectations of her father bear a bigger load on my mind in comparison to others opinions of me. Especially when the father and or parent had to build and sacrifice to provide the life we lead. It is not often that many writers are able to capture such a crucial part of a parental relationship, especially with fathers. The desire to want to live up to the figure you have admired and found yourself to be molded after and the need to make your parent proud. While also carrying the need to make yourself known and feel personally self accomplished, even when you don't know your direction in life. I also love how Noemi doesn't let men define her, life is her story and others are a mere part of it.

I would absolutely recommend the book to others as not only a thrilling read but a visual of both cultural and personal representation.

~Ruby Guzman

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Through all the readings from Week 1-6, I enjoyed reading "Bloodchild" the most. I personally enjoyed this and would recommend this to others, because I found it interesting in a way which leaves you with questions. I would re-read a couple of parts to understand the meaning behind it. For example, I was able to see that Gan allowed this situation of being impregnated by a Tlic egg as he later on confessed to T'Gatoi that he wanted "to keep you for myself" (Butler 1320). Reading more led me to understand a more affectionate relationship between one another. Overall, this story is very interesting as you keep reading which I think others should experience as well.

~ Jummanah Musleh

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My favorite reading from week 7-11 was Virginia Woolf's A Room of One's Own. I am taking this course alongside a Women in Humanities course. I liked how well this piece connected with what I'd been thinking while studying women's history. I found myself nodding along to Woolf's ideas. Women are so often dismissed and forgotten in history. In many cases, their stories were never recorded at all. Growing up I also often found myself wanting to know more about the women of the past. Your typical grammar to high school education doesn't teach about many women in any field. I found Woolf's ending very powerful and inspiring. It reminded me of a post I'd read online that said something to the effect of "write as if the ghosts of the women of the past are standing beside you". I love the idea that despite the fact that we still have a long way to go in terms of equality, every stride we take - regardless of how big or small - is important and that by taking advantage of the opportunities given to us, we are honoring the women of the past who were not able to do so.

-Emily Luna

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The reading that I enjoyed and would recommend to others is Sweat by Zora Neale Hurston.

I think this story was interesting, the writing was different and one that I am not used to it gave personality and depth to the story. There have been many other readings where they don’t capture the incense or characteristics of a character because of the choice of words or language. “Sweat” particularly was about a woman named Delia and how she deserved better than what she had got in a partner. Delia is the main character, and her husband Sykes is not a good person. Sykes beats her and cheats on her constantly. Delia is a strong woman through and works for herself, and him. In the end I believe everyone got what they deserved as Sykes met the end he was always meant to meet. I hope that Delia was able to live the rest of her days happy and content. It really portrayed how in the end woman win, Delia especially deserved it.

I wish this story was longer it was interesting.

-Stephanie Mendoza

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A reading that I personally enjoyed from weeks 7-11 was “Pas Fe White” by Louise Bennett. I enjoyed this poem because I had never heard anything like it before. I like how she wrote it and the entire reading makes me stop and think. I think it is interesting how she makes a mockery of how people think people from Jamaica talk. I would recommend this to other people because it is a very eye opening poem. 

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Myra Thompson

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The work that we have read recently that I would recommend is A Room of One's Own by Virginia Woolf. A few years ago it became obvious to me that I was neglecting women writers, to remedy this I read To The Lighthouse. Virginia Woolf is the very reason I am enrolled in this class; the selections of A Room of One's Own speak to the necessity of the class. Thanks to Virginia Woolf, in a general sense, I am aware of the beauty and importance of the female perspective. Thanks to A Room of One's Own, I am evermore aware of the importance of acknowledging, accepting, and celebrating the works of women. This importance is an obvious and vibrant take away from A Room of One's Own, and for that very reason I would recommend it to any and all.

-spot

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No Name Woman by Maxine Hong Kingston

I enjoyed No Name Woman by Maxine Hong Kingston. This selection stuck with me because of the rawness behind its truth. To not be able to act on something you want, and watch it come and go. I enjoyed how she compared them to cherry blossoms, their beauty is short lived. I appreciate how she notes her aunt "...let her dreams grow...went toward what persisted" ( Kingston 1232).

Diana Gast

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My favorite reading from Week 7-11 is Sweat. This tale was an inspiring read from the very beginning. We are introduced to Delia and the readers can see how hard working she is within the first paragraph. The reader is also very quickly aware of the fact that Delia is in an abusive relationship and is not appreciated by her husband even though she provides everything for the house. We see Delia being disrespected and mistreated several times but the audience also sees Delia defend herself and not let her husband Sky get to her. She is so self aware and strong that when her husband upsets her she finds peace in that she provided herself a home she is proud of and loves. And that none of her husbands actions are her fault or a reflection of herself. I also like that Delia stayed true to herself and her beliefs and in the end her husband’s bad karma caught up with him and she found her escape from the torment. I would definitely recommend this story it had an incredible message and is told in an easy to follow way.

-Mya Reyes

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One of the selections from the readings Week 7-11 that I enjoyed was "Room of One's Own" by Virginia Woolf. I enjoyed reading this story as it talks about the lack of education women had with writing, and literature itself. The story title is a symbolization of how women need a room of their own in order to write which I found interesting. It was interesting to read Woolf's POV towards the disadvantages women had, and restrictions. I think the story provides important information about women in literature, and believe other people would enjoy reading this as well.                                                            

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~ Jummanah Musleh

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The reading I enjoyed most and would recommend to someone else is A Room of One’s Own. I believe this selection gives a beautiful insight and perspective that most people are missing. The way Woolf presents the idea of Shakespeare’s sister and the writing style she uses leaves a haunting impression on the mind of the reader

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"I Have Been a Stranger in a Strange Land" Rita Dove

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The reading that I enjoyed from weeks 7-11 was Rita Dove's Poem, "I Have Been a Stranger in a Strange Land". I loved the overall message and overarching themes that follow the story of the piece. In particular these verses spoke heavily to me as a summation of the theme. Being close to what you know you can reach, and only being left with the feeling with what could have been. I really adore the voice Dove gives to this poem, she speaks seemingly from experience.

~Ruby Guzman

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I enjoyed "How I Got That Name" by Marilyn Chin. I liked that she was very honest in her writing. She felt as though because she was a woman she was boiled down to being the wife or daughter of someone and that was her legacy. She writes "Oh, how trustworthy our daughters, how thrifty our sons! How we've managed to fool the experts in education, statistics and demography— We're not very creative but not adverse to rote-learning" (Chin 1419). This stuck with my because I have noticed every time I see a woman on the news who was a victim of something, they begin the story with whose mother, daughter, or wife she was. This was an interesting perspective to read.

-Greta Harkness

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“I have been a stranger in a strange land” By Rita Dove

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“I have been a stranger in a strange land” By Rita Dove

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Out of all of our assigned readings from weeks seven to eleven, my personal favorite reading was “I have been a stranger in a strange land” by Rita Dove. This piece really spoke to me on a very personal level, especially due to the fact that the woman in this story frequently feels out of place in the environment she lives in. One specific quote that I loved, though, reads, “That’s when she found the tree, the dark, crabbed branches bearing up such speechless bounty, she knew without being told this was forbidden. It wasn’t a question of ownership— who could lay claim to such maddening perfection?” This quote really sounded beautifully written, and it made me stop and think for a long time aswell about my own life, and what I hold dear that not many others would appreciate. I also always felt like this quote was symbolism for the isolated woman in this story being able to have a safe place to be herself, which is very intriguing and beautiful to me. I would without a doubt recommend this story to everyone, and I believe every person can relate to it. There are aspects of every single person that are strange or different, and this story embraces that.

-Amber Hooker

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I genuinely loved reading Mexican Gothic. I ended up listening to the book on audio and it brought a lot of scenarios almost to life. What pulled me in was Noemi’s constant changes in decision making about school, because I felt a lot of people could relate. Her willingness to figure out the problem behind her cousins trouble made her level headed and gave her more strength to solve the problem. In the end, she chose love over what she initially wanted and I thought that was a big event in her life. She didn’t know what to expect but she was already on fight mode to keep the bad away. 

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Amanda Barrios

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"Sweat" by Zora Neale Hurtson was my favorite reading from week 7-11. The story was interesting on its own but one of themes of women's resilience really stuck out to me and I specifically enjoyed the book because of this theme. Delia Jones is a hardworking woman in the 1920's trapped in an abusive relationship. Throughout the story we see Delia simply enduring the pain that is caused by her husband Skyes until one day Delia had enough and refused to be intimiated by his threats. You can really see the theme of not only women's resilience but also self empowerment. Both these themes stuck out to me which made this story my favorite.

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My favorite piece of writing that we have read is "A Room of One's Own" by Virginia Woolf. It's my favorite because of how she uses historical experiences and creates experiences to show how women have been treated in the past. I believe it's such an important piece of writing, not just for women, but for everyone to show how hard it is for women's voices to be heard, and it's been happening since the beginning of time.

-Barbara Sides

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Week 12 - Selection from "That Half Is Almost Gone", again

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Week 12 - Selection from "That Half Is Almost Gone", again

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This poem is one that I have reread several times since week 9. It affected me deeply in such a way that I can't quite describe; even though I am a person that has not felt the way the author feels or had a similar experience. There are many passages that hit, but this one right here got me as well - being unable to remember how to tell your mother "I love you" in your shared native language is a tragedy of faded memory that I cannot fathom, and not only is it a reflection of the loss of cultural identity but also the beauty in the following line about never forgetting in your heart what your loved ones make you feel that transcends language.

Daniel Walton