# data[].attributes.body
Taylor and Lou Ann's differing opinions of men might have to do with how they were raised. Lou Ann grew up with a father, while Taylor did not. Not having a father in her life might have changed the way Taylor views men. She has a more negative outlook on men than Lou Ann does.

# data[].attributes.body
it is very likely that Taylor's momma would not have married if Taylor was there because she would be focusing on Taylor and Turtle more therefor she would not have really had time to go look for someone to marry.

# data[].attributes.body
There are parts of this novel that are very dark, and they hurt my soul; however, such is life. Every day is an odd combination of triumph and failure, or pain and pleasure, of excitement and disappointment. The dark spots in the day, as in the book, help us to appreciate the bright spots even more. I am glad that I have not had to endure the hardships in parts of this book, but reading about them helps me to understand them and build empathy for situations that I have never even considerec.

# data[].attributes.body
The way they grew up and the way they lived on their own may have an effect on how they feel about men.

# data[].attributes.body
No, this novel is not too dark. It is not because there are some dark, sad things that happen, but the author does not dwell on them.

# data[].attributes.body
Personally, I do not think Taylor's mom would have gotten married if Taylor would not have left. The two love each other, yet they hold each other back. They spent all their time worrying and taking care of each other.

# data[].attributes.body
Taylor's mom would have never gotten married if Taylor did not move. Her mom would have been less lonely and had some one to keep her company if Taylor was still in Kentucky. Her mom was use to having to care for someone and having someone to talk to and when Taylor left that all left with her.

# data[].attributes.body
Taylor's mother probably wouldn't have married if Taylor never left because she would be trying to care for Taylor and Turtle and make sure they have a self-sufficient life. But on the other hand she might have so that maybe Turtle could have some sort of male figure in her life.

# data[].attributes.body
In my opinion this story is not as dark as what I normally would read. The books that I chose are about murder or torture in some way. The main character may be abused or even a diagnosed psychopath. I prefer something with a lot of gore personally.

# data[].attributes.body
The most obvious reason of why their views on men are different and it could be because of their father figures Taylor did not have a dad growing up while Lou Ann did.

# data[].attributes.body
It is unlikely that Taylor's mom would remarry if Taylor stayed due to the effort and attention that she would have to give both Taylor and Turtle.

# data[].attributes.body
The opposing view on men, might be because of family dynamic. Lou Ann loved her family, and loved her father, while Taylor lacked a father figure over her childhood. Taylor's mother could have focused more on the disappointments that men bring into your life instead of the high points to counteract how Taylor may have felt about her absent father, and to keep her from getting pregnant.

# data[].attributes.body
Taylor growing up with an absent father might have led her to believe that men are not good and that she could go without one.

# data[].attributes.body
Taylor and her  mother seemed fairly content with the way things were in their home before Taylor's move.  Their lives were full of each other. When Taylor left, her mother had to fill that void, so she found someone to share her life with. In the same respect, Taylor also created a family to take the place of her mother. It was necessary for the two of them to part ways so that they could form new relationships. I don't know that either of them would have moved forward unless Taylor had moved out.

# data[].attributes.body
Taylor and Lou Ann have very different opinions on men. Taylor has the view and opinion that she does not need a man, and this might be because she was raised without a man or a father in the house. Lou Ann has the opinion that she would like a man in the house and this could be that she was raised with a man in the house. Lou Ann has a more positive view on men than Taylor, who has a negative view on them.

# data[].attributes.body
Taylor did not grow up with a father figure. Her mother also did not have a good experience with men. Her hometown did not have a wide selection of good men. On the other hand, Lou Ann had been in love. She also had a child with her husband.

# data[].attributes.body
Taylor's mother would not have married if Taylor would have stayed. Taylor and her mother were very close and when Taylor left her mother would have been lonely because she was the only family she had.

# data[].attributes.body
Taylor's mom would not have remarried. She only married because it is her way of coping with her child leaving her home. It is also a way for her to feel like she is not completely alone if she is living with somebody.

# data[].attributes.body
No, this novel is not too dark for me. Yes, it can be very dark and grim at times but while reading through the bad and good you can see the character growth and possibly some growth in yourself. Books like this can be hard to read but are always far more beneficial at the end of the day due to the lessons learned and the broader mindset gained throughout the chapters.

# data[].attributes.body
If Taylor would have stayed, her mom would not have gotten married. With Taylor gone, I feel she has gotten lonely and she thinks marrying someone will help this loneliness. She needed someone to take the place of Taylor in her life.

# data[].attributes.body
Not at all. To me it is a great novel so far show casing women's ability to stay strong and be powerful role models.

# data[].attributes.body
Taylor thinks there is no one out there for her. I think Taylor has low confidence for herself so she chooses to push them away. Also Lou Ann and Taylor were raised differently. Taylor did not have a father growing up and Lou Ann did.

# data[].attributes.body
Their views on men most likely have to do with their interactions and situations they have faced. Taylor does not really care for a mans company because she was raised in a place where girls were getting pregnant and having to get married at a very young age. She did not want that for herself so she left and still has that feeling towards most men. Lou Ann may be the way she is with men because she grew up with them more in her life because her dad was there.

# data[].attributes.body
Taylor and her mother were very close and I believe that Taylor would have convinced her not to marry. Also if Taylor and Turtle lived with her, she would not need anyone to keep her company.

# data[].attributes.body
I'm stuck in the middle because it is nice of Lou-Ann to help find a name for Turtle but it is also Taylor's decision. Taylor shouldn't have been so harsh either.

# data[].attributes.body
Taylor's mom would have probably not married if Taylor had never moved away. Taylor's mom no longer has any living with her, and from what is read Taylor's home sounds very basic. Her mom is probably just bored and wants to be able to talk or care for someone since Taylor left.

# data[].attributes.body
Taylor's lack of a father figure severely affected her ideas about men and how important they are to her. Lou Ann had a father figure but lacks self confidence.

# data[].attributes.body
Edna and Virgie Mae might have been included to show a popular American view on immigrants and their role in this country. Mattie tries to intercede for immigrants and provide refuge, while Virgie Mae thinks immigrants should conform to the American societal view or leave. That shows the dispute pertaining to immigration based on the two ideologies.

# data[].attributes.body
No, while this novel can be very dark, it is just showing you the life of Taylor and these kinds of things really do happen maybe not as much today but they do still happen. So no this book is not too dark.

# data[].attributes.body
Taylor's mother probably would not have married if Taylor stayed. The two spent the majority of their time together and were never lonely because they had each other. Taylor moving out most likely made her mother feel lonely and therefore led to her getting engaged so she wouldn't feel lonely anymore.

# data[].attributes.body
They could have a different view on men because of the father figure present in their childhood. But it could also be that Taylor just has no connection with men and doesn't see them as something that could help her. It could just be a mental thing that she has going on. All of the men that were present in her life were all bad influences.

# data[].attributes.body
Personally I am half-and-half on the situation. It is important for Turtle to have a real name. However, it is Taylor's decision on what to name her and when. Lou Ann was only trying to be helpful. Taylor was not understanding enough.

# data[].attributes.body
Edna and Virgie Mae might have been included to show a common American view on immigrants and their place in America. Mattie tries to aid the immigrants and provide refuge, while Virgie Mae thinks immigrants should be straight up American in society's view or just leave and don't come back.

# data[].attributes.body
I see three possible answers to this question.
1)  Taylor was raised by a very strong and independent mother, so she never felt that she needed a man.  Lou Ann raised in a very different household with very traditional gender roles.  Both of them used the way that they were raised to function in the world.
2)  Some people are weak and some people are strong.  They are born that way.  No amount of training or "nurturing" can change that in some folks.  Taylor was just more resilient than Lou Ann.  It is embedded deeply within her.  Because of this, she will NEVER be a doormat for anyone.
3) Life experiences can either serve to make you stronger, or they can destroy you. Both Taylor and Lou Ann have had experiences that would turn them off from men. For Taylor, because of her nature, this made her stronger. For Lou Ann, it made her weaker and more dependent. Her low self-esteem was something both inherent and something exacerbated by abandonment.

# data[].attributes.body
Turtle is not Lou Ann's responsibility, therefore there is no reason for her to have a say in Turtle's name, as they are not co-parenting or sharing the sole responsibility as tho who's daughter that is. Lou Ann trying to change Turtle's name to what she deems is more suitable would not be right because she is not Turtle's mom or dad, this is not an issue for a "family" to try and figure out, so Taylor should do whatever she thinks is best.

# data[].attributes.body
In my opinion, I feel that Taylor's mother would have not gotten married if Taylor didn't move out. Taylor and her mother looked out for each other. Taylor's mother would be focused on Taylor if she would have stayed. They spent all of their time together and Taylor's mom wouldn't have gotten married due to her child.

# data[].attributes.body
The purpose for Edna and Virgie Mae is to show another view on different subjects especially immigration. Because Mattie tries to help the immigrants and Edna and Virgie are kind of against it and think differently. This goes against the majority of the people in the story siding more with Mattie sympathy and shows a different view.

# data[].attributes.body
I agree with both. Turtle should not be a name for a little girl and Lou Ann knew it wasn't right to name her Turtle. Also Lou Ann does not have the right to name the child either because it's not her daughter.

# data[].attributes.body
Taylor's mother would not have married if Taylor were still living there. She would be too focused on taking care of Turtle and Taylor so she would not have time to go and look for someone to marry.

# data[].attributes.body
The different views on men Taylor and Lou Ann have are probably caused by the role men had in their lives when they were growing up. Lou Ann had a father while Taylor did not. Taylor growing up without a father caused her to see men in a negative way.

# data[].attributes.body
I believe that Taylor is right to keep Turtle a part of April's. In keeping Turtle she doesn't have to have the weight from her past with the name April dragged along with her and when Turtle is old enough can decide which of the two she would prefer to use.

# data[].attributes.body
I do not think that Taylor's mom would have married if Taylor had never moved out. They had grown up with just each other and it might have been difficult to transition into having a father-figure in the home. Because of the love that Taylor's mom had for her, it might be difficult for Taylor's mom to love her new husband and Taylor at the same time.

# data[].attributes.body
Taylor and Lou Ann have very different views on men because of the way they were raised. Lou Ann had a father, and being in a family such as her's, she has a better view of what a respectful man acts like. Taylor, however, did not have a father figure. Instead, the men where Taylor grew up were mostly not respectful.

# data[].attributes.body
For me I am half and half it is very kind of Lou Ann to try and help try and give Turtle a Better name but it is Taylor's decision because she is the one who basically adopted Turtle and is taking care of her. So if I had to choose I would side with Taylor more on this argument.

# data[].attributes.body
Their different views on men might have to do with the way they were both raised. Lou Ann grew up with a father while Taylor did not. The lack of a father figure could have later on led her to see all men in a negative way.

# data[].attributes.body
The book is not dark, it actually shines a light on sensitive topics and the effects that they have on people, such as immigration, sexual assault, and suicidal thoughts/actions. The book is not "dark", it's real-life things that happen to people everyday that they either have to succumb to or overcome.

# data[].attributes.body
Edna and Virgie Mae were presented to show the outside and American viewpoints on issues such as immigration. They disapproved of Mattie helping immigrants. Virgie Mae believed they should go back to where they came from. They were not sympathetic and were slightly judgemental.

# data[].attributes.body
I mostly agree with Taylor because it is her decision to name her child, but Lou Ann is right that Turtle is more of a nickname. While the name Turtle does somewhat honor her Indian heritage, it is important that the child is aware of both names. She could even decide when she is older what she wants to be named.

# data[].attributes.body
" 'I have always thought you had a wonderful way with words,'..."( Kingsolver 123). There is something about this sentence I just love. I just can't put my finger on it. It's like I wish someone would tell me this it would make my whole world. It's just so sweet and kind to say to a person and all in all just sounds poetic or something you'd find in a romantic novel.

# data[].attributes.body
I think both of them are correct. Lou Anne wants Turtle to have a good name because after all she is stuck with Taylor as her guardian at the moment. And Turtle is not a very regular name for a child. But Taylor is also right because in her eyes the child is not hers and she does not think the name will matter that much because she hopes turtle will be gone fairly soon.

# data[].attributes.body
Bringing up sensitive topics is not "dark" and while the story can be a little opinionated it does a good job explaining why the characters have their beliefs and gives reasons on why they do certain actions.

# data[].attributes.body
I believe that Edna and Virgie Mae were put into the novel to show American's view on immigration and show the rumors and stories they have heard or been spreading about the topic. In including this it gives the reader an insight on how we may appear sometimes while also giving us the insight to Estevan and Esperanza's view.

# data[].attributes.body
Edna and Virgie Mae were included to show how most Americans feel about immigrants. While Mattie is helping them, Virgie Mae is complaining about immigrants, and saying they should follow the American way or leave.

# data[].attributes.body
Including Edna and Virgie Mae in the novel was to show the viewpoint on immigrants in America. While Mattie was the kind of person to provide care and aid to, Virgie Mae believes that the immigrants should follow the American way or simply leave and do not think about coming back.

# data[].attributes.body
The novel is dark but i do not think it is too dark because the author so far usually introduces the thing that is dark and then moves on for the most part and does not sit and talk about it for long.

# data[].attributes.body
Alice would not have married anyone if Taylor hadn't moved out. She might not have felt comfortable doing so because she knew having a man in the home would make Taylor feel uncomfortable. She might have been consumed in Taylor's wants and needs and what she needs to be taught to live out in the real world. There are a number of reasons as to why Taylor's mom did not get remarried and most of them circle back to how Taylor is feeling , showing that the mother really does care about the daughter.

# data[].attributes.body
While this book includes some dark situations, it is not too dark for me. I personally like that the author is writing about some of these sensitive situations. It helps inform readers about the sadness and pain that comes with these types of situations that happen every day in the real world.

# data[].attributes.body
Personally, this novel is not too dark for me. However, it does have a few dark aspects. These are events that take place in the real world. It is important to read about these events and situations to become educated on them. Rape, violence, emotional abuse, and immigration are key issues in today's society.

# data[].attributes.body
Edna and Virgie Mae are likely added to show Americans view on Immigration which was seen as a problem so many of them were deported. But I believe that they are introduced to show the viewpoints on the problem but Edna and Virgie Mae were seemingly against it even though Mattie was trying to help them.

# data[].attributes.body
"There was a cactus with bushy arms and a coat of yellow spines as thick as fur. A bird had built her nest in it. In and out she flew among the horrible spiny branches, never once hesitating. You just couldn't imagine how she'd made a home in there" (Kingsolver 124). This beautifully worded metaphor draws a very striking picture of what life is like for Turtle. It demonstrates the same resiliency that Turtle harnesses as she grows and flourishes despite the horrendous hand she has been dealt. I love Kingsolver's use of the desert scenery here to really illustrate that Turtle is surviving despite all of the bad things that happened to herl

# data[].attributes.body
Edna and Virgie Mae both seem to have very strong views on immigrants. Their role in the story may be included to show the hardships Estevan and his wife face.

# data[].attributes.body
The novel is dark but we can learn from it.

# data[].attributes.body
I believe that they were introduced to give light on certain stereotypes and to make the reader realize that they are not what everyone thinks about them.

# data[].attributes.body
I cannot choose a side. I agree with Lou Ann that Turtle needs a real name, but Turtle is Taylor's responsibility.

# data[].attributes.body
Edna and Virgie Mae were included to show readers how most Americans thought of immigrants during this time. The way these characters act towards Estevan and Esperanza shows the harsh discrimination that immigrants often have to suffer.

# data[].attributes.body
Edna and Virgie Mae were included in the Bean Trees to point out different views of immigration. Mattie, Edna, and Virgie Mae had different viewpoints on immigrants. They were against immigration while Mattie was for immigration.

# data[].attributes.body
I do understand that kids can be cruel, and I can imagine that it would be very difficult for Turtle to explain to other children about her name; however, it reminds me a little of the Johnny Cash song, "A Boy Named Sue." Turtle's name suits her, and it will only prove to toughen her even more as time goes by. Therefore, she should stick with Turtle!

# data[].attributes.body
I don't believe that Taylor's momma would have married if Taylor had stayed. Taylor's momma and Taylor would have kept living the way they had always done before and would have most likely stayed content with each others presence and wouldn't have felt the need for someone else to be there.

# data[].attributes.body
I'm torn between the two opinions. While Lou Ann was just trying to be nice and help Taylor pick out a name for Turtle, it is ultimately up to Taylor on what the name should be. Even if Taylor did not like the name Lou Ann picked out, she should not have been so cross about it.

# data[].attributes.body
"She's talking a blue streak" (Kingsolver 115). I think this quote is worded beautifully because it shows the language that her and her mother use with each other that shows some of their roots. It is also used to connect Taylor to Turtle which is nice even though Taylor does not like it.

# data[].attributes.body
"You don't need to go fishing for big words in the dictionary. You are poetic, mi'ija", this sentence brings me back to the flapper ball analogy that Taylor used in a previous chapter (Kingsolver 123). She was essentially saying no one would want her for EXACTLY who she is, and although Estevan is married he is making the effort to show her that she does not need to change one bit. Estevan, is helping to reshape and mold Taylor's vision on men in the sentence, and that is important.

# data[].attributes.body
I personally don't know how I feel about their argument. It's great that they know what her name is now but Turtle has been through a lot and it is a really hard decision on if they should or shouldn't use her name.

# data[].attributes.body
I agree with both Taylor and Lou Ann. I feel that it is Taylor's responsibility and choice for Turtle's name, while Lou Ann has been there to take care of Turtle while Taylor went to work. They both have equally spent a lot of time with each other. At the end of the day I feel that it should be talked about between Taylor and Lou Ann.

# data[].attributes.body
Both Lou Ann and Taylor seem to be right. Lou Ann is right because Turtle seems fine for a nickname as a kid but years later when she's much older she'll be an adult with Turtle for a name. While I do agree with giving Turtle a new name it's not for Lou Ann to decide what that name is or if she is even going to change it. Taylor is the one taking full responsibility of Turtle so Lou Ann really shouldn't have a say in it.

# data[].attributes.body
¨ My heart sort of bumped when I said this. I knew exactly how it would look on an EKG machine: two little peaks and one big one" (Kingsolver 117). This quote gives readers the impression that Taylor is beginning to catch feelings for Estevan. She knew she could not be with him because he is married to Esperanza. The two seem to be in love. However, Estevan is a bit flirty with Taylor. They are basically star-crossed lovers.

# data[].attributes.body
Taylor and Lou Ann's different views on men could be caused for many different reasons. For one, Taylor didn't have a father figure and learned from a young age that she didn't need a man to be successful or hold her own. While Lou Ann had a father and even though he died semi early in her life she still got to see the love her parents had and this most likely led to her wanting a love like her parents had. Another reason there views may different is because Taylor had always been set on avoiding pregnancy and getting out of her town and having a man in her life would have made getting out a lot more difficult.

# data[].attributes.body
"I'm the one responsible for her" (134 Kingsolver). I like this quote because even though the reader already knows that Taylor is responsible for Turtle, it is nice to know she said it out loud.

# data[].attributes.body
Taylor had no father figure growing up and her mom had bad experiences with men. Lou Ann had a husband and had a child with her husband.

# data[].attributes.body
"I'd forgotten how trees full of bird sounds made you sense the world differently: that life didn't just stop at eye level" (Kingsolver 135). This quote is worded so beautifully and reveals such an important idea. It shows how we often get so caught up in everything happening in our lives that we forget to actually live and appreciate the world around us. It is a beautiful reminder to just stop and look around sometimes and soak in all the beautifulness of the earth. It is a reminder to appreciate all the life on earth.

# data[].attributes.body
It is not too dark because the world is way darker today than it was when the book was written.

# data[].attributes.body
"This is going to be a trip around the fish pond" (Kingsolver 127) I don't know what it is about that quote but it just made me smile and it helps explain the way Taylor talks a little. Her using that quote basically meant this is gonna be a minute or this is gonna be a hassle.

# data[].attributes.body
"...people came and went quietly. And stayed quietly." (Kingsolver 124). This quote was very touching for me. As we go through life we face a lot of changes and people or things going in and out of our lives whether it be quietly, unexpectedly, or whatever it may be. This quote for me resembled the quiet and sometimes unnoticeable changes in our lives that we don't often see until they're gone or until we open our eyes to the bigger picture. Just like Taylor is beginning to do at the Tire Shop.

# data[].attributes.body
"You don't need to go fishing for big words in the dictionary." (Kingsolver 123) When Estavan tells Taylor this he is telling her that there is nothing wrong with the way she speaks.

# data[].attributes.body
No, this book is not to dark for me. The reason for which is that I tend to read books that have a lot of death and murder in them.

# data[].attributes.body
This novel is not too dark for me. Even though there are dark and sad moments in the novel, they aren't spoken of very often. I've read and watched movies that were darker than this.

# data[].attributes.body
"You don't need to go fishing for big words in the dictionary..." (Kingsolver 123). Estevan is explaining to Taylor that she doesn't need to use big and complicated words to explain how she feels and she shouldn't use them to try to impress someone. Instead, she should just be herself.

# data[].attributes.body
No, this novel is not too dark for me. While Kingsolver does explain some dark things, these things do happen in everyday life.

# data[].attributes.body
"Between the croaks and whistles of the blackbirds there were distant cat roars, monkey noises, kid noises" (Kingsolver 130). I like this sentence because it explains the sounds everyone is hearing at the park. It gives my mind some noises to think about as I read.

# data[].attributes.body
"You don't need to go fishing for big words in the dictionary. You are poetic, mi'ija"
What I like about the quote is that Estevan lets Taylor know that she doesn't need to look up big words in order to impress him. He likes the way she is.

# data[].attributes.body
"You don't need to go fishing for big words in the dictionary. You are poetic, mi'ija." (Kingsolver 123). This quote has stuck out to me since I've read it. He is saying that she is perfect just the way she is whether it's her words or something else.

# data[].attributes.body
I believe that Taylor's mother would not have gotten married because Taylor was there, she gave her mother something to focus on and stay busy. But now that Taylor has moved out and her mother is there alone I feel as if her mom wants and needs someone with her. Also when Taylor left and she got the letter from her mom Taylor did not seem too excited about her getting married. So, if Taylor was still living with her mother Taylor probably would have discouraged her from getting married.

# data[].attributes.body
The different views on men between Taylor and Lou Anne may be the way they were raised. Taylor has watched her mom her whole life do everything herself and not need help from a man. But Lou Anne watched her mother have a man to help and do other things. The way they were raised and how different their families were may be a big difference in a child's life.

# data[].attributes.body
I believe they might have been put into the novel to show the different views on immigration. In the book some people are for immigration while the others were against like Edna and Virgie Mae. But Mattie was one of the ones for immigration trying to help immigrants as well.

# data[].attributes.body
I mostly agree with Taylor because Turtle is not Lou Anne's child. Although Lou Anne is very kind for trying to figure out Turtles real name, but in the end it is Taylor's decision to make.

# data[].attributes.body
"I knew how to trample my way through most any situation, but you can't simply invent a person's medical history" (Kingsolver  126). This quote stood out to me because it shows how Taylor's life is she is strong and mighty she can trample through any problem. But when it comes to somethings she can not trample so easily.

# data[].attributes.body
No, this novel is not too dark for me. I enjoy this book. Many of the dark things Kingsolver mentions are things that happen every day.