Dear Josh, 

How are you feeling? I hope you are feeling better than Ma was when she was in America. Last week I had finished the first two sections of the novel “Ashes for Roses” by MJ Auch. First the main character’s father, Da, was forced to go back home to Ireland with Joseph because Joseph had Trachoma. Next, Ma allowed Rose to get a job in a sweatshop which then caused an argument between Elsa and Ma. Finally, Ma and Bridgette went home to Ireland while Rose and Maureen stayed in America by themselves. 

In your last letter you asked me what I think of the book. Well I think that the book is very interesting, and you are able to read about the many hardships of immigrants moving to America. Also, you are able to read about how people acted towards the newcomers. The author MJ Auch states “""But mother they're dirty. They smell like goats. I don't think they've ever seen a bar of soap."" (Auch 47) This shows how many people thought of the immigrants. You also asked me what I think will happen in the later chapters. Well I think that in the later chapters the whole family will be able to reunite in America as Rose and Maureen are able to collect enough money, and Joseph no longer has Trachoma. I believe this will happen because the author states “” Surely we should stay until Da comes back.”” (Auch 104) They all wanted Da to meet them in America, but Ma couldn’t stand strong for that long. 

So far from what I have read I have found it very interesting that Rose has not written a letter to her mother and how she decided not to go back to Uncle Patrick’s and instead live in her own apartment. I feel that Maureen wants to be treated like an adult, but she acts like a child. Do you think Rose will be able to make a lot of money working at the Triangle Waist company? Do you think Da, Ma, Joseph, and Bridgette will ever come back to America? Finally, will Mr. Garoff no longer rent the room to Rose and Maureen? Also, what do you think will happen next? Personally, I think Rose will finally write a letter to Ma, and Ma will reach Ireland and live with Da and Joseph.