Spoilers Book Club: Bless Me, Ultima

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Program Type:

Book Club, Movies

Age Group:

Adult
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Program Description

Event Details

Spoilers Book Club

The Spoilers Book Club reads books that are turned into movies. We read the book and get together to watch the film. We compare the two and discuss what we did and didn't like. 

📚 Spoilers Book Club: Bless Me, Ultima 🎬
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with a story of culture, faith, and identity.

This month, in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, Spoilers Book Club is diving into Rudolfo Anaya’s iconic coming-of-age novel, Bless Me, Ultima. Set in New Mexico during the 1940s, the story follows Antonio Marez, a young boy struggling to reconcile his family’s traditional values with his desire to understand his place in the world.

When the curandera, Ultima, comes to live with Antonio’s family, she becomes a spiritual guide who helps him navigate the complex terrain of his culture, his faith, and his dreams. Bless Me, Ultima is a rich exploration of the intersection between indigenous traditions, Catholicism, and the personal growth that comes with embracing one's heritage.

After reading, we’ll watch the 2012 film adaptation of Bless Me, Ultima, which captures the heart and spirit of Anaya’s novel. The film, starring Miriam Colon as Ultima, brings the mystical elements of the story to life while grounding the narrative in the everyday struggles of Antonio’s family.

Join us for a thoughtful discussion of how both the book and movie convey themes of family, identity, and the spiritual journey. We’ll explore the rich cultural context of the novel, the magic of Anaya’s writing, and how this powerful story continues to resonate with readers and viewers today.

Celebrate heritage, reflect on identity, and, as always, bring your spoilers.