Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else. ~Judy Garland

I absolutely love this book, and yes I am fully aware that I have already mentioned that but the deeper I get into it the more I enjoy it! I absolutely adore how easy it is to relate to. There is great romance, good humor, real real life and just those things that make you think "Oh my Goodness you do that too?, thank goodness I'm not the only one." I also enjoy the profound quotes that are spoken between the sisters or even Codi to her classroom. I think the classroom setting is hilarious. I can just see me loving her as a teacher. Who wouldn't adore a teacher wearing purple cowboy boots?(MR KNUTH?!?) The main classroom setting really made me laugh because of the fact that she referred to the hair of the boys as "skateboarders haircuts" and how perfect of imagery is that? Most importantly I love the 'romance' between Codi and Loyd even though she left Carlo to come to Grace. I am such a softy when it comes to romance. I just love how Codi and Loyd have a past that encourages her to think about HER past. Not only does the "secret child" add a lot of intensity to their relationship but it really opens you up to the character that Codi is. I can see many people not being a fan of Loyd, like right now i see Julie Mullen just shaking her head at him as she reads, but as I said when the protagonist starts falling for someone I always hope they end up getting with them. Since the minute they 'shared a moment' at the party i have fallen in love with the idea of "them" as a couple. The romance is a great aspect of this novel.
I also enjoy the deeper meaning, not referring to the idea of finding yourself but being thankful for everything you have. I find myself relating to Hallie's thoughts and letters quite often. This quote from a letter Hallie wrote really hit me and got me thinking "I want to be like that. Not like the man selling shrimp. Like his machine. To give myself over to utility, with no waste." It honestly opened my eyes to thinking about purpose. I personally know what I want to do with my life and that revolves around helping people and making a great impact on peoples lives but could I ever just give over myself to do nothing but help people. Could I ever "give myself over to utility." It made me start feeling guilty about who I am and what I do in my free time but then I honestly wonder if its possible to turn over your entire life to a cause. I know i could never do that, and I am not a selfish person in the slightest but I just would not be able to do that.
I just feel that the whole novel is very 'real.'I can see every event truly occurring and I truly appreciate the honesty. I get a kick out of the family Codi stays with. They are so scattered and disjointed like any American family however they have that love that can bond them through anything, and only some families are lucky enough to hold on to that bond.
My least favorite part of the novel, not for the reason that it doesn't fit or that its poorly written, is Codi and Carlo's relationship. Its just so frustrating for me to see Codi feeling that she holds on because she feels that their 'love' and physical relationship is the only 'medicine' she has. Its truly sickening and it deeply reveals her true self of not knowing who she is and not being a person of strong will. She is dependent on a physical part of a relationship in order to get through her pain and hurt and no girl should ever feel that way. I just sit and shake my head at her naivety. I think that may be why I like Loyd so much is because there is genuine love and passion there that is tangible. He cares about her and he shows it in his genuine and heartfelt actions.
Another huge aspect of this novel that gets to me is the description. I love how its described in a down to earth sense but you still get a great image in your mind, be it the skeleton or the face of a pregnant Codi that looks just like her mom when she was pregnant. Or even the flowers in Mexico and a banana tree under the sink. The setting of Grace just seems so lovely and 'homey.' I love reading into the setting and seeing myself as a citizen, and Kingsolver makes that easy to do. Her description makes it harder for me to choose ONE scene to analyze but Im planning on taking an excerpt from the beginning of the scene when Hallie is leaving and how hurt Codi is and how its tearing at her inside. I believe this really sets the tone of the story and is just a vivid image of how Codi is so dependent on everyone else except for herself because she doesn't have a "me" to be dependent on.
This book makes me:
laugh
think
cry
giggle
smirk
sigh relief
make me thankful for everything i have
question myself?
all of which make me LOVE this book and its message.