This first novel by Barbara Kingsolver was published in 1988. On the way she finds herself the caretaker of an orphaned Cherokee baby. The novel is about friendship among women, responsibility and growing up, and about the lives of Guatemalans who escaped from their homeland to a not very friendly United States. Drown by Junot Diaz Diaz writes from the heart. He has incredible depth of feeling.
Every story feels like a different poem.
It's a critical look at the differences between the way culture and gender have been viewed through the lens of rock music lyrics in the 80s compared to the 90s, then extended to views of women and bodybuilding. Even though I am not especially interested in women's bodybuilding, I keep coming back to this essay again and again because it says so much about me, like a little wound that needs licking. I've only just dipped into this book but will undoubtedly have more to say about it later. There are critical essays in this book by 2 correspondents of mine, Margaret Carter and Elizabeth Miller. I've read the first few and they are quite solid.