Beautifully written, thoughtful essays on life, language, and writing grace the pages of this collection.

Some of the essays, though, were a little on the long side, causing my attention to wane at times.

Others simply held no interest for me, perhaps due to their subject matter or the way they were presented.

However, despite these minor drawbacks, overall I really enjoyed this essay collection.

The author's insights and perspectives on various aspects of life, language, and writing were both engaging and thought-provoking.

I found myself reflecting on my own experiences and beliefs as I read through each essay.

Moreover, the writing style was captivating, with the author using vivid language and imagery to bring the essays to life.

As a result, I would definitely be interested in exploring more from this author in the future.

All in all, this essay collection earns a solid 3.5 out of 5 stars.

It has its flaws, but it also has many strengths that make it well worth reading.

This is a writer whose books are firmly on my to-read list.

Therefore, I truly loved this particular work, as it allowed me to get to know her through reading essays about her life.

I found great interest in learning about her family history, especially the part about living under the dictatorship in the Dominican Republic. Her experiences of coming to America and trying to fit in were also quite captivating. And most importantly, her journey of becoming a writer was truly inspiring.

On page 259, there are ten of her writing commandments.

IV

If you bring forth what is inside you,

what you bring forth will save you.

If you do not bring forth what is inside you,

what is inside you will destroy you.

St. Thomas

Gnostic Gospels

I think that this really sums it up! It emphasizes the importance of expressing oneself and bringing out the inner creativity and thoughts. By doing so, one can find salvation and growth. On the other hand, if one suppresses what is inside, it may lead to self-destruction. This simple yet profound statement really makes me think about the power of writing and self-expression.

This statement holds significant value for those who are aspiring to be writers and/or artists.

It implies that there is something particularly beneficial or advantageous for individuals with these creative aspirations.

For the aspiring writer, it could potentially refer to opportunities for growth, such as access to resources, mentorship, or platforms to showcase their work.

It might also suggest an environment that nurtures and encourages the development of their writing skills, allowing them to explore different genres and styles.

Similarly, for the aspiring artist, it could mean access to art supplies, studio space, or exposure to different art forms and techniques.

It might also imply a community of like-minded individuals who can provide support, feedback, and inspiration.

Overall, being great for the aspiring writer and/or artist indicates that there are elements in place that can help them pursue their dreams and reach their full creative potential.

One of my all-time favorite books on writing is by Julia Alvarez.

While her writing style might have a touch of repetitiveness at times, her profound thoughts on the craft of writing have truly left an indelible mark on me.

Specifically, her 10 rules on writing have been ingrained in my mind for years.

These rules offer valuable insights and practical guidance for any aspiring writer.

They cover various aspects such as finding inspiration, being consistent in writing, and not being afraid to take risks.

By following these rules, I have been able to improve my own writing skills and gain a deeper understanding of the writing process.

Julia Alvarez's words have served as a constant source of motivation and encouragement for me, and I highly recommend her book to anyone who has a passion for writing.

I read this book as a companion to "In The Time Of The Butterflies" which my book club was discussing.

It is truly a remarkable piece that offers great inspiration. Essentially, it encourages writers by sharing the author's own journey as a successful one.

Through her words, we get a glimpse into the challenges she faced, the hard work she put in, and the determination that led her to achieve her goals.

It serves as a reminder that success doesn't come easily, but with perseverance and a passion for writing, one can overcome obstacles and make their mark in the literary world.

This book is not only a source of motivation but also a valuable guide for those who aspire to become writers.

It provides practical tips and insights that can help budding authors navigate the complex path of writing and publishing.

Overall, it is a must-read for anyone interested in the art of writing and the pursuit of literary success.

3.5 stars

This collection of stories is truly remarkable.

The writer has shared absolutely excellent and highly insightful accounts from their own life.

Each story is like a precious gem, offering unique perspectives and valuable lessons.

The vivid descriptions and engaging narratives draw the reader in and make them feel as if they are experiencing the events along with the author.

It's not just a book of stories; it's a window into the writer's soul, a journey through their joys, sorrows, and life-changing moments.

Whether you're looking for entertainment or inspiration, these stories are sure to satisfy.

Highly recommended for anyone who appreciates well-written and thought-provoking literature.

Some of the essays in this collection are more interesting than others.

I found myself particularly drawn to the parts where the author shared her experiences and opinions about the Trujillo dictatorship in the Dominican Republic.

It was truly captivating to gain insights into that specific period through her eyes.

However, when it came to details about her writing routine and such, I wasn't as engaged.

The first half of the collection, which focused more on the dictatorship, held my attention firmly.

But as I progressed towards the end and the focus shifted more towards other aspects, I started to lose interest.

Nonetheless, the overall collection still provided some valuable perspectives and I'm glad I had the opportunity to read it.

Perhaps in future works, the author could find a better balance between different topics to keep the reader's interest throughout.

As a non-native English speaker, I can truly identify with Julia Alvarez's encounter with language acquisition throughout her life.

Julia, with her enchanting and poetic writing style that penetrates directly to the core, has the remarkable ability to express on an extremely profound level all the emotions and sensations necessary for the acquisition of a new language and making it one's own.

Her works offer a unique insight into the complex and often arduous process of language learning. I earnestly hope that anyone who has the good fortune to read her will, one day, be capable of understanding and valuing the difficulties that accompany the complete mastery of a language.

It is through her vivid descriptions and personal anecdotes that we can better appreciate the significance of language in our lives and the efforts required to become proficient in it.

Julia Alvarez's writing serves as an inspiration and a reminder of the power of language to connect us, to express our deepest thoughts and feelings, and to open up new worlds of understanding.

Some truly outstanding nonfiction essays exist that manage to vividly capture the essence of the "American" dream.

These essays also explore the complex double-consciousness that immigrants and people of color in America experience.

They delve deep into the struggles, hopes, and aspirations of these individuals as they navigate the often-challenging landscape of American society.

Moreover, they explain the fascinating journey of how Ms. Alvarez picked up the pen.

Perhaps it was through her own personal experiences, or maybe it was a desire to give voice to those who are often overlooked.

Whatever the reason, her decision to write has had a profound impact on the literary world and has allowed readers to gain a deeper understanding of the diverse experiences that make up the American tapestry.

Her work serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of storytelling and the ability of words to connect people across different cultures and backgrounds.

This is an outstanding piece of writing that offers a truly terrific read!

I found myself thoroughly enjoying each and every chapter. It was fascinating to learn about the author's process of researching an idea for her books, as well as the patience and effort it requires. What I particularly liked was her refreshingly candid and honest approach.

Reading about her writing process, along with the insights into the writing processes of other writers, was not only very informative but also felt extremely real.

There were several favorite quotes that really stood out. For example, on page 297, the author asks, "So does writing really matter?...It matters, of course, it matters. But it matters in such a small, almost invisible way that it doesn't seem very important. In fact, that's why I trust it, the tiny rearrangements and insights in our hearts that art accomplishes."

Another powerful quote on page 298 states, "...it's by what people have written and continue to write, our stories and creations, that we understand who we are. In a world without any books, we would not be the same kind of critter."

The Native American author N. Scott Momadeay also has a profound statement in his book The Man Made of Words, as quoted on page 298: "At the moment we are drawn into language, we are as intensely alive as we can be; we create and are created. That existence in a maze of words is our human condition."

These quotes, along with others like "I don't know what I know in my heart unless somebody - myself included - has put it into words" (page 298), "to read and have that private enjoyment of clarity" (page 300), and "That they are living fuller versions of themselves and of each one because they have read books matters. The world goes from bright to brilliant to luminous, so that for brief seconds, we see clearly everything that matters" (page 300), all contribute to the overall depth and significance of this wonderful read.

Probably more of a 3.5 rating, but I love Alvarez's writing style so much that I'm bumping to the next star.

This is a collection of essays, and I had various experiences with them. Some I devoured with great interest, while others I skimmed through. There were those that had such a profound impact on me that they brought tears to my eyes.

I finished this book during my young adult reading phase. Her last essay on why writing matters was truly inspiring. It gave me a fresh burst of enthusiasm for teaching.

One quick excerpt from that essay: "It matters, of course, it matters. But it matters in such a small, almost invisible way that it doesn't seem very important. In fact, that's why I trust it, the tiny rearrangements and insights in our heart that art accomplishes. It's how I, anyhow, learned to see with vision and perplexity and honesty and continue to learn to see. How I keep the windows and doors open instead of shutting myself up inside the things I "believe" and have personally experienced. How I move out beyond the safe, small version of my life to live other lives."

This excerpt beautifully captures the essence of why writing is so significant. It shows how it can open our eyes to new perspectives and allow us to grow and expand our understanding of the world.

Overall, this collection of essays is a must-read for anyone who appreciates good writing and wants to gain a deeper understanding of the power of words.

SOMETHING TO DECLARE, BY JULIA ALVAREZ

COMMENTS BY JEFF KEITH, fall of 2020

[three stars] This remarkable work is a compilation of articles and essays penned by the author. It provides genuine insights into her life and background. Alvarez's novels frequently draw inspiration from her own personal experiences. However, in the realm of fiction, she has the liberty to insert imagined conversations, thereby breathing more life into the scenes. In reality, she was the second daughter in a family of four girls who immigrated to the USA from the Dominican Republic, much like Yolanda in “The Garcia Girls.”

The essays within this collection offer detailed descriptions of the writing process behind some of her novels. They pique my interest in certain works while leaving others unappealing. For instance, she mentions that her mother wept upon reading the book about “las Mariposas/the butterflies.” This makes me eager to delve into that chilling account of life under the dictatorship. On the contrary, she presents a lengthy description of her encounters with people in an offbeat and unsanctioned Catholic cult in Wisconsin. If she were to write a book about them, I believe I could easily pass on that particular narrative.