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MAS BOOK CLUB a look into Natalie and Sway in Caramba by Nina Marie Martinez
Topics: caramba!, a tale told in the turn of the cards, nina marie martinez, twinkie, mas bakersfield, life, book discussion
Posted by Twinkie Sat Jan 12, 2008 19:43:14 PST
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Reading Caramba! A Tale Told In The Turn of the Cards by Nina Marie Martinez was a very fun experience for me. It took me back to the good ol' days when I was a little girl and growing up with the calendarios of the Aztec princess we collected every year since they were FREE at the local panaderia.

It also reminded me of the novelas I used to watch with my mom with the love triangles and the sordid love affairs and even some shoot 'em up bang bang and narcotraficantes thrown in the mix for good measure.

You see, other than the main characters, Consuelo and Natalie who have known each other since the second grade there are an array of colorful characters as well.

The story starts when Consuelo, better known as Sway admits to just having had murdered a man.

"A few days ago I decided to start excercisin. IN case you haven't noticed, I'm growin quite a gut and I just can't imagine givin up the finer things in life such as menudo or carne asada."

I can certainly relate to her dilema by the way. As I sit here I can feel my pansita get bigger and bigger. Pero ay le sigo comiendo. (But here I continue to eat)

Of course a girl like Sway ain't got no workout outfits, right? So she puts on a pair of cutoffs and a t-shirt. And even though her dead mother's spirit tells her "A girl dressed like you can't have no good intentions, you little sin verguenza" she heads out the door.

No sooner had she walked out the door that she notices a guy slowing down to take a look. Well, since she's used to it she just keeps going. She's too busy worrying about all the calories she must be burning to care about this vato checking her out.

"Out of nowhere there's a screechin of the brakes, and the next thing I know, there's a dead man in the street."

hahahah brings a whole new meaning to DROP DEAD GORGEOUS, right? But let's continue...

She bit her bottom lip, then elaborated, "There was this little old guy tryin to cross the street and he got himself runned over because some pervert was busy checkin out my nalgas. He was even usin the crosswalk."

She felt bad for about half a second until Natalie reminded her it wasn't her fault this happened. I mean how could it be? She wasn't driving right?

"Well I hope you're not feeling bad about it, because it ain't by any means your fault. That's just the price of bein purty."

Then she reminds her it's Saturday and wonders what the plan is.

 

 

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Comment From: Twinkie

I read this book a while back with the Chicana Book Club but reading it again is bringing back good memories as if I reading my best friends diary or something. It's fun reliving Natalie and Consuelo's adventures! They remind me a lot of my comadres Dee and Gabz. Comment From: WOOFWOOF

I LOVE YOU NORMA:) THATS SHOWING LOVEEEE:) Comment From: tc

Having a great time reading this book.It's like Natalie and Consuelo are my old friends. The girls crack me up!!! Comment From: tc

Hello I think the person we are talking about is Lulabell. I think this book was a geart pick.I can't wait for the next selection. TC Comment From: Twinkie

Yes! You're right. She's thinking about a mxing up a spell right now to find true love. Does anybody know who she hexes? And does it work? Does she change her mind about how spells work? Comment From: likhy2

A female playa! Sounds hella interesting. I actually know a Lullabelle. We dating for about one month. I couldn't pursue the relationship due to her permescuity. Sounds pretty shallow, but I don't sleep around. So I figured I'd find someone like me...and I did! Hilda is the best thing that has ever happened to me. Feels do good to finally be so in love. Comment From: Agylera

I personally do not believe in love potions but I do beleive in love at first sight. Some people may blame a love potion but reality is when love comes around no matter what you do or don't take there's no way around it. Comment From: WOOFWOOF

You know I don't believe in love spells.I do believe in love at first site:) That smile that you see and you know WOW. There is something there. That first kiss that you feel that this can be forever. My favorite quote is “The decision to kiss for the first time is the most crucial in any love story. It changes the relationship of two people much more strongly than even the final surrender; because this kiss already has within it that surrender.” Emil Ludwig I personally think I have found love before. To bad I didn't fight for it.