Title: The Queen of Water
Author: Laura Resau
First published March 8, 2011
368 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780385738972 (ISBN10: 0385738978)
Rating: 4.13
Overview
Laura Resau’s heart-wrenching novel, The Queen of Water, is a touching tale that will resonate with anyone who has ever struggled to find their place in the world. Set in the beautiful Andean village of Ecuador, Virginia’s story showcases the harsh realities of being an indígena in a society ruled by mestizos.
Despite facing immense hardships and being labeled a “stupid Indian” by those around her, Virginia remains determined to find her place in the world. However, her journey takes an unexpected turn when she is taken from her village to work as a servant for a mestizo couple.
In collaboration with Virginia Farinango, Resau has crafted a moving story that will make you both laugh and cry, and ultimately leave you filled with hope for a better tomorrow.
About the Author
I’ve authored several young adult novels, such as The Queen of Water (co-written with Maria Virginia Farinango), Red Glass, What the Moon Saw, The Indigo Notebook, The Ruby Notebook, The Jade Notebook. Additionally, I’ve penned middle-grade novels including Star in the Forest, The Lightning Queen, and Tree of Dreams.
I’m excited to announce that my picture book collaboration with Patricia Gualinga, Stand as Tall as the Trees: How an Amazonian Community Protected the Rain Forest, is set to release in the summer of 2023, and my YA sci-fi novel, Virch, will be available in the fall of the same year.
I grew up in Maryland, then spent ten years moving around as a student, ESL teacher, and anthropologist. During that time, I called various places home, including New Orleans, Aix-en-Provence (France), Oaxaca (Mexico), Tucson, and now Fort Collins, Colorado, where I plan to stay for a while.
I live happily with my husband, son, and beagle, and on most days, you’ll find me sipping tea and writing novels in my little silver trailer in the driveway. I love camping in the mountains and take every opportunity to travel.
Editoral Review
Shonda Rhimes, creator and writer of popular TV shows Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal, and How to Get Away with Murder, published her memoir Year of Yes: How to Dance It Out, Stand In the Sun and Be Your Own Person in November of 2015. It is a self-help style book that chronicles her experiences of saying “yes” instead of “no” for a year and how it transformed her life.
Rhimes begins the book by discussing her struggles with anxiety and introversion, which led her to constantly turn down invitations and opportunities. She then describes the moment when her sister challenged her to say “yes” to every opportunity that comes her way.
From there, Rhimes documents the many events and experiences she had as a result of this challenge and how it changed her life for the better.
One of the strengths of Year of Yes is Rhimes’ candid writing style.
She is honest about her struggles, whether it’s with weight loss or parenting, and how she’s learned to overcome them. The memoir also includes lists of valuable lessons she’s learned throughout her journey.
This makes Year of Yes a valuable book for not only Rhimes’ fans but for anyone looking for inspiration and guidance in living a more fulfilling life. Moreover, Rhimes’ writing style is relatable and easy to read.
Her anecdotes are engaging, and her humor shines through her pages. She also touches on themes of feminism and inclusivity, and how her life experiences have informed her perspective.
This is especially relevant in today’s world as people continue to grapple with issues impacting marginalized communities. However, the book’s weakness is that it may come off as too self-promotional.
At times, it reads as if Rhimes is writing an extended ad for her TV shows or as if the purpose of the book was to prove to readers that she’s got it all figured out. Additionally, some chapters feel repetitive, which can make the book feel a bit long-winded.
Despite its minor weaknesses, Year of Yes provides valuable insights, particularly for women and people of color. Rhimes’ memoir is a testament to how valuable it can be to take a risk and say “yes” to new opportunities.
It serves as an uplifting guide to finding one’s own happiness and success.
Overall, fans of Rhimes will undoubtedly enjoy Year of Yes, while people looking for inspiration to live a more fulfilling life will find it a valuable read.
I rate this book a solid 3.5 out of 5 stars.
