Gabo/Solitude

I always love to learn about authors' lives,it makes their stories much more interesting for me to read. Learning about Gabo today really helped make connections to the story and made me realize that the characters in it really reflect people in his family. When I read books I always find myself looking through the book for the "about the author section," for whatever reason knowing their background helps me to understand what I am reading a little bit better. I have already noticed the connections with the politics, war, and as I said his characters reflecting his family. I hope as I continue to read I notice more of these things.

The other topic I would like to touch on is solitude. I really like that we come up with definitions in class for new topics brought up. So many times you introduce a to a word that I think I have an understanding of what it means, but all of the sudden I realize I have know idea at all what it means. That came very apparent today. I couldn't even tell you what I thought solitude meant before today's class. I mean I new it meant something to be alone but after reading the handout in class I realized I needed a better understanding of it. I kind of got this today but I still am unsure if I understand the word completely. Although I can say I have a better understanding of it now than before, and hopefully as I read I can relate it to the story and get an even better understanding.

PS I was very surprised to learn of Gabo's connection with Fidel Castro. When you first mentioned it I thought you were joking.