Bless Me, Ultima

After the first seven chapters, I'm still not too sure how I feel about this book. I hope it gets into a real plot soon, because I think the author seems talented but I could definitely get bored if nothing really happens throughout the book.  I also wish there wasn't quite so much Spanish in it, although the people who don't take Spanish have more of a right to complain than I do.
I think the main point of this story will be the process of Antonio growing up and deciding what he wants to do with his life. His mother wants him to be a priest, while his father wants him to be a man more like him. However, now that Ultima is in the picture I predict that Antonio will not follow in the footsteps of either of his parents. I think he will follow Ultima.
One interesting aspect of this book is the role of magic in it. Ultima is frequently accused of witchcraft, which seems sad because she uses all of her abilities to heal people. Antonio also has supernatural dreams, like the dream where he saw himself being born. Finally, Anaya frequently refers to the presence of the river. I wonder if Ultima is supposed to possess actual supernatural powers, or if she is supposed to be a kind and wise woman who is unjustly discriminated against. I also wonder if the river's presence is supposed to be taken literally, and if the author is suggesting that nature has its own soul or spirit, or if it is a metaphorical thing.
Religion obviously plays a big role in the story. Antonio's family is constantly praying, and they go to church. Antonio's mom wants him to be a priest and Antonio thinks frequently about God and sin. When Lupito is killed, Antonio spends a lot of time pondering the way God would view the situation. He thinks of murder as a mortal sin, and worries that his father might be condemned for it. Lupito murders as well, although he was somewhat mentally unstable, and Antonio wonders what will happen to his soul. I think this book is somewhat realistic in the way that it shows situations where there isn't a very clear right or wrong.
At one point, Antonio admits that he prefers Saint Guadalupe to all other saints, and even to God. I think this shows a very significant aspect of the book's theme. God is the one who judges and punishes people, while Guadalupe is gentle and forgiving towards everyone. Since Antonio prefers Guadalupe, I think Anaya is praising kindness and peace over punishment and harsh justice. I expect that this will be a recurring theme in the rest of the story.
Although I think this books is a little boring at parts, it manages to touch on many subjects and conflicts that most people can relate to. Antonio, like many children, feels pressure from others pushing him in different directions. He is afraid of having to grow up and decide what his future will be. The book, like I have mentioned, also touches on religious and moral conflicts and questions. At the end of this section, the book described the feeling of being different as a child, which many children must face and which is very difficult. Antonio is laughed at by the other children, but he eventually finds friends who share his troubles.
At the end of this section, I think this book is very thoughtful and well-written, and it contains a lot of powerful themes and ideas. However, in spite of its content, I still worry that I will begin to grow bored if nothing more interesting begins happening soon.