"Bad Influence," by Judith Ortiz Cofer

       

        The story inside the “Leaving Home” I read is called the “Bad Influence,” and it was written by Judith Ortiz Cofer. I thought this story was hilarious. There were many phrases that made me laugh. I think this story was the best one so far from the book. I was so into this story that I have read through fast from page 63 to 90! The length of this story was just right for me, it is not too short or too long.

I wondered why it was so bad if Rita hung out with guys. Is it in their culture that girls have to go with a guys that her parents chosen for her? I wanted to know what exactly is wrong with Ramon the rooster. Papa says that the rooster can’t tell the difference between day and night. Is Ramon is not normal functionally rooster? Or he is just like that?

I agreed with Rita’s statement on how could the sick girl be so sad when she has a wonderful view of the beach? Maybe the girl was abused by her mother’s boyfriend? Since Rita’s grandma says that she felt the evil aura from the girl’s mother’s boyfriend. This is what I would assume about the girl. Also there might be evidence of abuse because the grandma says that she saw bruise on girl’s arm.

I wonder what does it feels like sensing evil spirits, souls, and things related to it. It’d be horrible to be aware of evil spirits, souls, and other things all the time. For sure, I would rather to be normal human being with only 4 senses.

I thought it was wonderful of Rita being friends with the sick girl. The sick girl’s name is Angela, and she is an anorexic. It was wonderful of Papa to help with Angela, getting her mother to throw out the boyfriend out of the house. Ever since that, Angela have been gaining little bit of weight and looks better. This further confirms that Angela was abused.

Ever since the book is really hilarious, and truly enjoyable to read I would like to know if the author wrote more stories. I went online to see if she wrote more books, and it turns out that she does. I’d like to check out some of her books someday. It’s the best one so far in the “Leaving Home.”