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The euphoria of graduation earmarks the beginning of Cassidy Powell’s journey into “teacherhood,” one that is marked by incredible amounts of learning both in and out of the classroom. The mystical region of Santa Fe, New Mexico, beckons to Powell as she departs from Lubbock, Texas, and begins the next phase of her life. Overall, the author’s narrative touches on many different themes, but discovery and exploration cut to the core of the work.
What appears to be an uneventful train ride to Santa Fe instead leads to an air of mystery and adventure when Powell runs into Mary Colter, a fellow teacher who keeps an office at the La Fonda Hotel nearby Powell’s school. Heeding Colter’s advice to teach with zeal and then explore the outdoors of Santa Fe, Powell builds a connection with her fellow teachers as well as the magic of the land itself, including, but not limited to, the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
On the whole, the narrative flows with ease, especially picking up the pace and energy once Powell remembers to seek out Colter at the La Fonda Hotel. Holding Colter in such high regard, Powell takes Colter’s instructions from her letter to heart and sets out on accomplishing her errands. Powell’s first task, like any tantalizing scavenger hunt, is filled with suspense. Starting in Las Vegas, New Mexico, Powell’s task is to become privy to the historical and architectural exploits of the region, such as the Plaza Hotel, Carnegie Library, and the Harvey House. As the novel progresses, Cassidy becomes more of an ambassador of the Harvey House and truly immerses herself in the culture of the land, from the landscape to the residents themselves.
An underlying message that the author delivers through Cassidy is the need to dig deeper and use the exploration of nature as a means of unearthing the inner qualities and latent characteristics within one’s self. Values such as tradition and heritage come out to the forefront, as does family camaraderie. Powell’s family, during work holidays, also gets a taste of New Mexico’s uniqueness. Further, the writing style is such that it reels the reader in and makes one feel like a part of the experience. In particular, the foray into understanding Native American jewelry is riveting.
Powell’s excursions send her to Arizona’s deserts and the Grand Canyon, where her role with the Harvey House Company is even more magnified as they attempt to build infrastructure within the Grand Canyon. This portion of the narrative is intimately dedicated to architectural styles and Miss Colter’s own vision and style, which is a byproduct of her experiences. Ultimately, as Cassidy learns, Colter’s ambitions are inspired by her love of ancient Indian ruins and seek to unify the land and culture with its people.
In the spirit of teaching, the author’s work is incredibly insightful and does a commendable job of pulling back the curtain on the inner workings of Native American architecture and culture in one of the country’s landmark gems. It is a soulful effort that is brimming with authenticity.