Josh Young: Discussion of Love in Ch. 1

In the first chapter of Salvage The Bones I believe that the author's main focus is not to discuss the power of love specifically. However, there are notable instances in which this is highlighted. For example, when Esch's father dragged her mother to the hospital against her will. He was aware that she was in dire need of medical attention, but she was refusing to receive it. His love for her was so powerful it compelled him to make an effort to try to save her. This demonstration of the power of love is also mirrored when China is birthing her puppies and Skeeta is tending to her. Although China, like Esch's mother, wants to birth on her own and not receive help, Skeeta does as his father did and provides help anyways. 

In my interpretation of the reading, the author used love as a theme for the chapter. It showed different types of love such as an intimate love with Manny and Esch. It also showed a concerning love when upon breaking the bottle Esch immediately tells Junior to move (presumably not to get injured from the glass). Familial love is displayed the most in this chapter. Examples of familial love include Esch's father making sure they had enough to eat during the storms, Randall helping Esch when she was injured, and Marquise and Randall's relationship and how they address each other. 

In sum, I think chapter 1 was more about love and it's different forms or aspects. The power of love was one of these aspects that was discussed and is significant. However, the author seemed to discuss love as a theme rather than illustrate it's power.