Dear Bookclub,
Transported to the Arkansas Delta by Michelle Kuo's "Reading with Patrick", our group zoomed and parsed the tragic, complicated education shared by both Michelle and Patrick. Michelle's journey, began predictably and as the side track, not unbelievable yet absolutely heartbreaking, traveled through an impressive literary path chosen by Michelle and grasped by Patrick, the end result heightens the need to illuminate out country's deeply rooted inequities in both education and justice.
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| Patrick reading his poem, "I taught myself to feel free" |
Hear Patrick read his poem:
https://www.teachforamerica.org/stories/an-urgent-call-from-the-delta-years-later
Patrick's poetic talent, that fell away so quickly when not tapped, coupled with his sensitivity towards his daughter, family and even Marcus' mother broke our hearts. Michelle's desire to make a difference seemed dwarfed by the reality, yet her continued sacrifice was head-scratching. Wanda made the observation that perhaps, the sacrifices Kuo's Taiwanese immigrant parents had made for her set the stage, as Michelle ultimately emulated their actions with her dutiful battle for Patrick through much personal cost, especially as perceived by her parents.
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| We are not usually this serious... seriously! |
My suggestions for an upcoming read:
"Furious Hours" Casey Cep
"Mr. Emerson's Wife" Amy Belding Brown *chosen
"Washington Black" Esi Edugyan
Up next:
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| Check out Jeanine Cummins' pre-COVID-19 manicure from her Twitter feed. Remember these days?
Safe reading,
LK
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