Molly Clark > Recent Status Updates

A perfect summer read -- engrossing story and extremely fine writing!

Adore the protagonist; ache for her situation.

Amazing :) Read this one to your children or grandchildren. You will be glad you did!

So funny! I didn't realize this when I first read this book about 45 years ago! Also now appreciate the embedded social commentary. Bottom lines: precision in language matters, and there is an important distinction between knowledge and wisdom.

I'm reading this with an 8th grader who is the daughter of immigrants from Bangladesh. She provides such interesting elaboration, particularly around Muslim culture. We both appreciate the historical narrative that reviews what it was like to live under the Taliban and in post- 9/11 Afghanistan and Pakistan, especially in light of the on-going crisis of violence and instability.

I am reading this with a fifth grade student who is part of a bilingual family, which makes the word play and figurative language challenging for her but fun to teach. While she will comprehend this book mostly from a story level, I am finding so much depth in its message. The story is a testament to the power of a well-chosen word, and what happens to society when language becomes less specific.

I am so glad to have read this book in my current setting. Between the recent election and my move from the east coast to Ohio, this memoir is illuminating and fosters greater compassion. Chapter 9 offers an interesting, insider's analysis of the culture of this part of our nation. I know J.D. Vance is on a speaking tour; to hear him speak would bring this full circle.