THE LIVES OF OTHERS: INVESTIGATING THE GRAPHIC NOVEL
Dr. Estes
Good Talk, by Mira Jacob
ISBN-10: 0399589066
ISBN-13: 978-0399589065
Mira Jacob is an Indian American author from Albuquerque, New Mexico who currently lives in Brooklyn, New York. Her memoir, Good Talk, spans decades of her life. From childhood to teenage years to adulthood, she reflects on her position as a woman of color in a United States that has changed substantially since her birth in 1973. As an adult she moved to New York City, experienced the devastation of 9/11 and the tragedy of its aftermath. Although on one hand she faced tragedy in New York City, good fortune arose as she reconnected with a former high school classmate, Jed Rothstein. They later married and had a son together, born in 2008 just before Barack Obama was elected president. In a nutshell, Good Talk is a unique American memoir ripe for discussion of its multifaceted themes.
As you read the text I would like you to ponder the following topics:
What is the author’s artistic style?
How did colorism affect Jacob as she was growing up?
What does it mean to be an American?
What does the author learn about racism she experienced and her own biases?
How has becoming a mother changed her outlook on life?
We will discuss the above questions at the beginning of the fall semester when we review the text. Have a great summer!