Remember that we are reading to the chapter, "Longleaf Clan" in Ecology of a Cracker Childhood this week.
As you read, you might think about certain things:
Certainly, few of us grow up in junk yards, but at its most elemental this is a memoir of childhood. In what ways does it remind you of your own childhood? Does it make you think of stories from your own life? What are some of those stories?
How does Ray feel (as a child) about growing up in a junkyard and being a Southerner? Does this follow her into adulthood? How does she feel about it now? How is it similar/different from your experience?
What elements of the book ground the memoir in place? That is, how does Ray create a sense of place in the telling of her story?
Why does Ray talk about the long leaf pines? What role do they play in the story?
Finally, Janisse Ray writes in the vernacular, or local language. Doing this is very difficult without becoming distracting or sounding unschooled and awkward. Is she successful at writing like this? Why or why not? Mark some examples in your book to support your opinion.
How would you write in your own vernacular?
See you Thursday!
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