Journal entry by Al Negstad — 47 minutes ago
Sarah Smarsh' book Heartland: A Memoir of Working Hard and Being Broke in the Richest Country on Earth, might be though of as a corrective to Hillbilly Elegy, written from a progressive point of view. Barbara Ehrenreich said about it "It is poetry--of wind and snow the two-lane roads running through the wheat, the summer nights when work-drained families drink and dance under the prairie sky."
Smarsh uses an interesting literary technique of addressing the book to her unborn (imaginary) child. However, it seems that her imagining this child was a strategy that helped her avoid the pitfalls that could easily have sabotaged her striving for "success", i.e., her escape from the cycle of poverty into which she was born. She places the narrative of her growing up in the larger context of the forces that were shaping American life that have special impact on the poor.
Dale Maharidge, co-author of the Pulitzer Prize winning And Their Children After Them, said this " "Heartland is about an impossible dream for anyone born into poverty--a leap up in class, doubly hard for a woman." This book can well be read along with White Trash, and Educated, to enrich and enhance one's understanding of the pervasive influence of class in America.
Two more "Lamps On The Path" from Jensen
"5. Eat Well. Grief stresses the body. You need good nourishment now more than ever, so get back to a good diet soon. Vitamin and mineral supplements may help.
"6. Exercise Regularly. Exercise lightens the load through biochemical changes. It also helps you sleep better. Return to an old program or start a new one. An hour-long walk every day is ideal for many people. (Al's note: One of my friends uses her walking time for prayer.)
So this is my story from the land of grief and I'm sticking with it.
Blessings,
Al
Picture: Joanne with her favorite son 2004.
Smarsh uses an interesting literary technique of addressing the book to her unborn (imaginary) child. However, it seems that her imagining this child was a strategy that helped her avoid the pitfalls that could easily have sabotaged her striving for "success", i.e., her escape from the cycle of poverty into which she was born. She places the narrative of her growing up in the larger context of the forces that were shaping American life that have special impact on the poor.
Dale Maharidge, co-author of the Pulitzer Prize winning And Their Children After Them, said this " "Heartland is about an impossible dream for anyone born into poverty--a leap up in class, doubly hard for a woman." This book can well be read along with White Trash, and Educated, to enrich and enhance one's understanding of the pervasive influence of class in America.
Two more "Lamps On The Path" from Jensen
"5. Eat Well. Grief stresses the body. You need good nourishment now more than ever, so get back to a good diet soon. Vitamin and mineral supplements may help.
"6. Exercise Regularly. Exercise lightens the load through biochemical changes. It also helps you sleep better. Return to an old program or start a new one. An hour-long walk every day is ideal for many people. (Al's note: One of my friends uses her walking time for prayer.)
So this is my story from the land of grief and I'm sticking with it.
Blessings,
Al
Picture: Joanne with her favorite son 2004.
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