CHCH 294
06-03-2024
Great read. Thought provoking. Michelle Kuo a very forward thinking young woman.
CHCH 532
13-09-2023
Well worth reading. Lively discussion.
TAUP 007
24-07-2023
Some of the group liked this book, others found it repetitive and a bit tedious.
HUNTLY 001
19-12-2022
Most enjoyed the book. The teachers in our group could really relate to the author. An interesting insight into the problems caused by poverty in the southern parts of the U.S.
TAUR 014
08-11-2022
Interesting reading for a group of mainly ex-English teachers!
WANG 001
29-08-2022
What a 'read'. The deprivation he experienced in his life was something else! Made us all grateful for our education here in N.Z.
WHANG 003
30-11-2021
We all got something out of it. What an amazing determined young woman. But, was it about Patrick or about the author The history of the Mississippi was unknown to us.
TIMAR 011
24-09-2021
There were mixed responses to this book. Some members didn't read much of it at all. others found it an engaging read. There was a good discussion of family culture - one of the issues where the author draws parallels with her own Taiwanese immigrant family culture, and Patrick's family culture. Similar themes to 'Just Mercy'. Thought provoking and disturbing. 3.5 average, some were up to 4.5.
TAUR 049
09-08-2021
Unusual that the author paralleled analysis of her own life with that of her main character, Patrick. Some of the group saw benefits of that in terms of expanding our own thinking, and other members felt it detracted from Patrick's story. I thought it was a clever tool. Once again great discussion generated by the book.
ASHB 003
23-06-2021
Those of us who were able to attend the meeting despite the flooding found this book inspiring. Michelle's empathy for the students, ability and imagination to test what engaged them was remarkable. The pull of trying to please her parents while still dedicating time to support and rekindle Patrick's love of reading led to much discussion. We found gaps in our history knowledge, and were appalled that some southern states were still so neglected.
WELL 001
09-06-2021
This book provoked the longest and most wide-ranging discussion we have had for a long time - not because of disagreement, but because it gave a lot to discuss. While everyone agreed the book was well-written and easy to read, most people had reservations of one kind or another.Everyone finished the book and nobody regretted reading it, but most said they would hesitate to recommend it to a friend...
WARK 005
19-11-2020
Everyone enjoyed this book, although the author's writing not as good as expected. Very thought provoking. Expectations of Asian and Black cultures discussed. Despair felt especially for Southern black communities. Also felt that other cultures from this area were disadvantaged eg" white trailer trash".
LEVIN 001
19-11-2020
So much discussion that we didn't get the questions started. Several teachers in the group - many found it depressing but agreed a very important book.
AUCK 122
04-09-2020
Enjoyed by all - very moving.
