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At A Crossroads: Between A Rock And My Parents' Place (2008)

by Kate T. Williamson(Favorite Author)

3.32 of 5 Votes: 2

ISBN

1568987145 (ISBN13: 9781568987149)

languge

English

genre

Memoir & Autobiography

publisher

Princeton Architectural Press

review 1: At a Crossroads Between a Rock and My Parent’s Place is the story of a college graduate’s experience moving home after a year in Japan to look for a job, a boyfriend, to write, something, ANYTHING. It’s also the story of her experience in doing so being slightly different than expected, different than what she believed to be “correct.” In Fletcher’s What a Writer Needs we find the concept of using words creatively. Williamson uses this idea of creating visualization through word choice in many ways; you learn that she uses the vanity plate on her mother’s bicycle to travel incognito. On a bus trip home from New York, another rider references her love for Chicago because of it’s razzle dazzle. Once after having squirrels removed from the wall of her parent�... more�s home. Williamson becomes convinced that one of the squirrels gave her a “reproachful stare.” Towards the end of her time at her parent’s house, the questions of friends and family members about her work, her love life, her plans become too much. Williamson learns that a blanket “I’m at a crossroads” ends any further questioning, and allows the reader a visualization of her life at the point. As a teacher of writing I can ask my students to re-read this text and look for specific language that is meaningful or memorable for them and to explain their choice. This will allow my students to understand the role played by words used creatively.
review 2: I love the illustrations in this book! This book demonstrates a lot of complex issues from a graphic novel point of view. Where do you fit in when you are trying to find a job? How to explain that to others? The awkwardness of living with your parents as an adult. What is it like to go back home? How to report squirrels and make non-traditional Thanksgiving decorations? I enjoyed the author's creative take on the situations and could definitely relate to some of the frustrations. And maybe a little part of me wished she lived next door. I think she would make a great neighbor! All in all, a smart, creative, funny look at life as one job seeking, college-educated, just back from Japan person sees it. less

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