Don't miss this

It took two tries to really get going on Party Crashing, simply because I read novels much more than nonfiction books (like most English teachers I know.) Then Keli Goff's voice started speaking right to me and I starting marking text and making personal connections.

I was so taken with her that I read all of her acknowledgments. That paid off on page 257 in the paragraph before the end. She gives a lovely tribute to her high school English teacher. It's great encouragement to all teachers who care enough to push students to do their best.

I predict this will be one of our most energetic meetings, right up there with The Thirteenth Tale.

Amy

Party Crashers

We made a good decision to time our meeting so that we could discuss this book before the election. I found it fascinating, as I am finding daily events in this current election fascinating. One problem I'm having is the lack of diversity within our group. That certainly limits our ability to discuss PARTY CRASHERS in a meaningful way.

Ellen, I do hope that Geniese will read at least some of the book and that you will share her observations with us. I'm dying to hear her reactions.

Beverly

Party Crashing so far

Having read the first 100 pages, I judge this book to be a worthy read. As a 57-year-old Caucasian Southern female Democrat, I am enjoying the inside look at situations I just hadn't known about or considered before. The business of so many young black males now ineligible to vote because of their prison records: that's tragic. That bit about being called "articulate": that's a hoot.

Having just gotten Ellen's e-mail about having to cancel such splendid efforts as the Fall Writing Conference, this book's title is ironic. The budget crisis is crashing our party in a whole 'nother way. I'm sad but hopeful that things will get better for WIN and others. The need for improved literacy instruction certainly won't go away, but we'll have to conjure up other ways to assist schools.

Heads up and chins high,
Amy