How Do You Read Contemporary Fiction?

2min Snip

00:00

Play full episode

Summary

Transcript

Episode notes

Do you consciously think about like, varying the books that you're reading. And how do you do that? Do you have like a test for yourself? Ore you go, ok, what were the last three books? The next one has to be different? Or how do you actually physically do it? That's interesting. I i know that i try not to read too much contemporary fiction. I find that when i do that, i lose, i lose a sense of possibility sometimes. Ther jus, i mean, there's some great contemporary fiction,. Just like you said, lake, i loved, i love chinko, and i just finished the sugaro book, arin

When was the last time you got lost in a book? If it’s been a minute, today’s guest might recommend you visit a local library or bookstore ASAP. Michelle Kuo is a teacher, lawyer, writer who is passionate about reading in communities with other people, whether that's through book clubs or in prisons. In this episode, we talk about how reading skills reveal the bridging power of the written word -- as well as the limitations of its power. In 2017, she released “Reading with Patrick”, a memoir of teaching reading in a rural county jail in Arkansas. The book explores Michelle’s relationship with a former student, Patrick, whom she wrote and read with, prompting questions about what we owe each other in a world where economic and racial inequality determine life outcomes. You can follow Michelle through her newsletter at ampleroad.substack.com To learn more about "How to Be a Better Human," host Chris Duffy, or find footnotes and additional resources, please visit: go.ted.com/betterhuman