Writing Like Poetry and Social Justice and Law

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You've had such a varied career, and these threads have been woven through it that i think often are not connected in other people's minds. Write like poetry and social justice and law. Can you just walk us through, like, how did you get where you are? And can you tell me how you got involved with this stuff in the first place?" Oh, gosh. I mean, i think we have a tendency to think that em artists and poetry are a political and in their own world and self absorbed," he says.

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