I must admit that I was a little upset that we were expected to read this book when it is out of print. I was afraid I was not going to be able to find it. I was able to borrow a copy from a classmate so I got over it. After reading this book I completely understand why Dr. Johnson insisted we read it. I am glad she didn't take it off the list.
It is amazing to read about the life of this talented author and realize that she had a rough childhood. Or at least her life was hard compared to what I consider to be a "normal" upbringing. It also gave me much more insight into her writing. I was happy to find out that her book When I was Young in the Mountains was dedicated to her grandparents.
Her self awareness and understanding of the mechanisms by which children in difficult situations construct their own truth and reality is remarkable. I have an undergraduate degree in Psychology and have spent my career to this point working with children who have emotional disorders. I have worked with children in very sad and scary circumstances. I know from these experiences that children are survivors. They make due with what the world throws at them. Rylant's courage in sharing her inner most doubts and heart break is a testament to her own survival instinct.
I would like to thank her for sharing her story with us. I will enjoy her books on a whole new level because of it.
Saturday, April 7, 2007
But, I'll be back again By: Cynthia Rylant
I must admit that I was a little upset that we were expected to read this book when it is out of print. I was afraid I was not going to be able to find it. I was able to borrow a copy from a classmate so I got over it. After reading this book I completely understand why Dr. Johnson insisted we read it. I am glad she didn't take it off the list.
It is amazing to read about the life of this talented author and realize that she had a rough childhood. Or at least her life was hard compared to what I consider to be a "normal" upbringing. It also gave me much more insight into her writing. I was happy to find out that her book When I was Young in the Mountains was dedicated to her grandparents.
Her self awareness and understanding of the mechanisms by which children in difficult situations construct their own truth and reality is remarkable. I have an undergraduate degree in Psychology and have spent my career to this point working with children who have emotional disorders. I have worked with children in very sad and scary circumstances. I know from these experiences that children are survivors. They make due with what the world throws at them. Rylant's courage in sharing her inner most doubts and heart break is a testament to her own survival instinct.
I would like to thank her for sharing her story with us. I will enjoy her books on a whole new level because of it.
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4 comments:
If you haven't had a chance to check out my blog entries on finding this book, it was a sheer stroke of luck. A book sale for ten cents! All I could think was, "Who is foolish enough to discard THIS from the public library!" I still think it's their loss!
I found reading this memoir insightful in giving me additional background knowledge on Rylant and her childhoood. Everyone is shaped in countless ways by events and experiences as a child, and Rylant certainly is no different. You can further her struggles with understanding religion in the Bible Belt, to the rural lifestyle in the West Virginia geography, to her parents not being in her life to give her that security all humans need from adults in their lives during their development. Her inspirations and memories are certainly clear in many of her written works, from Waiting to Waltz to When I Was Young in the Mountains, and this memoir furthers my understanding of that type of life. (I also recently traveled through Beaver, WV; check out the photos on my blog.)
Excellent read, I agree wholeheartedly!!! My first time here, I'll be back...
I also have worked with young children with emotional and behavioral disorders, so often the result of trauma that I can't even imagine. I am awed by the ability of children to survive. Rylant's willingness to share a glimse of her childhood of loss and heartache and the insight she's found in her reflections on her life are such a treasure for those of us working with children who are suffering. I hope to use her reflections and story to guide some of my own students. A challenging childhood doesn't mean you are unworthy of happiness. This is a message I want to instill in my students.
I also had a difficult time finding the book. My husband and I got lost in Newport News for hours trying to track down the library that actually had it. However, I am glad that we did spend our Saturday afternoon looking for "I'll Be Back Again." The book was a wonderful read, and we had fun getting lost together.
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