Book Study, Pages 142-155

We had a great discussion about Rick Bragg’s essays as we shared thoughts on:

In this week’s reading assignment, we find several letters Bragg wrote to Santa Claus and the President and one he drafted to himself from Santa Claus. What do you think of this form of essay writing? Do you think it’s effective?

The verdict: Yes, it’s effective but in small doses.

In this video:

00:00:53 - Bragg's use of narrative letters

00:01:33 - Conversational nature of narrative letters

00:02:32 - Is there really no Santa Claus?

00:03:39 - Narrative letters in small doses with multiple recipients

00:04:55 - Meaning of "I Beg Your Pardon" title

00:06:03 - Lucille's take on letter writing, driving in Atlanta, Christmas letters, and more

00:08:01 - Does Bragg edit his essays?

00:08:28 - Bragg's use of repetition and "But I digress"

00:09:26 - Is Bragg making a political statement in "I Beg Your Pardon"?

00:10:22 - Entertainment with a point, another book's use of letters

00:12:02 - Christmas wasted on kids, Bragg's Christmas references

00:13:28 - Who received Bragg's Camaro?

00:14:01 - Reading ahead and a magical line on page 213

00:15:10 - Lucille and Bragg's take on the digital/electronic age

00:16:17 - Bragg's use of negatives, backward approaches

00:17:40 - Bragg's use of an ellipsis

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PDF Reading Schedule - "Where I Come From"

Life Writers

Book Study, Pages 142-155

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