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FF Post-Memoir and Conclusion

The TVClubHouse: Archives: Movies & Library 2003 -2004: Library: June 2003 - April 2004: TVCH Book Club (ARCHIVES): FF Post-Memoir and Conclusion users admin

Author Message
Seamonkey

Tuesday, February 18, 2003 - 9:57 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Setting up for those who prefer to discuss book as a whole :)

I loved the book.
I loved the author, as a child, as a young man and as an adult.
I loved the writing style, the vivid descriptions that draw the reader right into the action and emotions.

I both loved and hated "the system", which clearly put this child at risk, but fortunately which now and then reached out a hand or gave a glimmer of hope. The teacher who connected and nourished for three years, the people at the studio who listened and supported Antwone in the telling of his story, the Navy and various people there who saw something strong and wonderful in this man.

And of course, back to Antwone, who took so many lemons and made vast amounts of lemonade. What a reward to regain his real family and now to build his own family.

This tells me that even when you cannot scoop and run to rescue a child, you still must do what you can, even if it is just listening, encouraging, giving support and hope.. you never know what will stick and give that child the ability to take yet another step.

Ooh that sounds so gushy, but.. <shrug> so be it

And the non-gushy... beware of accepting what "looks good" in people.. while many who hold some power, or the respect of other adults.. beware of the thinking that if a man or woman is a doctor, minister, teacher, a "pillar of the community" it doesn't mean that there isn't a dark side to them. Listen to children. Listen to your gut instincts if something seems off..

Kaili

Tuesday, February 18, 2003 - 10:12 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
What kind of bothered me the most about the system was not taht they didn't figure out Mizz Pickett sooner (I'm sure people get away with taht more often that we would like to think)- but that they knew his fathers name and didn't attempt to contact family. I know the mother was unable to care for him, but wouldn't grandparents or the next closest relative be worth looking into for the child's benefit? Even if they didn't think he should be moved from a home he was used to- you would think one of the case workers out of all of them that he had would have at least tried to make contact. Especially the one that even told him his dad's name.

His mom was a sad case huh? I felt bad for her. She was just screwed up and I think her life ended up being a downward spiral, ya know?

Seamonkey

Tuesday, February 18, 2003 - 1:10 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Well I think Miss Pickens lied and said he didn't want to see his mom and he mistakenly gave that impression or wasn't asked.

VERY frustrating that there was this wonderful family who would have happily taken him in and they lived so close, yet so far.. tragic.

Kaili

Tuesday, February 18, 2003 - 1:54 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
I guess I would just figure that the agency would have made contact with them regardless of what they were told- at least to make the family aware that he existed. they all seemed pretty surprised by him. Who knows though. I have no idea how the system worked (or works now if it's different) and maybe it's against their policy to do that?

Azriel

Sunday, February 23, 2003 - 6:19 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
I finished reading the book a few days ago. It's one of those books that just stays in your thoughts. I started out reading this story of a poor little foster boy and I ended up reading a story about my life.

All through the book, I couldn't help paralleling my life with Antwone's and I kept thinking of times in my life when I had to fall back on my parents and how lucky I was that they caught me with loving arms.

I also was compelled to compare my parenting skills with those of Miz Pickett's. In comparison to her, I would certainly win 'mother of the year', but yet Antwone made me realize that there were so many times when I missed the chance with one word or gesture to build my children up and strengthen them.

I think that every parent and every adult who is connected with children in any way should be required to read this book.

Actually, I think every human being should read this book. We could all learn lessons from it. It's a testament to the power of even the smallest act of human kindness.

Mak1

Sunday, February 23, 2003 - 7:09 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
I finished this a few hours ago. I love the book, the author, the writing, the story. I agree with everything said so eloquently above.

I read the last chapter with teary eyes and a lump in my throat. How wonderful that both sides of his birth family were so open to him. I think it was ultimately healing for him to meet his mother and to be able to feel compassion for her. His questions were answered and he could move forward, knowing where he came from.

It is tragic that his father's family, who would have raised him, never had that opportunity. How ironic that they lived so nearby for a while, too. I have to wonder if they had raised him, and he hadn't had the struggles that he had, what he would be doing in his adult life. Everything happens for a reason and leads us to the path that we eventually follow.

When I finished reading the book, I sat here and thought "Wow, I've just read something really important." Like Azriel said, everyone can learn life lessons from it.

Egbok

Saturday, March 08, 2003 - 10:11 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
I finished this amazing book last night. I plan on reading it again someday because it touched my heart in a personal way.

The premise of this story is forgiveness so that you can go forward with your life. I can relate and I applaude Antwone for his sensitivity and open mind so that he could forgive all those who kept him from developing as a whole person.

Bravo Antwone!!

Knightpatti

Friday, March 14, 2003 - 9:22 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
I finished the book today and went to see the movie tonight. THe movie is very good! He is a miracle! When people say you are a product of your environment, he did prove that statement wrong! Great story!!!

Schoolmarm

Wednesday, April 09, 2003 - 6:04 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Just finished the book...an excellent read!

There is so much to say on so many levels, but I want to say thanks to those of you who voted for this book, because I probably wouldn't have read it otherwise.

To anyone out there who hasn't read this book...go get it now, and keep reading!

Mak1

Wednesday, April 09, 2003 - 1:10 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
It is an excellent read and amazing story, and it stays with you long after you finish the book. I probably wouldn't have thought to read this if it hadn't been our club selection, either, so thanks to all of you.

Seamonkey

Wednesday, April 09, 2003 - 1:37 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
<snoopydance>

Heyltslori

Wednesday, April 09, 2003 - 1:48 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
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