"The brave writers whose work is represented in this volume have acted in good faith, faced their demons, stayed the course, and revised relentlessly. And in taking on the subject of themselves-making themselves vulnerable to the unseen reader-they have exchanged powerlessness for the power that comes with self-awareness."--Wally Lamb

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These powerful stories, testaments, hit us on all levels: we can't escape the power of their story, Let's reflect on anything and everything that comes to us as a result of reading them, INCLUDING the art of writing them.

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1. Wally Lamb begins his introduction explaining what goes on in editing, quoting different authors on the art of writing, and lists several techniques the authors in this book may have used. Are you familiar with any of these Writing Techniques? Let's keep an eye out for particularly good examples of the writer's craft.

2. "That woman wouldn't recognize what love looked like if it hit her in the face," (page 256).

On two occasions Mo'Shay says her mother does not know what love really is.

How do these statements contrast with the title "Motherlove," and the events at the end of the story?

Who do you thik shows the most real love in this essay?

3. The story is told in the third person, Mo'Shay is referred to as "she." Wally Lamb explains why in his introduction. Does the presentation of this material in the third person make it seem more or less like fiction? Do you notice any difference in the style of the essay?

4. What was your reaction to this story of young love? Did anything or anybody surprise you?


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