Other People's Words: The Cycle of Low Literacy

This book gives insight into how individuals in our society today can go without learning how to read or communicate with the English language in regards to writing. It also shows how differences in dialect and regions in the country can create such a phenomenon. It also shows how to combat and overcome these trials and tribulations despite the setbacks one has experienced.

Having just finished the book for my Foundations of Literacy class in college I must say it gives a very good view of the life and struggles a family goes thorugh when in their world print does not exist. Jenny and Donny, a mother and son have struggle for a few years on gaining literacy. Jenny, an urban Applalacian wants to learn to read so she can help her son with his schoolwork. She wants Donny to be retained a year so he can "catch up" on what he is missing. Together they embark on a quest towards literacy with the help of the author of this book. When a book is required for school most of us will probably groan but I must say this was one of the most interesting books I have read. Considering my major is early childhood education and I am interested in topics about emergent literacy. Anyways the book really explores the life of those who live in non-print homes and must rely on others when it comes to reading/writing. I also liked how it introduced us to the urban Applalacian minority and how they are a "invisible minority." We learn about the stereotypes they are given, the values they hold, etc. All in all the book was particulary interesting. I wouldn't reccommend it for pleasure reading unless of course you are VERY interested in topics about literacy but for those of you who need to read it for school do not fret! It is an easy and very interesting read.

Purcell-Gates opens up the important issue of literacy in America through the lens of an Appalachian mother and son, who have a non-literary background. Through the son and mother's attempts to learn how to read and write, we get a glimpse into the cultural background of the Appalachian people. Perhaps the book's most compelling findings are the stereotypical attitudes people have towards this white minority people. It is clear that many people need to spend time and understand the cultural background of people, and not just pass uninformed judgments upon them. This book is an important voice in the educational debates about how to approach learning in our public schools.

Purcell-Gates avoids the weighty conventions of academic writing and thus opens her studies and insights to the larger world. The book recounts her experiences over two years tutoring a completely illiterate mother and her nearly equally illiterate son. Purcell-Gates, who at the time worked at the local university and literacy center, tells their story with compassion and a strong effort to get at the causes and perpetuation of illiteracy in 20th century American cities, schools, and families. Hers is a noble cause and this is a superb and educational book. She serves her subjects well.