Vance’s upbringing was tumultuous, to say the least. His Mother had a prescription drug addiction, was always moving, and gave J.D. a “revolving door of father figures” (page 88).
However, Vance credits his grandmother, Mamaw, for providing stability throughout his childhood. She definitely doesn’t fit the “sweet old granny” stereotype. Mamaw is quite the character in this book – she can be rough around the edges but is fiercely loyal to her family.
There are a few stories about Mamaw that stand out: setting her husband on fire after warning him that she would if he came home drunk again (page 44), or when she and Papaw started destroying items in a toy store after the clerk asked Mamaw’s son Jimmy not to touch the toys (page 34), or delighting in hearing her grandchildren mimic her swearing (p. 135).
In high school, J.D. moves in with Mamaw for 3 years. He says that his grades improved, he had stability, and he had hope for a better life. Above all, J.D. was happy! Mamaw is the Matriarch who holds the family together. How important do you think Mamaw was in shaping who J.D. became as an adult?
Do you have a “Mamaw” in your own family? The person who everyone turns to for help/guidance, the keeper of family lore/history, the authoritarian with a commanding presence?
In reading this book, how has it made you think about your own family dynamics and how they have shaped you into the person you are today?
However, Vance credits his grandmother, Mamaw, for providing stability throughout his childhood. She definitely doesn’t fit the “sweet old granny” stereotype. Mamaw is quite the character in this book – she can be rough around the edges but is fiercely loyal to her family.
There are a few stories about Mamaw that stand out: setting her husband on fire after warning him that she would if he came home drunk again (page 44), or when she and Papaw started destroying items in a toy store after the clerk asked Mamaw’s son Jimmy not to touch the toys (page 34), or delighting in hearing her grandchildren mimic her swearing (p. 135).
In high school, J.D. moves in with Mamaw for 3 years. He says that his grades improved, he had stability, and he had hope for a better life. Above all, J.D. was happy!
Mamaw is the Matriarch who holds the family together. How important do you think Mamaw was in shaping who J.D. became as an adult?
Do you have a “Mamaw” in your own family? The person who everyone turns to for help/guidance, the keeper of family lore/history, the authoritarian with a commanding presence?
In reading this book, how has it made you think about your own family dynamics and how they have shaped you into the person you are today?
Thanks!
~Nicole~