“I hope that when people read the book, they think of the idea that anybody is capable of committing an act of violence if they are put in a different situation.” “Figuring out what stories you want to tell is also a significant part of your writing journey,” she said. Through her excitement, Kuo expressed the importance of writing a meaningful story with which both she and her readers can connect. “We are very excited to have her here, and we’re looking forward to having her on Thacker Mountain Radio,” Lyn Roberts, manager of Square Books, said. The staff of Square Books is also delighted to have her coming to discuss “Reading with Patrick.”

Kuo is not the only one excited for her arrival. I longed for a bookstore in Helena, so I’m really excited.” “It was like a haven for me because it was so beautiful and quiet, and there was no bookstore in Helena. When I was teaching in Helena, every once in a while, I would make it a special treat to go to Oxford to go to Square Books,” Kuo said. “I’m really excited about coming to Oxford. She has found herself on the shelves of Square Books many times and is excited to be returning for today’s event.

Kuo’s love for books goes beyond the town of Helena. “If I could capture the history and give people a sense of humanity and dignity, then maybe it’s not bad that I’m not from there,” she said. She recalled the story being very emotional for her to write, and she stressed the importance of “putting Helena on the map.” You don’t want to portray the community wrongly or tell other people’s stories.”ĭespite these reservations, Kuo said she found it within herself to tell a story she felt was worthy of sharing. In regards to writing the novel, Kuo said, “I think I felt really scared about writing about a community that I’m not from. “The heart of the book is really about coming back to the Delta,” she said. Kuo said the book is “about a lot of issues that are really timely today, race and literacy.” The Arkansas Delta is a focal point in the novel not only for its role as the setting but also because of its rich history surrounding race and literacy and what that means in America today.

Ultimately, she left, only to later return to Arkansas after hearing the news that her beloved student Patrick had been arrested and imprisoned for murder. When making this decision, Kuo found herself wondering what would happen to kids like Patrick, who had limited opportunities and were desperately “craving knowledge.” Not soon after bonding with Patrick, outside pressures and expectations emerged. Kuo found herself faced with the decision of whether to leave the Arkansas Delta for the life of structure and financial security that was expected of her.

Reading with patrick by michelle kuo