Speaking Volumes

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SEPTEMBER 11, 2009

Six words...hmmm

A while back I read The Best American Nonrequired Reading 2007, which boasts the “best in fiction, nonfiction, alternative comics, screenplays, blogs, and anything else,” compiled by Dave Eggers and students from his San Francisco writing center. One section of the book highlights ‘six word memoirs,’ taken from SMITH Magazine. The short memoirs range from funny, to sad, to very depressing – but I found ALL fascinating. For example:

"I was a Michael Jackson impersonator."

"I still make coffee for two."

And the inspiration for the project, Hemmingway’s six word story, “For sale: baby shoes, never worn.”

Anyways, since then a number of compilations of these ‘six word memoirs’ from SMITH Magazine have popped up:

Yesterday the latest was delivered to the library, I Can’t Keep my Own Secrets; Six Word Memoirs by Teens Famous and Obscure:

I’ve only scanned through it but my first reaction is… wow. Addicting to read, and like the others sometimes funny, sometimes hopeful, but often dark:

“I fulfilled my awkwardness quota today.” -Maggie A.

“Use makeup; it covers bruises.” - Kate G.

“Hair’s pink to piss you off.” - Stephanie M.

“I never got my Hogwarts letter.” – Deanna H.

Every year the eighth graders in town do a project on memoirs. I can imagine this new book and the six word memoir project becoming a great extension for our eighth graders, or any other teacher working on memiors.

http://www.smithmag.net/sixwords/

Maybe you’ll be in the next book! BUT – If you’re going to post it there, why not share it here too? What’s your story?

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Comments

bas bleu said, on Sep. 12 at 7:49AM
It's going on my reserve list right now! Thank you for keeping us supplied with such interesting reading material!

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CarolK said, on Sep. 13 at 6:17PM
This could be fun...try this one: Did life begin after 50? Yes!

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anonymous said, on Sep. 13 at 7:07PM
my father's daughter my husband's wife

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anon. said, on Sep. 13 at 10:14PM
Married a lifetime but still alone.

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NickG said, on Sep. 14 at 4:48AM
Going, going, GONE! Then I'm back.

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Mercedes said, on Sep. 24 at 4:46PM
I'm happiest when I'm with you.

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bas bleu said, on Sep. 28 at 7:01AM
I asked my students and my fellow department members to come up with their own six-word memoirs, and they were just amazing! Some were funny, some were heart-wrenching, all were great conversation starters. I passed around the book you highlighted above (the teenage memoirs), and it was a big hit with both students and faculty! Thank you so much for sharing this.

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CarolK said, on Sep. 28 at 4:07PM
bas bleu and all, Agreed...it's amazing how much can be said in just 6 words.

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Barb H. said, on Sep. 30 at 8:49PM
My eyes mirror, an others soul

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JoanieW said, on Oct. 4 at 6:33AM
On the road again, oh dear. (Love this site, just found it at Jan's house).

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CarolK said, on Oct. 4 at 10:36AM
Well, JoanieW & LW, Hope you stop by again. Love your 6 words which fits you to a tee. Be certain to post your 6 words on Why you like to read?