Introduction to Memoir What is a memoir?

Memoir is… A type of autobiographical nonfiction where a writer takes a reflective stance in looking back on a particular time in his or her life. A short text focused on a single incident that is meaningful to the author. OR

What is the purpose of memoir? To reveal something important about yourself or your life. To leave something of you behind for others To bear witness (to say, “I was there when…”) To learn something about yourself To celebrate an important person or event in your life

Event vs. Experience A memoir is not just a retelling of an event; it’s an exploration through the thoughts, emotions, and importance tied to that event, by the author. Memoir isn’t the summary of a life; it’s a window into a slice of life. Different people may experience the same event in different ways.

“Everything Will Be Okay” Recognizing the author’s experience What are the events described? What is the author’s experience? What is the text evidence that supports the understanding of the experience?

Key Questions Where is the Dominican Republic? How do the fathers words and actions fail to match when choosing his favorite contestants in the pageants? What is it that gratifies the author years later, ,but comes too late? Is this common?