1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Brock, Rose. (Ed.) 2018. HOPE NATION. New York: Philomel Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC. ISBN 9781524741679.
2. PLOT SUMMARY
“Hope. It is the only thing stronger than fear.” A fictional president says this in Hunger Games. These short, autobiographical essays are testimonies to the strength of Hope. From a myriad of perspectives and life experiences, each narrative gives a testament to the hope that the author found in his/her life.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
It is intimidating to write a review of a book that is the curated creation of your professor! However, I am truly glad I chose to read this particular book. As you would expect of a book titled, Hope Nation, it is inspiring!
These are not stories of the mainstream, middle class majority. Every author seems to identify with a marginalized or minority population- whether it is by race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, weight/body type, ability, poverty or politics. Throughout the different essays, there is a theme of the underdog, the underestimated.
Nevertheless, any individual can relate to these anecdotes. Some are a discovery of self or purpose; some speak to the hardships of struggle. Just by being human, one can relate to the authors’ tales. Whether it was immigrating to the United States or surviving a tragic car accident, each author focuses on a time when he/she needed hope, and then shares how he/she identified it for themselves. Each story has a slightly different voice, a slightly different style.
Some of my favorites were Libba Bray’s “Before and After” and Atia Abawi’s “Don’t Listen to the A**holes.” Bray’s essay centers on her tragic car accident and her recovery afterward. Her writing is so vivid. Her description and personification of her pain was agonizing. What incredible strength she had, as she chose writing as an alternative to self demise. As an Afghan American, Abawi experienced discrimination, even from her high school teacher, but she went on to be an accomplished journalist. I also loved Alex London’s “Different Dances” as he described his fragile high school ego, before coming out, but spotlighted the strength friendship can give us in our most vulnerable moments.
Although hope is the obvious theme, many essays seem to be in particular response to the political climate and Presidential election of 2016. It is grievous how many people, especially those of minority populations, felt hopeless during that season of time. This project was a timely work of encouragement then, but hope is timeless. No matter the season or leader, we will always need hope.
4. AWARDS & REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Booklist starred, April 2018, “This amazing outpouring of strength and honesty offers inspirational personal accounts for every reader who wonders what to do when everything seems impossible.”
Horn Book Guide, November 2018
Kirkus Reviews, March 2018, “This work comes at a crucial time, as many people struggle to find hope in a confusing and disappointing world. A salve when days are bleak.”
School Library Journal Xpress, April 2018
Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA) starred, June 2018
5. CONNECTIONS
*In a classroom or group study, these essays could be used separately or together, for many different lessons or units of study. Social awareness, prejudice, or personal growth are just some of the themes that could be explored, as well as literary contexts such as voice or style for personal narratives. Hope Nation is an excellent resource, along with other essay collections like Our Stories, Our Voices, edited by Amy Reed, or Wild Tongues Can’t be Tamed, edited by Saraciea J. Fennell, or Nevertheless, we persisted: 48 voices of defiance, strength, and courage, edited by In This Together Media, which can be previewed at Random House: Teachers & Librarians.
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