Podcast Episode 4

Heroes and Hometowns: Author Jesmyn Ward

Author and National Book Award Winner Jesmyn Ward visited The Project Room for a conversation about our current theme, “How Are We Remembered?” Ward’s memoir, MEN WE REAPED (2013), is a heartbreaking story that pays tribute to four young men in her life who died too young. More than that, however, the book shines a light on current problems we still face regarding race, class, wealth, and geography. Because the book is goes far and deep into a lot of territory, I chose to focus our conversation on the idea of legacy and heroes, two things we are talking and writing about these days at TPR. Ward’s responses were smart, funny and wonderfully genuine (Mary Lou Retton gets a mention!)

Many thanks to Ms. Ward for the memorable visit!