Good Talk: A Memoir in Conversations

Mira Jacob chose to tell her story as a graphic memoir featuring difficult conversations between herself and people in her life. Why do you think she chose to use this format, and what does her artistic style add to the execution of motifs such as New York City and family? The honest conversations Mira has with others shed light on various issues facing people of color in America today. What are these issues and what steps should both citizens and the government take to begin addressing them?

Teaching Suggestion: Mira ends her memoir on a positive note with a message of hope and reconciliation for families and for America as a whole. Students can consider the way Mira uses her artistic style, including the photographs, collages, and illustrations, to communicate hard truths. Looking forward, students can look to Good Talk as an example of why Americans need to start broaching topics that are difficult, awkward, or painful to discuss. This prompt is connected to the theme Hope for the Future of America.